Why the ‘Driverless’ Narrative Is Failing the Freight Industry

27 January 2026

Toby Patrick

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To many people, the thought of stepping into a driverless vehicle or being surrounded by them would seem risky. Yet despite this, according to many, the future of freight is driverless. But if we are moving towards a driverless future, we’re doing so more slowly than was expected. Is this an us problem, or is it a technology problem?

Modern silver train on tracks in an urban area, with mountains in the background. Visible power lines and a sign in the foreground.

Fear Before Function

There’s a lot of talk about driverless technology, but the action doesn’t match the talk. If we were to go back to the start of the millennium, I think most opinion leaders would agree that we’d be surrounded by driverless cars, trains, trucks and planes. Even in today’s current state of affairs, driverless vehicles seem to make the news regularly, but how many businesses are actually using the technology? How many people have stepped into a driverless vehicle? The numbers are pretty low, and there still appears to be a massive gap between marketing and adoption.

The Skill Shortage

The industry also appears to be at somewhat of a crossroads. Fewer people are undergoing transport training out of fear of a driverless future, but driverless technology isn’t at the point where it can replace traditional transport.

Not only does this contribute towards a driver shortage, but it has also contributed to a skill shortage in terms of developing driverless tech. While some are wary of entering the industry as a driver, others are viewing it from the opposite side, hesitant to step into technology-based roles in case the industry doesn’t come into fruition.

This is leaving the industry with an all-around shortage, and it may explain why the vision of a driverless future hasn’t taken off. In short, the industry is in desperate need of a recruitment-driven rebrand that attracts skilled drivers, engineers and startups to help transition us from one era to the next.

The Reality

We often fall into the trap of assuming that automation and robotics replace human jobs. The reality is that advances in technology often create new jobs and opportunities. If we are to achieve a driverless future, we’ll still need humans for quality assurance, legislation, maintenance and decision making.

Who Can Actually Build ‘Driverless’?

To bring the vision of driverless freight to life, it will require a first mover to prove that the vision is actually achievable. Often, this responsibility falls to a billion-dollar company to fund the research & development, infrastructure and marketing. Until we reach that point, driverless freight is likely to be beyond the reach of small businesses, which ultimately delays driverless freight from becoming the new normal.

Signs of Progress

On the subject of driverless becoming the new normal, it is positive to see signs of progress. Visible progress includes the driverless cabs that are becoming increasingly normal in places like Las Vegas. Obviously, driverless freight comes with far more complexity, but it does at least stress that society’s confidence in driverless vehicles is on the up.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t seem to be a question of if we will adopt driverless transport, but more a question of when. And we are certainly moving towards this, albeit slowly. With the likes of Tesla ploughing millions into driverless cars and driverless trains becoming increasingly common in some parts of the world, surely it’s only a matter of time until driverless freight becomes the new norm.

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Facebook Marketplace: The Pros and Cons for Buyers and Sellers

Ellie Waiton
Apr 24, 2025
2 min read

Facebook Marketplace has become a go-to platform for buying and selling items locally. With millions of users and a wide range of listings, it's easy to see why people turn to it instead of traditional selling platforms. But like anything, it has its ups and downs. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons from both a seller’s and buyer’s point of view.

Pros for Sellers

1. It’s Free to Use

Unlike some other platforms, Facebook Marketplace doesn’t charge listing fees or take a cut from your sales, making it a great option for casual sellers.

2. Local Audience

Because it connects you with people in your area, it’s easier to sell items quickly without the hassle of shipping.

3. Quick and Easy Listings

You can post an item in just a few minutes, complete with photos, descriptions, and pricing.

4. Wide Reach

With so many people using Facebook daily, your items can get a lot of visibility quickly.

Cons for Sellers

1. Scams and Fake Buyers

Scams are common. From fake payment screenshots to phishing links, sellers need to stay alert.

2. Unreliable Buyers

People may agree to buy something and never show up, or they might go quiet after expressing interest.

3. Haggling and Low Offers

You’ll often get offers far below your asking price, even when you’ve already priced your item fairly.

4. No Guarantees or Support

If something goes wrong, Facebook support can be difficult to reach and offers limited resolution tools.

Pros for Buyers

1. Affordable Prices

Many items are secondhand and priced to sell quickly, which means you can snag some serious bargains.

2. No Shipping Fees

Because most items are picked up locally, you don’t have to worry about paying for shipping.

3. Useful for Everyday Items

From furniture to electronics to kids’ toys, Marketplace can be a goldmine for practical purchases.

4. Easy Communication

You can message sellers directly through Facebook, making the buying process simple and fast.

Cons for Buyers

1. Risk of Scams

Just like sellers, buyers need to be cautious of scams, such as fake products or misleading listings.

2. Unresponsive Sellers

Some sellers post items and then disappear, or they don’t respond to questions.

3. No shows

Buyers can waste time arranging a meetup only for the seller to cancel last-minute or not show up at all.

4. Lack of Buyer Protection

Unlike platforms like eBay or Amazon, there’s very little recourse if you buy something and it turns out to be faulty or different from what was advertised.

Final Thoughts on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can be a great tool whether you're trying to make some quick cash or find a good deal. It’s convenient, easy to use, and cost effective, but it’s not without its flaws. Whether you're buying or selling, always stay cautious, meet in safe locations, and trust your gut. With the right approach, Facebook Marketplace can be both a practical and rewarding experience.