End User Perspectives of a Smart Card-Based Commercial Driver’s License

The commercial vehicle operations (CVO) sector is considering adoption of several smart card technologies. Previous research on intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and technology usage in the trucking industry focused primarily on technology adoption issues from the perspective of state and federal regulatory agencies and motor carrier companies. To extend this research, interviews with truck drivers were conducted to determine direct end user perceptions and needs. Institutional issues remain the biggest barriers to adoption in the near future. Issues for truck drivers include privacy, operation and management of a smart commercial driver’s license (CDL) system, role of a smart CDL in ITS/CVO user service areas and links with other relevant information and trucking technologies, addition of other applications aside from licensing, and regulatory burden on carriers and drivers. Applications such as emergency contact and organ donor were strongly supported, but drivers were cautious about implementation of smart CDLs and their potential benefits. As with other computer and electronic technologies, use and experience will influence attitudes and views toward these technologies. Strategies and opportunities to address these concerns are outlined.