As the world rapidly changes, the trucking industry is no exception. Are you a CDL holder or trucking enthusiast? Do you want to have a say in the future of the trucking industry? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) wants to hear from you! The FMCSA wants your opinion! They are proposing some new regulations for the incoming age of automated trucks that don’t require human drivers, known as Level 4 and 5 automation. As the experts who live and breathe this industry, your input and thoughts are invaluable to shaping the self-driving future.
Different Levels?
Level 4 and 5 automation are two of the highest levels of automation in the commercial motor vehicle industry. At Level 4 automation, the vehicle is able to operate without human input or oversight under certain conditions, such as on highways. However, a human driver may still be required to take over the driving task in certain situations. At Level 5 automation, the vehicle can fully operate on its own in any condition without the need for a human driver. This level of automation is the ultimate goal for companies investing in self-driving technology. As the technology advances, it has the potential to greatly increase safety and efficiency on the roads, but it also raises concerns about job displacement and the need for new regulations to ensure public safety.
Your Voice is Critical:
That’s why the FMCSA has opened a comment period, giving you the chance to share your thoughts on a range of issues related to the proposed regulations. The comment period is open until March 20th, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to shape the future of the industry. The agency is seeking public comments on topics such as the requirement for carriers to submit safety management controls, the need for new inspection equipment, and the potential for remote assistants to hold a commercial driver’s license.
We’ve gone ahead and broken down these subjects below. Be sure to take a look and share your thoughts with the FMCSA. They are critical to shaping the future of the trucking industry!
1. Notification Requirement:
Should carriers have to notify the FMCSA before operating Level 4 and 5 CMVs in interstate commerce without a human driver. What do you think? Is this a solid requirement or do you think there is a more impactful process that could be taking place?
2. Data Collection:
Are there any particular data sets that you believe could be critical to monitoring how safe these vehicles are out on the road?
3. Remote Assistants & Requirements:
What qualifications and limitations should be imposed on remote assistants who may monitor Level 4 or 5 ADS-equipped CMVs? Should they have to obtain a CDL or other certifications? Have you noticed any specific conditions or experiences faced on the road that you think have the potential to get overlooked?
4. Inspection Requirements:
What additional inspection requirements should there be for Level 4 or 5 ADS-equipped CMVs in order to reduce overall safety risks associated with these new technologies?
Next Steps
If you come up with an answer to any of these questions while reading, make sure to submit it to the FMCSA so that they can hear your opinion. Having such open access to something that can have such a significant impact on our futures is a rare opportunity. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you find yourself interested in learning more about the future of trucking and automation in commercial vehicles, be sure to check out our article on the Tesla Semi! As always, if you are looking for Class A or B positions be sure to check out our openings here
