Truckers point out risk from autonomous big rigs and hackable ELDs as feds eye ban on Chinese and Russian connected vehicle tech

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) weighed in on a recent proposal to ban connected vehicle technology that incorporates hardware or software from U.S. foreign adversaries.

Rule To Ban Chinese & Russian Tech From U.S. Connected Vehicles

In September, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would prohibit the sale or import of connected vehicles (including cars, trucks, and busses) equipped with hardware or software originating from China or Russia.

The proposed rule specifically focuses on the dangers of foreign technology integrated into Vehicle Connectivity Systems (VCS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS), as “malicious access to these systems could allow adversaries to access and collect our most sensitive data and remotely manipulate cars on American roads.”

Federal officials say that the proposed rule would help protect national security as well as U.S. drivers.

OOIDA Calls Out Cybersecurity Dangers For Truckers

On October 28, OOIDA filed a public comment on the NPRM, pointing to several specific cybersecurity issues affecting the trucking industry.

In a letter addressed to Department of Commerce officials, OOIDA President Todd Spencer states that “this rulemaking can reduce unacceptable risks to national security and professional drivers posed by vehicle technology components that are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by foreign adversaries.”

OOIDA went on to point out security risks associated with autonomous trucking technology. Specifically, the group highlighted that “current leading autonomous trucking companies have relationships with Chinese light detection and ranging (LIDAR) software suppliers.” OOIDA called out prominent self-driving truck tech company Aurora for allegedly using LIDAR technology from China-based Hesai Group.

“As of September 2024, Aurora has hauled over 7,000 loads for pilot customers across nearly two million commercial miles. It’s unclear exactly how many miles have already been traversed in the U.S. by autonomous trucking companies using Chinese or Russian technology components,” OOIDA said.

OOIDA also pointed to recent headlines about cybersecurity risks associated with Electronic Logging Devices (ELD), and asked officials for clarification on whether the proposed rule banning Russian and Chinese technology would apply to these devices.

Spencer concluded:

“While we are still years away from fully connected vehicles, there are undoubtedly autonomous trucks currently operating on U.S. roads that are equipped with components, parts, or technologies manufactured by foreign adversaries. This is another reason for more comprehensive regulatory oversight of autonomous technology developers. We urge collaboration between the Department of Commerce and the Department of Transportation along with other federal agencies to ensure that AVs are deployed in a transparent and safe manner.”