How Does Technology Affect The Trucking Industry?

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The trucking industry has been a competitive market since the first semi-truck was invented in 1898. This industry is dependent on the weather, economic status and advancements in technology. It is well known monopolizing companies are changing our daily lives and Tesla has already made their company noticed by developing electric vehicles such as the Model S and Model 3. It is no surprise Tesla is branching out to uncharted territory, trying to disrupt the trucking industry in the United States. This past November Tesla released a fully electric semi truck that can travel 500 miles between each 30 minute charge and haul 80,000 pounds of goods. This futuristic vehicle is equipped with automatic braking, lane keeping, and lane departure warnings. …show more content…

This advancement could potentially save thousands of lives in future generations. Unfortunately, on the other side of the spectrum there are “3.2 million people currently employed as delivery and heavy truck drivers.” In today’s world, automation is replacing blue collar occupations left and right leaving a detrimental financial predicament on those affected. Although, the trucking industry is a $700-billion industry, and a third of the cost goes to the drivers. These numbers are driving a burning sensation in people's wallets because if truck drivers are no longer required then the cost of transporting goods will decline significantly. Of course, this disruption will allot an immense amount of controversy, and depending on whom is asking if the benefits of automated semi-trucks will outweigh the disadvantages. As of right now semi-trucks are not going to be completely autonomous but it is predicted trucking will be the first type of driving to be completely automated and “This technology will be introduced sooner than people think, but will take a longer time to diffuse through the country,” states Jonny