Технічні науки

Kosov Dmitry

YARS Logistics LLC

(Miami, Florida)

https://www.doi.org/10.25313/2524-2695-2025-8-04-32

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF U.S. TRUCKING INNOVATIONS

Summary. The U.S. trucking industry is a driving force and a linchpin of national freight transportation assuring economic connectivity and security. However, it faces intense challenges such as driver shortages, infrastructure constraints, decarbonization pressures, technological disruption, and regulatory uncertainty. This paper reviews current barriers to innovation in the trucking sector and outlines prospective directions for research and practice. Emphasis is placed on automation, electrification, digitalization, workforce development, and sustainability. The purpose of this article, based on recent reports, industry white papers, and academic research, is to provide a comprehensive overview for stakeholders and researchers interested in the development of trucking in the United States.

Key words: trucking industry, automation, decarbonization, driver shortage, supply chain, freight logistics, innovation.

Introduction. Trucking is the core of ground transport in the U.S. which in turn is responsible for moving over 72% of all domestic freight by weight [1]. Despite its critical importance, the industry is under mounting stress due to rising operational costs, aging infrastructure, labor shortages, and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, technological advancements — such as autonomous vehicles, battery-electric trucks, telematics, and digital freight matching — promise transformative change but raise new challenges related to implementation, regulation, and public acceptance [2].

This paper provides an overview of the key challenges that constrain innovation in the U.S. trucking sector and discusses auspicious trends to overcome these obstacles. By combining recent studies, policy analyses, and industry developments, it aims to inform researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders about the pathways toward a more resilient and sustainable trucking future.

2. Current Challenges

2.1 Driver Shortage and Workforce Issues

The trucking industry faces a severe driver shortage, disrupting supply chains and increasing costs. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reported a shortage of 80,000 drivers in 2021 estimates reaching 115,000 in 2025 with a tendency for further increase [3]. Contributing factors include high driver turnover, an aging workforce (average age of drivers is 46), long hours, and lifestyle challenges [4]. Efforts to attract younger and more diverse drivers, including women and underrepresented minorities, remain insufficient.

2.2 Infrastructure Constraints

The U.S. ranks low among advanced economies for road infrastructure quality [5]. Aging highways, congested urban corridors, insufficient parking facilities, and deteriorating bridges impede the efficiency of truck movements. A 2021 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave U.S. roads a grade of D and highlighted an investment backlog of over $786 billion for roads and bridges [6].

2.3 Environmental Pressures

The transportation sector is the significant contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with heavy-duty trucks responsible for about 28% of total transportation emissions [7]. Decarbonizing the heavy road transport sector will require cross-industry collaboration and a phased approach. The size and scale of the industry, limited financing and insufficient regulatory incentives constrain its ability to change [8].

2.4 Regulatory and Legal Hurdles

Emerging technologies such as autonomous trucks and zero-emission vehicles face complex and fragmented regulatory landscapes. Without a comprehensive plan, DOT may miss the opportunity to organize, prioritize, and clearly monitor the progress of its many efforts across NHTSA, FHWA, and the Office of the Secretary, and other administrations as appropriate [9]. Furthermore, the lack of uniform standards for charging infrastructure and hydrogen fueling stations delays investment.

3. Innovations and Future Directions

3.1 Automation and Autonomous Trucking

Autonomous trucking is one of the most disruptive innovations under development. Companies like Aurora, TuSimple, and Kodiak Robotics are piloting Level 4 autonomous trucks on long-haul routes [10; 11; 12]. Automation promises to improve safety, address labor shortages, and enhance fuel efficiency through platooning. However, public perception, cybersecurity, liability frameworks, and mixed-traffic scenarios remain challenges [13].

3.2 Electrification and Alternative Fuels

Major manufacturers, including Daimler, Tesla, and Volvo, are developing battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Zero-emission trucks (ZETs) are gaining momentum in urban and regional haul applications, where charging infrastructure and range are more manageable [14]. States like California are leading zero-emission truck adoption through the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation. However, nationwide deployment will require large-scale investments in charging networks, grid upgrades, and supportive incentives [15].

3.3 Digitalization and Connected Freight

Big data, IoT-enabled telematics, and real-time freight matching platforms can greatly increase asset utilization and reduce empty miles (McKinsey, 2023). Technologies such as predictive maintenance, automated dispatching, and supply chain visibility platforms improve operational efficiency and customer service [16]

3.4 Workforce Adaptation and Policy

Technology alone cannot solve all workforce challenges. A 2023 RAND study emphasizes the importance of reskilling and upskilling drivers and technicians to work alongside increasingly digital and automated fleets [17]. Addressing driver well-being, safety, compensation, and work-life balance is equally critical for retention and recruitment [18].

3.5 Sustainability and Systemic Change

Innovation is about more than just new technologies. It’s also about new approaches, policies, and frameworks. Applications of artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies have important roles to play in transforming the curent state of things. Automated and connected vehicles could reduce crashes, speed up emergency response, and better integrate the entire transportation system. Better datasets could reveal overlooked opportunities to make the transportation system more equitable and responsive [19].

Policymakers and industry coalitions play a key role in aligning incentives, setting standards, and coordinating infrastructure investments.

Conclusion. The U.S. trucking industry is navigating a complex landscape of economic, technological, and regulatory challenges. Its future depends on balancing the promises and hitches of automation, electrification, and digital transformation with practical workforce and infrastructure realities. Harmonization across federal, state, and industry stakeholders is essential to unfold the full potential of trucking innovations while ensuring economic resilience, environmental management, and social responsibility.

References

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2. Peter Slowik & Ben Sharpe (2018). Automation in the long haul: challenges and opportunities of autonomous heavy-duty trucking in the United States. www.theicct.org
3. American Trucking Associations (ATA). (2021). ATA Driver Shortage Update 2021.www.trucking.org
4. American Trucking Associations (ATA). (2019).ATA Truck Driver Shortage Analysis 2019.trucking.org
5. World Economic Forum (2019). Global Competitiveness Report 2019. www.weforum.org
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7. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (June 6, 2025). Fast Facts on Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions. www.epa.gov
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12. How Kodiak Robotics Just Pushed U.S. Logistics into the Future. (Jul 24, 2025) www.linkedln.com
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17. Feijao, C. et al (Dec 15, 2021) The Global Digital Skills Gap. RAND. www.rand.org
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19. US Department of Transportation (DOT). (2024). TTAC 2024 Report. wwwtransportation.gov