Press Release

For Immediate Release

Small business truckers eager to see top priorities addressed in autonomous vehicle legislation

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the nation’s only organization that represents small business and professional truckers, looks forward to working with elected officials to address its top priorities for upcoming autonomous truck legislation.

Earlier today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation advanced legislation specific to passenger vehicles. A similar bill covering autonomous truck technology is also expected to be developed.

“We will work closely with members of the Commerce Committee to craft legislation that takes into account the impact autonomous technology will have on professional drivers, small businesses and most importantly, highway safety,” said Todd Spencer, executive vice president of OOIDA.

“We have provided Senators a list of items we feel must be included in an independent autonomous truck bill and are eager to work together on ensuring these priorities are properly addressed in future legislation,” said Spencer.

OOIDA’s list of priorities for a truck-specific bill include studies analyzing certain impacts changing technology would have across the trucking industry, such as job displacement and costs versus benefits for small businesses.

“We also want to make sure that several safety and security issues are appropriately addressed specific to the needs of large trucks,” added Spencer.