The path that the trucking industry takes depends on three key things, said Chris Spear, president and CEO, American Trucking Associations (ATA), in his address to the 2017 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, held in Nashville, TN, earlier this month. They are: embracing technology, figuring out the different environment in Washington with the new president and Congress and understanding President Trump’s agenda.
(ATA) is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. TMC is the only industry association that is focused solely on truck technology and maintenance.
Spear said he believes that Trump “will deliver on his promises and his agenda” so the trucking industry needs to figure out how it can work with legislators on legislation that impacts trucking.
This is a difficult task, noted Spear, because Trump has taken a much different approach to the presidency as he is comes to Washington beholden to no one.
Further, Spear said “Trump will unleash the private sector to allow it to do great things and innovate.”
Autonomous Vehicles
On the subject of autonomous vehicles, Spear said ATA believes in driver assist, not driverless, trucks. Autonomous vehicle technology will help make drivers safer; more
efficient and productive; further lessen greenhouse gas emissions; plus help reduce traffic congestion.
He sees the greatest benefits and ROI for long-haul trucking operations.
He believes truly autonomous driving is probably 25 years away. Never the less, the trucking must become actively involved in developing this technology and its regulatory framework, Spear said.
He pointed out that ATA is focusing on opportunities for trucking to become more involved with Trump and his agenda, and is working with the Congress to have its voice heard.
“As a unified industry, we can really make this happen,” concluded Spear.
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