The logistics chain is made up of different modes of transportation like rail, air, inland waterways, and road transport. In road transport, trucks play a central role in moving freight between depots, ports, rail terminals, and airfields and are mostly used since they are the most flexible, responsive, and economical form of transportation (Schulke and Mai Vi). The trucking industry, being the backbone of the global economy, has undergone great transformation, especially with the entry of self-driving technology (Neuweiler and Riedel). With the advancement of technology, the trucking industry has benefited a great deal as it boosts the operational efficiency of traditional drive-operated trucks. This essay will give a comparative analysis of driver-operated trucks and self-driving trucks by delving into the strengths and weaknesses as well as their contribution to the growth and development of the trucking industry. As the trucking industry contends with issues of cost efficiency, safety, adaptability, regulatory challenges, and technological advancements, having a multifaceted view of these two sides of the coin enhances the decision-making process.
For a long time, the trucking industry has benefitted from the expertise of professional human drivers who used their intuition and experience to navigate different unpredictable and complex situations. With the onset of self-driving trucks, the industry has taken another turn as it tries to adopt the new technologies. The self-driving trucks are installed with algorithms and sensors to help mitigate and avoid errors that can occur on the road. Undeniably, human drivers have the ability to make the right decisions while driving, but self-driving trucks have the ability to adhere to traffic regulations and rules consistently. Therefore, self-driving trucks have a higher chance of reducing accident rates. Recent research affirms that human error while driving causes approximately 90% of road accidents (Schulke and Mai Vi). The sensors in self-driving trucks boost their ability to detect and monitor what is happening around the truck with higher precision and better range. Therefore, self-driving cars are able to evade accidents with higher response rates to danger as the LIDAR, RADAR, cameras, and Ultrasound all work together (Covarrubias).
Secondly, the environmental impact of trucks is essential to consider. The transportation sector contributes 20.27% of the carbon emissions, and about 22% of it comes from trucks (Schulke and Mai Vi). Driver-operated trucks have environmental problems since they depend on fossil fuel to operate, thus increasing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. As the demand for driving is constantly growing, it means that if driver-operated trucks are used, there will be an increased carbon blueprint, thus jeopardizing the future state of our green environment. On the other hand, self-driving trucks have the opportunity to change the impact of the transportation industry on the environment. According to a test conducted, self-driving trucks are 10% more fuel-efficient compared to driver-operated trucks (Schulke and Mai Vi). Using electric power and other sophisticated energy management systems, these trucks can reduce carbon emissions by a more significant percentage. Therefore, the wider use of self-driving trucks ensures that the transportation sector will align with its goal to reduce the carbon blueprint.
One problem that has been persistent in the logistics and transportation sector is the high demand and frequent shortages of professional drivers. With the use of driver-operated trucks, there is a need for qualified drivers who can drive the trucks over long distances. Regarding utilization, driver-operated trucks need to be more utilized since the drivers have to take rests and restrict driving time. Human drivers are also likely to engage in strikes due to the demand for higher pay, safety concerns, and even better working conditions (Schulke and Mai Vi). Therefore, the operation efficiency of driver-operated trucks could be a lot higher.
On the other hand, self-driving trucks never get tired, do not become sick, and cannot engage in strikes. Since they are programmed, they operate predictably, punctually, and consistently, increasing the delivery rates of goods. Self-driving trucks are able to move longer distances and make more deliveries compared to driver-operated trucks.
Another contrasting factor between the two means of freight is their cost efficiency. With the rising inflation and cost of living, labor costs are also rising tremendously, pushing logistics companies to spend more on sustaining their drivers. Having drivers means that logistics companies must incur salary, sick leave, employee benefits, and loans (Schulke and Mai Vi). Also, human drivers operate under a particular working schedule, which implies that the transportation of goods is restricted. However, self-driving trucks have the ability to cut down all these costs that the company incurs. Once the initial capital has been invested, self-driving trucks can operate for extended hours, thus saving the cost of operation while increasing the logistics companies’ competitiveness.
While the two modes of shipping cargo differ in terms of operational mechanisms, they both serve the same purpose and greatly influence the logistics and transportation sector. Both have the primary goal of shipping cargo from one point to another. Also, they both use road infrastructure to navigate through different highways. More importantly, they contribute to economic development by ensuring that goods are delivered to different countries and regions at the right time. Therefore, the presence of driver-operated trucks and self-driving trucks underscores the changing nature of the trucking industry through the adoption of technological innovations.
Works Cited
Covarrubias, Daniel . “The future is autonomous: How self-driving trucks will revolutionize logistics, supply chain, and transportation sectors.” LAREDO MORNING TIMES, 2023. texascenter.tamiu.edu/PDF/OpEd/20230403-OpEd-DC-SelfDrivingTrucks.pdf
Neuweiler, Lukas, and Pia Vanessa Riedel. “Autonomous Driving in the Logistics Industry: A multi-perspective view on self-driving trucks, changes in competitive advantages and their implications.” (2017). diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1129922/FULLTEXT01.pdf
Schulke, Arne, and Mai Vi Nguyen. The introduction of self-driving/full-automation trucks: Will we live among these modern dinosaurs? No. 1 (January 2023). IU Discussion Papers-Transport & Logistik, 2023. econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/268391/1/1831592185.pdf
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