driverless trucks

A new report from the International Transport Forum (ITF) and three partner groups estimates that driverless trucks could reduce the demand for new drivers in the U.S. and Europe from 50-70% by 2030. Up to 4.4 million driving jobs could become redundant, as reported by Fleet Owner.

According to the report, an estimated 6.4 million U.S. and European truck driving jobs will be available in 2030 only if autonomous vehicles don’t become a reality. Also, it is estimated that only 5.6 million drivers will be available to fill those jobs. So, this trend could address looming hiring challenges for multiple truck-based industries by reducing the driver demand quickly.

These changes will not happen overnight. They are expected to happen sooner for long-distance routes or less challenging suburban areas. Because of it, job losses are expected, all as a result of driverless trucks. While any solution to the driver shortage may be welcome news to fleet managers, the rise of autonomous trucks can open new challenges from labor groups.