Autonomous trucking to put $9B back in U.S. consumers’ pockets annually by 2035

Aurora Innovation, Inc. highlighted findings from a new report revealing that autonomous freight is already a multi-billion dollar bolster for the $1 trillion dollar U.S. trucking industry, with even more economic opportunity over the next ten years.

The analysis, commissioned by Aurora and conducted by the Steer Group, highlights that autonomous trucking, despite being in early stages of deployment, currently supports 17,000 jobs and $3.3 billion in total economic output.

The report projects that by 2035, the autonomous trucking sector alone is projected to account for $70 billion of U.S. GDP, representing a highly efficient growth engine for the long-haul highway segment. This transition is expected to generate $9.4 billion in annual safety benefits and result in $9 billion in increased purchasing power for American households through lower transportation costs.

"We believe that autonomous trucking can be a massive engine for the American economy and fortify the national transportation industry," said Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO of Aurora. “This report supports our conclusion that technology, like the Aurora Driver, can make our roads safer, our supply chain more resilient, and our operations more efficient than ever before."

A stronger supply chain: Always-on efficiency translates to household savings

With a national driver deficit projected to reach 1.2 million over the next decade, autonomous technology acts as a vital safeguard against shipping bottlenecks. By potentially more than doubling fleet utilization – the amount of time a truck is actively moving goods – it facilitates a 24/7 'always-on' supply chain, ensuring long-term resilience and efficiency. The technology also has the potential to slash fuel waste by up to 32% and save shippers $5.7 billion on fuel costs. Under an accelerated deployment scenario, these gains are expected to benefit consumers, resulting in $9 billion in annual purchasing power for American households by 2035.

The safety dividend

The report estimates that in 2035, self-driving technology, like the Aurora Driver, could prevent up to 490 fatalities, 8,800 injuries, and 23,000 crashes per year. Measured against U.S. DOT standards, this equates to $9.4 billion in annual safety benefits. Improved road safety is projected to lead to a 40% reduction in insurance premiums, significantly lowering the cost of doing business across the freight sector.

Supporting the American workforce

If someone drives a truck today, they can retire as a driver. Over time, trucking jobs will change. As the industry scales, it will create a new generation of high-paying career paths. Currently, 82% of autonomous vehicle workers earn above the national median wage, with many in roles accessible without a college degree.

To ensure the American workforce is ready, Aurora is taking an industry-first step and committing $1 million to its Aurora Works initiative. As the first autonomous trucking company to launch such a dedicated effort, Aurora is developing the essential foundation needed for the workforce training of the 21st century. This initiative will establish educational partnerships and technical training programs focused on skill development for emerging roles, positioning the workforce to evolve alongside the technology.

“Through the Aurora Works program, we are making a $1 million commitment to ensure that as our technology scales, so do the opportunities for the people who power this industry,” said Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO of Aurora.

“PAVE applauds Aurora for investing in research that highlights the economic and workforce potential of autonomous trucking,” said Tara Andringa, Executive Director of Partners for Automated Vehicle Education. “This report shows the autonomous trucking sector is already supporting jobs and economic activity across the country, with enormous potential to further strengthen the U.S. economy. Aurora has been a steadfast partner in advancing workforce leadership efforts, and the Aurora Works initiative is further testament to their commitment to the future of the American workforce, the AV industry, and the communities they serve.”