The driver shortage and self-driving trucks conversation is heating up again—especially after California’s Department of Motor Vehicles announced a proposal to allow testing of autonomous heavy-duty trucks on public roads. As the freight industry loses an estimated $95 million a week due to driver shortages, the timing of this policy shift has many wondering whether automation could finally offer relief—or just introduce new challenges.
The Ongoing Driver Shortage Crisis
The American freight industry is short roughly 24,000 commercial drivers, according to recent data from altLINE. That gap means thousands of trucks sit idle while demand continues to climb. The resulting bottleneck doesn’t just affect carriers—it ripples through every link in the supply chain, driving up costs and slowing deliveries for shippers and retailers alike.
For smaller carriers and local trucking companies, the shortage has created intense operational pressure. Recruiting, retention, and rising pay rates are cutting into already thin margins. Despite sign-on bonuses and flexible scheduling, fewer young people are entering the profession, and many experienced drivers are retiring early due to long hours and lifestyle strain.
California’s Push Toward Autonomous Truck Testing
In response to mounting supply chain challenges, California is taking a major step toward innovation. The state’s DMV recently proposed new rules that would permit the testing of self-driving commercial trucks weighing more than 10,001 pounds.
Until now, autonomous vehicle testing in California has been limited to passenger vehicles and light-duty delivery vans. The proposed update would open the door for logistics companies, manufacturers, and tech developers to test autonomous big rigs on public roads—under strict safety and reporting requirements.
Supporters argue that this policy is essential to keeping California’s logistics infrastructure competitive and reducing long-term labor shortages. Critics, including truck driver unions, are concerned about safety, job displacement, and the need for strong oversight.
Can Automation Solve the Driver Shortage?
Can Automation Solve the Driver Shortage?While it’s tempting to view automation as a silver bullet, the reality is more complex. Self-driving trucks could eventually fill some of the gap caused by the driver shortage, but they aren’t ready to replace the human workforce anytime soon.
Autonomous systems still face technological, regulatory, and ethical hurdles—from navigating unpredictable road conditions to responding to mechanical failures. Most experts expect the first wave of automation to take the form of “driver-assist” technology, where human drivers remain in the cab but are supported by AI systems that improve safety, routing, and fuel efficiency.
Rather than eliminating jobs, this technology could evolve the role of drivers, making the work more appealing to a new generation that values technology integration and predictable schedules.
The Economic and Environmental Upside
If implemented carefully, autonomous trucking could bring real benefits. Self-driving systems can run optimized routes, maintain steady speeds, and reduce idling—cutting both fuel costs and emissions. For California, where clean transportation policy is central to climate goals, that’s a big deal.
Automation could also make long-haul routes more efficient by extending operating hours safely, relieving some of the strain on human drivers and helping local carriers focus on shorter, regional freight where people are still essential.
What Comes Next
The driver shortage and self-driving trucks debate isn’t an either-or situation. Both realities will coexist for years. The next step for the logistics industry is to balance innovation with workforce development—investing in new technology while also creating better conditions for today’s drivers.
At Best Yet Express, we’re watching these developments closely. Whether it’s autonomous technology, smarter logistics infrastructure, or improved driver retention, the goal is the same: a stronger, safer, and more sustainable supply chain.