Automation within the trucking industry is closer than ever. So close in fact that both The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are seeking public comment and input from brokers, drivers and carriers to lay down the foundation of what will eventually become the guidelines and regulations for automated vehicles to operate within the industry.
“FMCSA is hoping to receive feedback from commercial motor vehicle stakeholders and the motoring public on how the agency should adapt its regulations for the development of increased automated driving systems in large trucks and buses,” said FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez. “We know that while many of these technologies are still in development, it is critical that we carefully examine how to make federal rules keep up with this advancing technology.”
Some of the public and commercial concerns both agencies are focusing on are: Safety of an unmanned unit, cybersecurity, service rules, requirements, repair and maintenance, CDL endorsements and roadside inspections.
Both agencies are looking to work towards removing
regulatory barriers in order to allow autonomous vehicles on public roads. We are one step closer to progress, growth and the subsequent disruption of transportation as service.
Notices will be open for commentary over a 60 day period. Those interested will be able to comment on the FMCSA notice at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0037, and the NHTSA notice by searching Docket No. NHTSA-2019-0036.