Kenny Habetz Injury Law | January 9, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Self-driving trucks are changing how goods move across America. In 2021, there were 168.6 million trucks on U.S. roads, almost twice as many as in 2000. The current rise of autonomous trucks, therefore, comes at a critical time for the transportation industry.
According to McKinsey research, the autonomous truck market could reach $600 billion by 2035. This growth is driven by several factors, including a severe shortage of truck drivers — currently over 80,000 in the United States alone and expected to double by 2030 — and a rise in transportation costs.
What trucks drive themselves? Here are the top companies making self-driving trucks in 2024:
1. Waymo
Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google’s parent company). It’s among the top in Level 4 technology in the autonomous trucking industry. The company’s focus on hub-to-hub operations allows for efficient freight transport without human intervention. Extensive testing and development have made Waymo a frontrunner in the autonomous trucking space.
2. TuSimple
TuSimple specializes in depot-to-depot autonomous operations. Its self-driving trucks have completed numerous successful runs on U.S. highways. Thanks to substantial funding and ongoing technological development, TuSimple continues to expand its autonomous trucking capabilities across America.
3. Embark
Embark has an innovative approach focused on automating highway driving while allowing human operators to handle complex urban environments. The company has achieved several significant milestones, including successful cross-country autonomous trips. Its technology specifically targets the most demanding aspects of long-haul trucking.
4. Daimler (Mercedes-Benz)
Daimler’s Highway Pilot system is another big step for autonomous trucking companies. The company is a pioneer in the industry and is continually refining its self-driving technology through strategic partnerships and ongoing research. Daimler’s commitment to innovation has established it as a major player in the autonomous vehicle sector.
5. Einride
Einride is a Swedish company that has a unique approach to developing autonomous electric trucks. It focuses on sustainability, which sets it apart within the industry. Einride vehicles combine zero-emission technology with advanced autonomous capabilities, giving hope to the future of eco-friendly freight transport.
6. Volvo
Volvo’s semi-automatic platooning system allows multiple trucks to operate in coordination. Its innovative Vera model, which lacks a traditional cab, demonstrates its commitment to fully autonomous transport solutions. The company continues to push boundaries in both autonomous technology and vehicle design.
Are Self-Driving Trucks Safe?
Self-driving trucks offer many promising advancements. However, safety is a major concern.
These vehicles must be able to:
- Accurately detect obstacles, vehicles, and surroundings
- Handle malfunctions or unexpected events safely
- Navigate in adverse weather like rain, snow, or fog
- Safely interact with traditional vehicles on the road
- Ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety
- Keep their systems safe from hacking and breaches
These challenges highlight the need for thorough testing and strict safety regulations before self-driving trucks become more common.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help if You’re Injured by a Self-Driving Truck
The rise of autonomous trucks will significantly reshape the transportation sector. Autonomous technology could help offset rising transportation costs.
As self-driving truck companies refine their technologies and regulatory frameworks develop, these vehicles will become increasingly common on American roads. The leading autonomous truck companies focus on both innovation and safety, working to create reliable systems that meet the demands of modern commercial transportation.
While there may be a growing need for self-driving trucks, it is important to understand the risks they can pose. Suppose you are in a truck accident with a self-driving truck. In that case, you should seek medical attention, alert law enforcement, take photos and videos of the accident scene, and exchange insurance information.
If you are involved in a collision with a self-driving truck, contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact the Louisiana Truck Accident Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana truck accident lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
