When Self-Driving Cars Hit a Roadblock… Literally

If you’ve been keeping up with the news out of California, you’ve probably seen something that’s hard to ignore: people putting traffic cones on Waymo’s self-driving cars to disable them during the Waymo protests in California. Others are forming human chains across intersections, protesting what they see as tech companies using public streets as their testing labs.

While these protests are mostly targeting robotaxis, the real ripple effect could hit much further down the road, straight into the heart of the trucking industry.

If you’re a trucker, a fleet operator, or anyone whose business runs on 18 wheels, this isn’t just a San Francisco problem. It’s a red flag for what’s coming, and a moment worth paying attention to.

Waymo Isn’t Just About Taxis Anymore

The Quiet Expansion into Trucking

The Quiet Expansion into Trucking: Most people know Waymo as Google’s self-driving car company. But what they don’t always hear about is Waymo Via, the freight division quietly testing autonomous big rigs in states like Texas, Arizona, and yes, California.

These aren’t concept trucks sitting in garages. They’re real, 18-wheelers moving freight, testing out how automation could reshape long-haul logistics.

The company’s pitch is simple: AI doesn’t sleep, doesn’t text while driving, and doesn’t need bathroom breaks. So from a business perspective? It’s gold. What about for drivers?

Well, that’s a different story.

Why Waymo Protests in California Are Taking Place

Let’s clear something up: most protesters aren’t against progress, they’re against how autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is being rolled out. There’s been little public input, no clear rules, and suddenly, driverless cars are roaming the streets. That’s unsettling, not just because of the machines themselves, but because of what they represent: disappearing jobs, growing power for tech giants, and safety decisions being handed off to software.

There have already been troubling incidents: AVs freezing in intersections, blocking emergency vehicles, even hitting pets. These rare but real mishaps raise serious concerns, especially when there’s no clear accountability. That anxiety is fueling the protests. And behind the traffic cones and headlines lies a bigger question for everyone in the transportation world:

If they can automate your Uber ride… how long before they come for your truck route?

The Trucking Industry Is Watching Closely

Autonomous freight isn’t science fiction. It’s being tested today, on real roads and with real cargo.

Some companies are already betting big on this tech. Investors love it, while politicians are divided. Drivers on the other hand? Well, they’re left wondering what their job looks like in five years, or if it even exists.

No One Has Clear Answers

Can an AV hold a DOT number? Who gets sued if an unmanned truck crashes? How will insurance work? How do you inspect a driverless rig?

These aren’t simple questions. For now, nobody, from the FMCSA to lawmakers in Sacramento, has nailed down the answers.

Why The Waymo Protests Feel Different

California has seen protests before, plenty of them, but this one feels new. It’s not just about social justice or environmental issues. It’s about control over the future, who gets to build it, who gets left behind, and whether that future will include blue-collar workers at all.

In the 1990s, you might’ve seen rallies for labor rights or wage fairness. In 1992, protests in L.A. spiraled into something far more tragic. Today’s Waymo protests aren’t violent, but they are targeted, intentional, and symbolic of a larger battle: man vs. machine.

So, What’s Next for Truckers?

Let’s Be Real: Drivers Aren’t Going Away Overnight

There’s still a long road ahead before autonomous trucks become mainstream. Urban driving is messy. Weather is unpredictable, and software isn’t a substitute for human instincts… at least, not yet.

However, that doesn’t mean we can ignore what’s coming. Because change doesn’t always hit like a hammer. Sometimes, it creeps in quietly, and then it’s just… here.

The Role of Drivers Will Evolve

We might see a shift toward driver-assist tech, where humans and AI work together. Or a future where drivers oversee multiple rigs remotely. Some jobs might disappear, but others could be created in their place.

The catch? Those new roles will require new skills. And that’s where trucking companies need to step up.

What Can Trucking Companies Do Right Now During the Waymo Protests?

1. Start the Conversation With Your Drivers

Silence leads to fear. If your drivers are hearing about automation in the news but not from you, they’re going to assume the worst, so be transparent. Share what you know, and what you don’t with your drivers.

2. Invest in Training and Safety Tech

Start adopting the tech that complements your human workforce, including collision warning systems, smart route planning, and electronic logs. These tools don’t replace drivers, they make their jobs safer and smarter.

3. Stay on Top of Policy Changes

Keep an eye on what California and federal regulators are doing. One state’s rules can set a precedent for the rest. The companies that stay informed will adapt faster and smarter.

This Isn’t the End of Trucking, But It Might Be a Turning Point

Let’s not panic, but let’s not pretend nothing’s changing either. The Waymo protests in California are about more than cars and cones. They’re about who we trust with the future of our roads, and whether that future still has room for the people who built the industry from the ground up.

Truckers built America, and if this shift is going to happen, it shouldn’t happen without them at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are autonomous trucks legal in California?

They’re allowed for testing with strict oversight, but not yet approved for full-scale commercial use without a safety driver.

2. Could autonomous freight take trucking jobs away?

Long-haul solo routes are the most at risk. However, local, last-mile, and complex delivery routes will still need human drivers, for now.

3. Why are people protesting Waymo specifically?

Waymo is a major player in the autonomous vehicle space, and its expansion has raised safety, transparency, and labor concerns.

4. Can companies protect their drivers as automation grows?

Yes, by offering training, being proactive with policy, and investing in technologies that support drivers, not replace them.

5. Will trucking ever be fully automated?

Maybe one day, but not yet, and not without major changes in infrastructure, law, and public trust.