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While new technology is driving trucking forward, the industry still needs the expertise of service professionals to keep tomorrow’s equipment running smoothly.

Across three industry events in the span of just a few days last week, the evolution of automated driving was front and center, with everyone from government leaders to technology innovators looking ahead to how — and at what pace — automation might someday reshape the trucking industry.

The Nov. 26 announcement from General Motors Co. that it plans to shut down five factories and lay off thousands of workers sent shock waves through the government and business communities, and with good reason.

The themes of partnership, outreach and unity were present throughout speeches and presentations at this year’s American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition. Cooperation between ATA and the federal government was a central tenet.

The decision by Uber to halt testing of its autonomous trucks in the wake of a fatal accident involving one of its pilot autonomous cars was a prudent move, and one that demonstrates how the relentless pace of technological innovation sometimes needs a pause.

Automated driving technology has been a consistently hot topic in the trucking industry over the past few years, but the glare of the spotlight was particularly bright last week at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s annual meeting and beyond.

While President Donald Trump is calling for reversals of some environmental regulations, it’s important to note what isn’t changing. And that is the commitment that freight carriers, truck makers and even some shippers, such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc., are making to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Big truck shows are always a good way to learn about what’s going on in the world of trucking equipment and technology. You also get to catch up with friends and acquaintances, compare notes about industry trends and, well, gossip.

The sight of two gleaming tractor-trailers parked on the South Lawn of the White House signaled that last Thursday was no ordinary day for the trucking industry.