AUTONEWS

American carriers and shippers adhere to the automation system

The autonomous truck, which in Brazil only operates in confined places, is a reality on some roads around the world. In the United States, for example, there are already carriers using this type of solution. This is the case of Stevens Trucking, in the capital of Oklahoma. According to the company, the vehicles, which operate in the Locomation system, stand out mainly for the reduction of fuel consumption. As well as a drop in the cost of operation.

In addition, there is an important decrease in the risk of accidents. This is thanks to Locomation's ARC system, which works in the form of a convoy. Thus, a driver drives the first truck in line. Therefore, all the maneuvers performed by the leader are replicated by the autonomous truck that follows.

According to the company, the two vehicles that follow the leader travel alone. However, for safety reasons, they also have drivers on board. According to Locomation founder and CEO Çetin Meriçli, this driver can rest easy. Thus, the carrier complies with the laws that regulate the hours of service.

Office on board... In addition, he can take advantage of this time to perform administrative services, such as filling out reports, for example. In any case, the legislation will move forward. With this, in the future there will be no need for a person to be aboard the autonomous truck.

It is not by chance that Locomation's solution has attracted the interest of other North American carriers. This is the case for Wilson Logistics, Christensen Transportation and PGT Trucking. They recently signed contracts with the technology company.

Prior to that, Locomation signed an eight-year package with Stevens Trucking. Thus, six routes will be implemented in the State of Oklahoma by the end of 2023. According to the company, there are US$ 9 billion, or approximately R$ 47 billion, handled per year in freight. Therefore, this is 18% of all US road freight operations.

Trucks run 20 hours a day...According to Locomation, the system doubles the operating time of trucks. This is because the solution reduces the need for driver rest stops. According to the company, with ARC, trucks can run, on average, 20 hours a day.

Also according to the company, the reduction of pollutant emissions reaches 22%. Likewise, truck idle time is reduced by up to 90%. In addition, as the trucks run very close together, there is less wind resistance. As a result, fuel savings can be up to 8%.

Automation for all trucks...According to the company, any type of truck can receive the new technology. For this, they gain cameras, sensors and radars. In the same vein, the steering and braking systems have been optimised.

For Locomation CCO Glynn Spangenberg, the ARC is a stepping stone to increasing the presence of autonomous trucks on the roads. Currently, a fleet of 13 trucks runs across the United States carrying out tests. According to Locomation, 30 more vehicles will be added by the end of 2023.

Drivers will not be out of work...Initially, the company estimates that the potential is 3,100 trucks. Both Locomation and Stevens executives acknowledge drivers' concerns about the job cuts that self-driving trucks can generate. However, they say that the technology makes it possible to overcome the current lack of qualified professionals.

According to them, these drivers will assume new roles. For example, operators of the truck leading the convoy. ?We are not going to replace the truck drivers. On the contrary, we want to create jobs. Even because, don't we plan to have a fleet with 100% autonomous trucks?

Mundoquatrorodas