Session Moderators

Moderator(s): 
Andrew Miller, Group Leader, Fleet Focus and Industry Applications, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (Panel 1: Freight Automation Safety Best Practices and Research) 

TBA, Arkansas Trucking Association (Panel 2: A Conversation between Freight Automation and Their Customers)

William (Billy) Hwang, Research Scientist, Program Manager – Regulatory Analysis and Engagement, Texas A&M Transportation Institute (Panel 3: AV Freight Operations in 2024 – Public and Private Sector Perspectives on Safety and Engagement)

Session Organizers

Organizers:
Andrew Krum, Group Leader, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
William (Billy) Hwang, Research Scientist, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Rich Steiner, VP of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Gatik

TRB Sponsoring Committees and Partners

Session Description and Agenda

Description

Automated freight and trucking continue to stand the test of time by demonstrating increased utilization of equipment and safe operation on repetitive and low risk environments, along with the hope to balance delivery demands with the workforce supply. This session will explore the latest in 2024 automated freight distribution around roads and sites, including on/off-highway, urban/semi-urban, fleet yard, distribution centers, and hubs both on public roads and at private facilities.

Agenda

1:30 – 1:55; Opening: “State of the ADS Industry”; Bishop Consulting - Richard Bishop, Principal, Automated Driving Strategy & Partnerships

1:55-2:50; Panel 1: Freight Automation Safety Best Practices and Research
Moderator: Andrew Miller, Group Leader, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
• CVSA: John Sova, Roadside Inspection Specialist
• FMCSA: Mike Lukuc, Manager of Automated Commercial Motor Vehicle Evaluation Program
• Gatik: Dr. Adam Campbell, Senior Manager Safety Innovation
• Kodiak Robotics: Kelly Smith, Lead Systems Engineer for Autonomy
• Torc: Michelle Chaka, Senior Vice President of Safety

***10 Minute Break***

3:00-3:55; Panel 2: A Conversation between Freight Automation and Their Customers
Moderator: David Welch, Detroit Bureau Chief, Bloomberg
• Gatik: Philip Reinckens, Senior Vice President Commercialization and Operations
• Kodiak Robotics: Michael Wiesinger, Vice President of Commercialization and General Manager Transportation
• Torc: Walter Grigg, Leader Industry Partnerships
• Waabi: Sam Loesche, Head of Policy and Public Affairs
• Uber: Olivia Hu, Head of Autonomous Trucking

***10 Minute Break***

4:05-5:00; Panel 3: AV Freight Operations in 2024 – Public and Private Sector Perspectives on Safety and Engagement
Moderator: William (Billy) Hwang, Research Scientist | Program Manager, Regulatory Analysis and Engagement
• Aurora: Jeremiah Kuntz, Senior Manager, Government Relations
• Gatik: Rich Steiner, Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs
• Kodiak Robotics: Daniel Goff, Director of External Affairs
• Texas DOT: Zeke Reyna, Emerging Technology Team Lead
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Captain Bart Teeter, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

Session Objectives

Objectives:
• Discuss the growing list of safety best practices being developed publicly and through public/private partnerships and research.
• Listen to public and private partners describe common goals to deploy automated trucks without safety drivers in 2024.
• Listen as automated trucking companies discuss the tangible benefits of automation with their customers.

Outputs:
• Identify approaches that industry and government are taking to verify safe operations that continue to build public trust and confidence.
• Determine best practices and lessons learned for private and public partners to build on commercial deployments in specific regions.
• Document the benefits to freight efficiency that are being observed today and identify efficiency goals for the future.