Driverless Semi Trucks Texas Poised for Global Commercialization

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Drone Shot of Trucks
Credit: pexels.com, Drone Shot of Trucks

Texas is on the cusp of a major breakthrough in transportation technology, with driverless semi-trucks set to revolutionize the logistics industry.

The state has already seen significant investment in autonomous trucking, with companies like Waymo and Daimler testing their vehicles on Texas roads.

These tests have been successful, with Waymo's self-driving trucks completing a 120-mile route without incident.

Driverless semi-trucks are poised to make a major impact on the global market, with Texas at the forefront of this innovation.

Regulations and Risks

Twenty-four states allow driverless vehicles to operate, giving companies a wide range of places to test and use self-driving trucks.

The regulations on self-driving trucks vary from state to state, with sixteen states not having specific laws governing their use. Ten states have regulations that limit the actions of self-driving trucks.

Several labor and safety advocates have tried to convince legislatures to ban self-driving trucks, but so far, they haven't been successful.

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Credit: youtube.com, Autonomous Trucks: Are Driverless Semis Safe for Our Roads?

Public opinion on autonomous vehicles has seen a downward trend, with 68% of Americans afraid of self-driving cars in 2023, according to a survey from Forbes.

The White House is currently reviewing a proposal for safety guardrails on autonomous trucks, a plan that's been in the works for over five years.

The proposal is a collaboration between the Transportation Department, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Testing Has Begun Between Dallas and San Antonio

Testing has begun between Dallas and San Antonio, with multiple companies like TRATON GROUP and Plus testing their autonomous trucks on public roads. This is a significant step towards making driverless semi-trucks a reality.

The testing is focused on the busy freight corridor between San Antonio and Dallas in Texas, a key route for the trucking industry. Companies are using this route to test their autonomous trucks with a safety driver on board.

Trailer Trucks on the Road
Credit: pexels.com, Trailer Trucks on the Road

TRATON GROUP and Plus are working together to deploy their autonomous trucks commercially, with plans to expand along strategic U.S. corridors. They're starting with the Texas triangle and I-10 corridor, where there's a high volume of freight traffic.

The goal is to make autonomous trucks a safe and efficient way to transport goods, reducing supply chain costs and making the trucking industry more competitive. Companies like Netradyne believe autonomous technology can benefit the industry in many ways.

Global Commercialization

Plus and the TRATON GROUP brands have been working together for years, with their joint development of Level 4 autonomous trucks accelerating over the last year.

The goal is to bring safer and more sustainable transportation solutions to the market.

Through partnerships with world-class fleets, Tier-1 automotive suppliers, vehicle manufacturers, and infrastructure providers, Plus is validating and refining its SuperDrive solution.

This validation and refinement process will enable the integration of SuperDrive into vehicles at the factory level and global commercial deployment.

The companies are working together to accelerate the global commercialization of Level 4 autonomous trucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are self-driving semi trucks legal?

Self-driving semi trucks are not uniformly regulated across the US, with some states allowing them and others imposing restrictions or bans. Check local laws for specific information on the legality of autonomous trucks in your area.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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