Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/764541
tion instruments. Such investment is out of the hands of private sector companies like motor carriers and falls squarely on the shoulders of the public sector, ATRI notes. "The industry relies on an inter- state highway system that facilitates the free flow of goods between the states. As AT technology is com- mercialized, it is critical that the state and local laws do not create disparities that limit commerce and obstruct the successful adoption of these potentially safety- and produc- tivity-boosting technologies," ATRI writes in the report. Likewise, concerns about cyber security, reliability and maintenance must be resolved before automated vehicles reach wide-scale deploy- ment. Regulators and courts must find answers to the questions swirl- ing around crashes and liability therein. However, once these issues are worked through in the coming years, autonomous vehicles pave the way for reforms to regulations like hours of service regulations and the CSA carrier rating program. Relative to hours of service, autono- mous trucks could cut driver fatigue and prompt regulators to increase flexibility of drivers' on-duty limits. "Simply put, automated systems could allow rest and productivity to occur simultaneously," ATRI writes. The 30-minute rest break, the 14- hour on-duty limit and the 11-hour drive-time limit may all be on the chopping block once automated ve- hicles reach wide-scale deployment, ATRI says. Weekly limits on on-duty and drive-time hours will also likely be ripe for reform. "Truck driving as a career may become more attractive as Level 3 and Level 4 [autonomous] trucks are commercially available. Automa- tion may relieve some of the stress and monotony of driving long hours and…could allow drivers to work on tasks such as logistics while the vehicle is moving," ATRI says. "The ability to rest while driving in the Level 4 environment could enable drivers to be at home more often rather than parked at distant loca- tions." Per ATRI's report, other trucking issues that could be mitigated by autonomous vehicle use include the truck parking shortage and increas- ing congestion on U.S. roadways. Likewise, automated vehicles will cut down on accidents related to dis- tracted driving, the report says. ATRI estimates in its report that autonomous technology would add about $30,000 to the price of a new truck. Likewise, new costs could emerge from inspections, mainte- nance and updates to the vehicles. ATRI did not calculate a return-on- investment on such vehicles, but the report notes carriers will see savings from fewer crashes, greater utiliza- tion and greater productivity. • 4 www.bigriglease.com J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 Cover Story