Trucking used to be all about shifting.
Manual transmissions were king. Now automated manual transmissions rule.
Downspeeding entered the mix of technology choices. The future zero-emission trucks may have even less visible shifting requirements for the driver. What shifting technology will be optimized for autonomous trucks? I suggest the new Paradigm Shift Transmission. I don’t know what it does, but it's better, cheaper, smoother, automated, more reliable and all those other great marketing terms you would expect.
Paradigm shifts are fundamental to trucking technology change.
I used to cringe every time I heard the word paradigm in meetings. It tends to be one of those expensive words thrown about by marketing people and venture capitalists trying to get attention. A good word so often sacrificed at the altar of salesmanship.
A paradigm shift is a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. A significant one is that being able to drive is no longer a goal for many people.
The percent of young people pursuing driver’s licenses has been decreasing for decades. Conversely, the percent of people above the age of 55 with licenses has been increasing.
