Fleetowner 5912 Tmcpaper
Fleetowner 5912 Tmcpaper
Fleetowner 5912 Tmcpaper
Fleetowner 5912 Tmcpaper
Fleetowner 5912 Tmcpaper

TMC publishes automated driving and truck platooning policy paper

Dec. 10, 2015
Group seeks to draw distinction between crash mitigation and autonomous truck systems, define the specific technologies used in truck automation and platooning operations, and highlight potential regulatory roadblocks for both.

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY. The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), an arm of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), issued a 50-page position paper on autonomous driving and truck platooning this week, with copies distributed for comment among those attending the North American Automated Trucking Conference here in North Texas.

Richard Bishop – principal of Bishop Consulting, a longtime autonomous vehicle expert, and chairman of the conference – helped write the paper and its five appendixes and noted it will serve as a way to help fleets and their drivers understand the technological, regulatory, and safety issues involved.

"Does platooning need to offer a safety benefit or are the fuel economy savings enough for a valid business case? That's one of the questions we need to ask and answer," he said.

The paper describes the technological systems involved, the status of current research into both truck automation and platooning, where both are most relevant to current trucking applications, driver considerations, plus an analysis of the regulatory and legal issues that may be involved.

Dan Murray, VP-research for the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), stressed that economics "are a huge issue" when it comes to both autonomous vehicle systems and truck platooning, with legal issues regarding liability and negligence "a potential killer" where both of those technologies are concerned.

"The insurance industry will be key to this," he said during the meeting. "They are going to watch autonomous vehicle developments closely. If there are safety benefits, they'll champion it. If there are not, they will be very hesitant to support it."

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean reports and comments on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry -- light and medium duty fleets up through over-the-road truckload, less-than-truckload, and private fleet operations Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!