Cabless Trucks Are Coming Faster Than Carriers Think

Cabless autonomous trucks, also known as skateboards, could reshape short-haul freight at a faster pace than most carriers anticipate. Eyal Cohen, CEO of Humble Robotics, explains the skateboard concept, the potential drop in trailer costs, and how autonomous vehicles may impact dock operations, maintenance costs, and the traditional drop-trailer model.

Autonomous cabless freight platforms could be priced below $100,000 at high production volumes, close to the pricing of standard 53-foot trailers ($50,000 to $60,000). Cohen believes that autonomous trucking is nearly here, having worked on autonomous trucks since 2016. Reduced costs from electric drivetrains and fewer mechanical components could make maintenance cheaper, while remote CDL holders could monitor and load vehicles.

The implications of autonomous freight include cheaper drop-trailer programs, on-demand vehicles cycling dock-to-dock, and mid-market carriers facing greater consolidation risks as driver recruiting and retention become less crucial.