Fleeting chances: will autonomous trucks create new jobs?

Self-driving vans and trucks are developing quickly, and people are excited about how they could change the logistics landscape.

But paired with excitement is an increasing worry that autonomous trucks might take away jobs, especially for drivers.

With technological advancement comes opportunity, but a pressing question remains: Will autonomous commercial vehicles generate new jobs through innovation, or will they primarily replace existing ones, leaving workers behind?

Maintaining excellence

Autonomous trucks are transforming the logistics industry, delivering new levels of efficiency, safety and reliability.

Thanks to the ability to operate around the clock without needing breaks, these vehicles are a great asset in the effort to reduce transit times and increase supply chain productivity.

They also minimize human error, which enhances road safety and cuts operational costs for companies. But none of this is possible without sophisticated location technology.

By integrating cutting-edge AI, sensors and data processing with location technology, autonomous trucking is setting a new standard for the future of logistics. Add accurate live maps and real-time traffic data and what you get is more efficient navigation, fewer delays and the guarantee of the safest, most optimal routes.

From finding the best path in complex urban areas to avoiding road hazards, autonomous trucks use precise mapping technology to provide the detailed guidance needed for these vehicles to operate seamlessly.

Deploying employment

Autonomous trucks are set to transform logistics, not by eliminating jobs, but by creating new opportunities.

As these vehicles take over driving tasks, demand will grow for skilled professionals in fleet management, routing and coordination. Jobs will emerge for experts who can oversee autonomous fleets, optimize scheduling and ensure efficient operations.

Additionally, roles in data analysis and logistics planning will expand, focusing on using tools like routing solutions to analyze traffic, weather and road conditions in real time.

Human specialists will also need to handle unpredictable challenges, such as rerouting deliveries or managing supply chain disruptions, ensuring a frictionless integration of autonomous technology into logistics networks.

A delicate balance

Self-driving trucks are sophisticated machines relying on advanced sensors, cameras, and networks.

AI plays a major role too.

​By enabling real-time route optimization, adaptive driving and efficient operational planning, AI contributes to safer and more efficient autonomous trucking operations.

But maintaining these systems can be a complex task.

Until recently, truck maintenance meant mechanics, garages and tools. With their intricate hardware and reliance on data integration, autonomous trucks require highly skilled personnel to keep them running smoothly.

While routine tasks like mechanical repairs will remain important, the evolution of autonomous driving shifted the focus of maintenance to diagnosing and fixing software-related problems.

This means that, in addition to existing truck mechanics, fleet operators will also need to employ hardware and software experts to ensure the trucks remain operational and comply with safety standards.

A smooth transition

Apart from the types of new jobs that will enter the industry, another important consideration is how workers can transition into these new roles.

The shift to autonomous trucks creates an opportunity for governments, tech companies and industries to invest in workforce upskilling. Programs that teach coding, data analysis and other technical skills will help former drivers and laborers adapt to their changing environment.

Collaboration between solution providers and fleet managers creates an ideal environment for training initiatives.

For instance, employees could learn to work with live location tools such as HERE Fleet Routing to oversee real-time vehicle tracking, route optimization and traffic analysis to predict delays, adjust delivery schedules and reroute vehicles.

Another area of potential employment is task automation, which enables restricting access to unauthorized zones or focusing deliveries within specific areas.

Learning to interpret live diagnostics can also help address maintenance issues proactively, minimizing downtime and operational costs.

Combined, these jobs ensure that autonomous fleets operate efficiently, delivering faster and more reliable services while boosting customer satisfaction.

Driverless but human-driven

The trucking industry is evolving rapidly, but people will always be at the heart of it. While technology powers the advancements in autonomous trucks, it’s the human expertise, from software development, logistics planning and vehicle maintenance, that drives real progress.

As always, collaboration is key. Because at the end of the day, it’s the people who keep the technology moving forward.