# The autonomous freight race just got a new front‑runner.
What happened
Swedish startup Einride announced two heavyweight partnerships this week: a Tesla‑powered battery pack for its T-pod and a DAF chassis for its electric, driver‑less rigs. The company says it will have 1,500 autonomous trucks on the road by 2028, up from the 200‑plus units it currently operates in Europe. Revenue jumped 26% to $27 million in the first half of 2024, and management projects 60‑73% growth in the second half as it scales through partner fleets.
Why it matters for dispatchers/drivers
If Einride’s timeline holds, North‑American dispatch desks will soon be juggling mixed fleets: traditional diesel rigs, electric plug‑ins, and fully autonomous pods. Dispatchers will need to master new data streams—battery state of charge, remote‑monitoring alerts, and AI‑driven route optimization. Drivers, especially owner‑operators, could see their role erode as autonomous pods take over long‑haul lanes, pushing human drivers into short‑haul, drayage, or specialized cargo that still requires a “hand‑on” presence.
My take
Einride’s aggressive target is a wake‑up call: the industry is moving faster than most regulators and unions admit. By 2028, the average dispatcher will be handling both human‑driven and driverless loads, and those who don’t adapt will be left in the dust. The promise of lower operating costs is real, but the transition will be brutal for anyone clinging to the old diesel‑only model.
What you should do
- **Start training on ELD‑compatible telematics for autonomous fleets** – EK Dispatch Academy now offers a module on AI‑assisted dispatch and battery‑management basics.
- **Re‑evaluate your load board strategy** – partner with brokers that already handle autonomous loads to stay in the mix.
- **Future‑proof your equipment** – consider retrofitting existing trucks with compatible charging ports and data interfaces to stay compatible with emerging autonomous platforms.
*— Ekjot Singh, Founder, EK Dispatch Academy*