Self-driving trucks. Just hearing the term can set off a range of emotions—excitement, intimidation, uncertainty, fear. But what do automated trucks really mean for the trucking industry?

Our economy depends on the transportation of freight, and, in large part, we have trucks to thank for keeping things running smoothly as 71% of the nation’s freight by weight is moved by trucks. Trucks and the carrier companies that run them play a vital role in the economy, and it’s a role that comes with challenges. Carrier companies in the trucking industry face roadblocks (yes - pun intended!) every day. Here are the top five challenges carrier companies face on a daily basis and ways to combat them: