Federal Highway Administration National Dialogue on Highway Automation: September 5-6, 2018 Freight Workshop Summary

Breakout Session II: Operational Design Domain and Safe Operations

This section summarizes stakeholder discussion from the second breakout session. Questions asked during this discussion were:

• How could automated CMVs change the supply chain industry and what impacts could they have on freight traffic patterns?
• As automated CMVs may transition from automated mode on a highway to a human driver to make last-mile deliveries, what are unique issues around making a long‐haul to urban-delivery transition? Will there need to be additional roadway facilities at freeway exits to allow for a transition from an automated system to a human driver?
• How could automation, combined with freight industry trends, impact congestion? Could automated CMVs make use of predictive route planning to identify routes around congested areas, helping to alleviate peak hour congestion?
• What are challenges for automated delivery vehicles in urban environments where vehicles must navigate heavy congestion, merging lanes, traffic control devices, loading zones, other road users, and traffic incidents?

Automated CMVs May Introduce Changes to Future Supply Chain Operations

Freight operations are not a single application to be automated, but rather a complex chain of events that include diverse vehicle types operating in a range of driving environments, from long-haul operations to last-mile deliveries. As a result, automated CMVs could introduce new freight delivery models and changes to the supply chain. Additional staging areas or transfer points may be necessary to transfer freight from automated CMVs to human-driven CMVs. If human drivers continue to handle last-mile operations in complex urban areas, staging infrastructure may be needed for the hand-off from automated CMVs to human-driven CMVs. The discussion focused on where these facilities might be built, who would pay for them, and whether some existing facilities could be retrofitted to meet new needs. Overall, participants noted that a one-size-fits-all approach will not be useful when thinking about the effects on the supply chain. Different use cases (e.g., types of products being shipped, delivery locations, and time-sensitivity of deliveries) may require different facilities, infrastructure, and approaches. 

Automated CMVs Should Demonstrate Safe Interaction with All Road Users

Automated CMVs must be able to recognize the intent of human drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, especially in urban settings, and to interact safely with vulnerable road users. Safe interactions with all road users was identified as a key element of enabling broad public acceptance. Several participants discussed the potential for defining standards regarding the interaction between automated CMVs and other road users to ensure that both CMVs and humans abide by an agreed-upon set of rules. Others discussed how automated CMVs in urban environments could conflict with Complete Streets initiatives, making urban and downtown areas less attractive and functional for people.

Impacts of Automated CMVs on Congestion and Efficiency Are Unclear

There was a range of opinions on how automated CMVs could affect congestion and the efficiency of the transportation system. Automation may decrease the incidence of vehicle crashes by reducing opportunities for human error. This could lead to a reduction in traffic incidents, disruptions, and delays. However, automation could lead to an increase in travel demand (i.e., vehicle miles traveled), worsening congestion across the transportation system. Workshop attendees questioned whether evidence exists to show that automation will lead to decreased congestion. They also discussed the potential increase in freight traffic and the number of factors that affect the efficiency of freight operations. Some speculated that automated CMVs may not dramatically improve the efficiency of freight operations, because current inefficiencies often result from loading and unloading activities rather than driving activities. Several participants cited their concerns that future transportation planning and policy decisions regarding automation should be considered carefully and not based on unfounded assumptions about congestion and efficiency.

Access to Standardized, Accurate, and Real-Time Data Regarding Roadway Conditions Is a Key Enabler for Efficient Operations

Standardization and availability of accurate mapping and routing information would be helpful for both human-driven and automated CMVs. Information on road closures, detours, traffic incidents, hazardous weather conditions, and work zones are important for enabling efficient freight operations. This type of information could benefit from standardization, improved accuracy, and regular updates. Several participants pointed to V2X capabilities to support the communication and exchange of real-time information. Although some companies in the freight industry currently use their own mapping systems to incorporate information from multiple sources, there are still opportunities to improve the fidelity and real-time nature of data to support freight operations. Data accuracy and consistency become more important with the introduction of automated CMVs. Some in attendance stated that a broader dialogue between public agencies and industry is needed on this topic.

Stakeholders Seek a Clear and Consistent Regulatory Framework

Participants described the importance of a having a clear and consistent regulatory framework to ensure safe and efficient operations of automated CMVs. Current inconsistencies in State and local regulations can hinder industry innovation and make it difficult for companies to operate across jurisdictions. There were several ideas proposed on how to address broader policy and regulatory needs for automated CMVs. Some discussed the need for standardizing regulations across States and municipalities, while others noted the need for a central database or inventory of relevant regulations for automated CMVs. Participants seemed to agree that having access to accurate information regarding Federal, State, and local regulations regarding automation is necessary. At a minimum, participants sought clarity around potential impacts of automated CMVs on size and weight regulations and other operating guidelines. They also discussed how best to document and disseminate this type of information to ensure that all stakeholders can participate in the conversation about AV policy and regulation.