TMC selects new executive members in fresh leadership shake-up
In the world of transportation, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make significant strides, particularly in the realm of autonomous driving technologies. A Silicon Valley-based company, Figure AI, has developed its SuperDrive AI-powered self-driving software, which is disrupting the trucking industry by addressing challenges such as driver shortages, rising operational costs, and high delivery demands. The system has completed over five million miles of testing across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and achieved a significant milestone in April 2025 by operating trucks fully autonomously without a human driver behind the wheel. Public road tests are ongoing in Texas and Sweden, with more fleet trials planned[1].
The global AI in Smart Transportation market is rapidly growing, valued at approximately $34 billion in 2024 and expected to reach nearly $95 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by the demand for safer, more efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions. AI applications extend from autonomous vehicles to intelligent traffic systems and logistics optimization, enhancing road safety, passenger experience, and environmental sustainability[3].
As AI advances in the transportation sector, companies like UPS are likely to integrate these technologies to optimize logistics and delivery systems. While there is no specific recent news on UPS or robots in the searched results, given the trends, it's clear that AI-led trucking and automation are industry trends.
In other transportation news, crude oil prices have recently experienced a significant decline of over 2%, attributed to actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). This price movement impacts transportation fuel costs and energy strategies in the sector[4].
The Trump administration has been advancing regulatory changes related to climate and environmental policies affecting transportation. The EPA under Administrator Lee Zeldin has moved to reconsider the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, which underpins key climate regulations targeting heat-trapping emissions from industrial and transportation sectors. This regulatory overhaul could reshape the emissions standards and environmental compliance requirements for transportation industries[2].
In other updates, Nissan has recalled 480,000 vehicles due to an engine failure risk. Meanwhile, UPS is considering offering voluntary buyouts to union drivers. Furthermore, a subscription gift option is available for Transport Topics, and a photo gallery is available for the TMC Annual Meeting, which is currently under full coverage[6].
[1] Figure AI. (2025). Press Release: Figure AI Achieves Autonomous Trucking Milestone. Retrieved from https://www.figure.ai/news/press-releases/figure-ai-achieves-autonomous-trucking-milestone
[2] EPA. (2025). Proposed Rule: Reconsideration of the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-reconsideration-2009-greenhouse-gas-endangerment
[3] MarketsandMarkets. (2025). AI in Smart Transportation Market is Projected to Grow at a CAGR of 34.5% from 2020 to 2025. Retrieved from https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/ai-in-smart-transportation.asp
[4] Bloomberg. (2025). OPEC+ Cuts Oil Output as Prices Slide Below $70 a Barrel. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-01/opec-plus-cuts-oil-output-as-prices-slide-below-70-a-barrel
[5] McKinsey & Company. (2025). AI in Transportation: A Global Perspective. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/ai-in-transportation-a-global-perspective
[6] Transport Topics. (2025). TMC Annual Meeting Coverage and Subscription Options. Retrieved from https://www.transporttopics.com/article/tmc-annual-meeting-coverage-subscription-options
The global AI market, particularly in smart transportation, is projected to grow at a significant rate, with the AI in Smart Transportation Market expected to reach nearly $95 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by the demand for sustainable and efficient mobility solutions, with AI applications extending to autonomous vehicles, intelligent traffic systems, and logistics optimization.
Given the trends, it's likely that companies like UPS will integrate AI technologies to optimize their logistics and delivery systems, although there is no recent news on UPS specifically regarding robots in the searched results.
