The exciting and beneficial technological innovations in transportation are not limited to software. Transportation providers, freight shippers, government agencies, and other stakeholders are continuously questing to improve the functionality, cost efficiency, and reliability of transportation equipment. Ongoing development, testing, and investment in new equipment features are being made to make transportation more sustainable, improve safety in the transportation network, and reduce the potential for freight loss and damage.

Transportation is a labor-intensive business, and operator roles like driving a truck, piloting a ship, or operating a train can be difficult with odd hours, time away from home, and stressful deadlines. That combination can lead to fatigue, poor decision-making, and accidents. Also, turnover can be high, particularly among the ranks of truck drivers.

Efforts are underway to take many routine operator tasks in trucks, ships, and trains and turn them over to computers, similar to what is done in the commercial airline industry with autopilot capabilities.

The technology landscape is ever-changing, and transportation professionals must evaluate how innovations such as autonomous vehicles, blockchain, and next-generation TMS capabilities will drive delivery efficiency and effectiveness improvements.

Use the reading material and research on the Internet to identify and discuss why technology and transportation equipment companies are investing so much time, money, and effort into autonomous transportation research.