Self-Driving Trucks Roll Into B.C.—But Not Everyone’s Cheering
Ready or not, the future of trucking is rolling into British Columbia. The Port of Prince Rupert has started testing self-driving trucks, hoping to boost capacity and tackle a looming driver shortage. But while the technology sounds exciting, it’s stirring up big concerns among local workers.
Automation Arrives: Why the Port Is Testing Self-Driving Trucks
Self-driving vehicles aren’t new, but their arrival at B.C. ports marks a big leap for the industry. With a driver shortage expected by 2026, the Port of Prince Rupert is exploring automation as a solution. Last year, these trucks logged about 1,000 kilometers in test drives, and more trials are planned for June and July 2025.
Union Pushback: Workers Worry About Jobs and Safety
Not everyone is on board with this high-tech shift. The union representing truck drivers at the port is pushing back, worried about losing jobs to robots and raising questions about safety. They argue that humans are better equipped to handle tricky conditions like black ice—something a self-driving truck might not manage as well.
Instead of turning to automation, the union has suggested other ways to boost capacity, like letting trucks haul more containers at once. They want to protect both jobs and safety, and they’re asking for a bigger say in how the port moves forward.
What’s Next? More Testing, More Debate
For now, the port authority insists that self-driving trucks won’t replace human drivers unless it’s absolutely necessary. More testing will continue this summer, with plenty of eyes watching to see what happens next.
The Bottom Line
Self-driving trucks may be rolling into B.C., but the road ahead is far from smooth. As technology speeds forward, the conversation about jobs and safety is just getting started.
