Autonomous trucking supports $3.3 billion in economic output and 17,000 jobs, according to a report commissioned by Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation, a self-driving technology safety company, and conducted by the Steer Group.
By 2035, the report forecasts the autonomous trucking sector will account for $70 billion of U.S. gross domestic product and will generate $9.4 billion in annual safety benefits. This is forecasted to result in $9 billion in increased purchasing power through lower transportation costs.
“We believe that autonomous trucking can be a massive engine for the American economy and fortify the national transportation industry,” Chris Urmson, Aurora co-founder and CEO, said. ”This report supports our conclusion that technology, like the Aurora Driver, can make our roads safer, our supply chain more resilient, and our operations more efficient than ever before.”
Other report findings include:
Self-driving technology could prevent an estimated 23,000 crashes annually, 8,800 injuries, and up to 490 fatalities. Insurance premiums could drop 40 percent.
A total of 82 percent of autonomous vehicle workers earn above the national median wage. Aurora is committing $1 million to its Aurora Works initiative.
Self-driving technology has the potential to save shippers $5.7 billion on fuel costs but cutting fuel waste by up to 32 percent.