Congressman Fong Champions America Drives Act in The Hill: The Future of Freight
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) published an op-ed in The Hill titled “The future of freight: A national framework for autonomous trucking,” highlighting his landmark America Drives Act, which creates a national framework for autonomous trucking to strengthen America’s supply chain.
Read the full text below:
As America continues to lead the world in technological innovation, autonomous vehicles and autonomous trucks have enormous potential to enhance our transportation systems. This technology holds immense promise, whether it’s boosting supply chain efficiency or improving roadway safety.
But without a clear and consistent national framework, we risk stalling progress and creating a confusing patchwork of state regulations that threaten public safety, innovation and economic growth.
Right now, each state is charting its own course. Thirty-five states allow some form of autonomous truck testing or deployment, while others have imposed restrictive or conflicting regulations.
For industry leaders developing autonomous vehicle technology — and for the truckers, commuters and logistics companies who will rely on it — this inconsistency is unsustainable. These differing state regulations make it nearly impossible to safely and efficiently scale this technology nationwide.
Requiring autonomous trucks to navigate a constantly shifting patchwork of state laws is like expecting a train to stop and start every time it crosses state lines — chaotic, inefficient and bound to cause problems. That’s the direction we’re heading with autonomous trucks unless Congress steps in.
As we speak, the uncertainty caused by the lack of federal guidance on autonomous vehicle trucking is slowing investment, deterring innovation and risks turning America’s highways into a regulatory maze. Meanwhile, Europe and China are racing ahead, rapidly integrating autonomous trucks into their supply chains.
That’s why I introduced the America Drives Act.
My bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to update safety regulations by 2027 to reflect the unique needs of fully autonomous trucks. Not only does it create a cohesive regulatory approach to facilitate the safe development and interstate deployment of autonomous vehicle transportation logistics, it also modernizes trucking safety measures by allowing the use of flashing warning beacons instead of outdated roadside triangles, improving visibility and practicality for truck safety across the country.
Autonomous vehicles depend on precision and predictability. Regulatory fragmentation injects chaos when we need consistency. The America Drives Act will jumpstart the effort to establish clear national safety and performance standards, especially for commercial use, and define the roles and responsibilities of federal and state governments to avoid overlap and confusion.
By establishing a federal framework and empowering the Department of Transportation to thoughtfully develop practical regulations, we can ensure this emerging technology is safely deployed and tested at scale. This forward-looking legislation paves the way for fully autonomous trucks to operate safely across state lines and addresses current challenges by giving trucking companies a pathway to adopt cutting-edge technology and a foundation for nationwide deployment.
The stakes are high. Autonomous trucks have the potential to strengthen our supply chains, improve road safety and address the driver shortage in freight transportation which is expected to double by 2030. They can operate around the clock, reduce fuel consumption through optimized driving and reduced idle time, and ultimately lower costs for consumers.
The reality is that America must lead the charge to harness the potential of new and emerging technologies — especially in transportation. Autonomous trucks support supply chain efficiency by operating longer hours, reducing delivery times and enhancing reliability. This technology also strengthens domestic commerce to proactively secure and enhance U.S. standing in the global marketplace, especially as countries like China and Germany race ahead in autonomous freight.
In California’s Central Valley, transportation, logistics, and advanced manufacturing form the backbone of our economy. Our region is perfectly positioned between the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Stockton, serving as a vital corridor for moving goods across our state and beyond.
The America Drives Act will help deliver results for the future of freight by modernizing America’s supply chain, strengthening our infrastructure, and ensuring the U.S. remains globally competitive.
This is about making sure America — not China or Europe — sets the global standard for autonomous vehicle deployment, while protecting our workers and public safety. The longer we delay, the more we cede ground to other nations who are moving quickly to integrate autonomous technologies into their economies. If the U.S. doesn’t act, we risk losing not only innovative leadership, but the jobs and industries that come with it.
Advancements in freight technology mean safer highways, more reliable deliveries, and a stronger, more efficient supply chain — making sure everything we need, from fresh produce in grocery stores to packages at our doorsteps, can arrive faster and more affordably while keeping pace with growing consumer demand.
Let’s seize this opportunity and chart a safe, innovative path forward for American transportation.
Vince Fong represents the 20th District of California and is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.