Aurora report puts $9bn annual savings on autonomous trucking

A report commissioned by Aurora Innovation and conducted by Steer Group projects that autonomous trucking will account for US$70bn of US GDP by 2035, generating US$9.4bn in annual safety benefits and US$5.7bn in annual fuel savings for shippers. The sector currently supports 17,000 jobs and US$3.3bn in total economic output, despite being in early stages of deployment.

The report projects that autonomous technology could more than double fleet utilisation by enabling round-the-clock operations, reducing fuel waste by up to 32% and delivering US$9bn in annual purchasing power gains for US households through lower transportation costs. A projected national driver deficit of 1.2 million over the next decade is cited as a further driver of autonomous adoption.

On safety, the analysis estimates that self-driving technology could prevent up to 490 fatalities, 8,800 injuries and 23,000 crashes per year by 2035, equivalent to US$9.4bn in annual benefits under US Department of Transportation standards. A 40% reduction in insurance premiums is also projected across the freight sector.

To support workforce transition, Aurora is committing US$1m to its Aurora Works initiative, establishing educational partnerships and technical training programmes for emerging roles in autonomous freight. The company says 82% of autonomous vehicle workers currently earn above the national median wage.

“Autonomous trucking can be a massive engine for the American economy and fortify the national transportation industry,” said Chris Urmson, co-founder and Chief Executive of Aurora.

Source: Aurora