Transport: Autonomous Driving Will Send Truck Drivers Into Unemployment

California opens the door to autonomous semi-truck driving on highways, with the threat of layoffs for drivers.

Here is the much-dreaded paradigm shift: the takeover of machines over humans. Unfortunately, this is the direction of history: tedious and low-value jobs are doomed to disappear in developed societies. And even more quickly in countries where social rights are not emphasized, like the United States. With figures like Elon Musk and others rejoicing at the idea of replacing humans in businesses, through robots or artificial intelligence, the tipping point could occur very quickly.

California is thus the first American state to officially draft a framework for the regulation of autonomous vehicles on highways, allowing autonomous trucks to start long-distance deliveries. The project initially requires the presence of safety drivers for light and heavy operations, who will then quickly disappear. Reactions are mixed: unions are concerned about jobs and public safety, while the industry sees it as a step forward for road safety and the resilience of supply chains. Comments on the project are accepted until October 14 before a decision is made. But the momentum is set, and nothing will stop it. It is no longer a question of whether it will happen, but when…

The prospect of millions of unemployed!

The impact on employment will be enormous, starting in the United States, where there were 3.5 million truck drivers in 2023. This number is related to a population of 333.4 million residents and the size of the country. In France, this number stands at 300,000 drivers. An industry destined to slowly disappear to avoid provoking a revolution, but whose social fallout will nonetheless be immense.

Fewer truck drivers also means fewer restaurants on the side of the roads, less diverse services, etc., which will also be victims of this technological and societal shift.

For logistics companies, this may require a higher initial investment to equip themselves with autonomous trucks, but then substantial savings on salaries, benefits, food expenses, vacations, etc.

Even worse, productivity will skyrocket, as machines will not need to take regulatory breaks to rest. Aside from the times for electric recharging, trucks will be able to drive non-stop, thus reducing delivery times.

It is with a heavy heart that one can already affirm that the road transport sector will very quickly face an unprecedented crisis. It is even advisable for drivers to consider retraining while there is still time, as the niche will quickly turn against them.

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