Will automated vehicles solve the truck driver shortages? Perspectives from the trucking industry

The United States (U.S.) has experienced persistent truck driver shortages for the past several decades, as demand for truckers has increased while individuals willing to fill driving jobs have decreased. Studies in the transportation literature have not examined industry views on driver shortages, which are expected to become more severe, in combination with trucking industry perspectives on the impact of automated vehicles (AVs) on driving jobs. This study addresses these knowledge gaps through focus groups with trucking industry participants (N = 67) working in three organizational levels (25 upper-level management or owners, 20 supervisors or dispatchers, and 22 drivers) and a supplemental online survey. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, findings indicate that companies struggle to address driver shortages because of difficulties recruiting younger workers related to quality-of-life issues, job requirements, and low rates of pay. AVs were thought to be a potential solution to the driver shortage, although there will be a continued need for drivers to perform certain tasks. The potential changes in industry positions could attract new workers but would require older workers to adapt to using new technology. From a workforce development perspective, training programs targeting technicians and drivers can help prepare the trucking workforce for an autonomous future.