Will AI Replace Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, performing minor repairs, or washing trucks.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Drive trucks with capacities greater than 13 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, CB radios, phones, or global positioning systems (GPS) equipment to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) equipment, or other navigation devices, to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Remove debris from loaded trailers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains, grader blades, plow blades, or sanders.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Wrap and secure goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate idle reduction systems or auxiliary power systems to generate power from alternative sources, such as fuel cells, to reduce idling time, to heat or cool truck cabins, or to provide power for other equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.