David A. Kolman, editor, Fleet Maintenance

Kolman’s Korner: One solution to the truck driver shortage

Oct. 5, 2015
Get ready for the “robo-truck” corridor.

A proposed initiative by the Central North American Trade Corridor Association (CNATCA) could help with the shortage of truck drivers.

The trade group is working to create an “autonomous-vehicle corridor” that would stretch from Mexico City in the south, up through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota, and continue into Canada and end in Alaska.

CNATCA officials envision the route would not have the hassles of passports and visas.

The officials also say self-driving vehicles do not have to adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hours of Service regulations that truckers are required to, thus making the “robo-truck” corridor especially appealing to long-haul trucking operations.

The group hopes to have a trial corridor – maybe from Bismarck to Minot or to Pierre, S.D. – to prove the technology.

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance

Sponsored Recommendations

Ask the Experts: Boost Profitability by Capturing Body Repair Materials Billables

Quality body repairs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks depend on the use of specialized adhesives, sealers, and other allied materials. Unfortunately, many shops face challenges...

Fleet Maintenance E-Book

Streamline your fleet's maintenance and improve operations with the Guide for Managing Maintenance. Learn proven strategies to reduce downtime, optimize in-house and third-party...

Celebrating Your Drivers Can Prove to be Rewarding For Your Business

Learn how to jumpstart your driver retention efforts by celebrating your drivers with a thoughtful, uniform-led benefits program by Red Kap®. Uniforms that offer greater comfort...

Guide To Boosting Technician Efficiency

Learn about the bottom line and team building benefits of increasing the efficiency of your technicians in your repair shop.