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Why vehicle context matters for truck diagnostics and uptime
Sonatus argues that fault codes without surrounding vehicle data can drive repeat repairs, warranty costs and alert fatigue. It says event-triggered data capture on heavy trucks could provide better diagnostic context and support future predictive models.
Hino adds 11 models to Australia’s 700 Series truck range
Hino has expanded its Australian 700 Series range with 11 models featuring the M112 12-speed automated manual transmission and A09C or E13C engines, adding driveline and axle configurations for freight, vocational and regional operations.
Paccar Connect to become standard on most 2027 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks
Paccar will make its factory-integrated Connect platform standard on most 2027 Kenworth and Peterbilt Class 8 trucks. It combines in-cab displays, fleet apps and native diagnostics, with the platform due to arrive in early 2027.
Tycannah rest-area upgrade adds heavy-vehicle parking
A$12 million upgrade of the Tycannah Rest Areas on the Newell Highway is complete, adding parking for up to 30 heavy vehicles, improved access and modern facilities to support safer breaks for truck drivers.
ANCAP urges broader safety focus as commercial-vehicle fatalities rise
Australia’s mid-term road-safety review found fatalities involving light commercial vehicles rose by an average 12.1% and those involving heavy vehicles by 7.2% against the baseline. ANCAP is urging fleets to prioritise safety technology and calling for more consistent national crash data.
Gold Coast commits further $1.946m to commercial vehicle safety
Following a serious 2020 truck incident, the City of Gold Coast has committed at least $1.946 million to fleet safety measures, including side guards for 166 tipper trucks, reversing cameras for 297 heavy vehicles and proximity sensors for 40 trucks.
UTAC to manage and operate Satory vehicle test tracks in Versailles
UTAC will manage, operate and commercialise the Satory test tracks in Versailles, opening unused capacity to industrial clients. The facility can accommodate vehicles up to 80 tonnes and supports heavy-vehicle and defence testing.
Mack introduces four selectable extended-coverage plans for truck systems
Mack has introduced four extended-coverage plans for heavy-duty trucks, covering driveline, cab and exterior, HVAC, and safety and vehicle electronics. Fleets can buy plans individually or combine them instead of choosing comprehensive chassis coverage.
European businesses urge EU to retain heavy-duty vehicle CO₂ standards
European businesses and organisations urge the EU not to weaken heavy-duty vehicle CO₂ standards or bring forward their planned 2027 review, warning that changes could undermine investment certainty and the shift to electric trucks.
Kodiak and DTL begin autonomous-truck produce pilot in California
Kodiak AI and DTL Transport began a pilot on 22 September, hauling produce from Fresno to Los Angeles in an autonomous truck with a safety driver. The companies will assess transit times, shipping costs and produce shelf life; the permit does not allow driverless testing.
Australian bridge strikes cost $101m as fleet risks grow
A report estimates 1,220 bridge strikes in Australia in FY2025, costing about $101m, with incidents potentially rising to 1,500 a year by FY2035. Growing freight volumes, ageing infrastructure and driver turnover increase the need for fleet route planning and bridge-height warnings.
HDT opens 2026 Emerging Leaders award nominations
Heavy Duty Trucking is seeking nominations for its 2026 Emerging Leaders awards, recognising professionals under 40 working in Class 7 and 8 truck fleets. Nominations close on 15 October 2026.
Holman outlines fleet impact of proposed EPA 2027 diesel rules
Holman assesses proposed US changes to EPA’s 2027 low-NOx diesel rules, including warranty, useful-life, penalty and DEF requirements. It forecasts higher medium- and heavy-truck costs, constrained build slots and planning challenges for fleets.
PrePass and Kodiak integrate driverless trucks with roadside checks
PrePass and Kodiak AI are integrating enhanced inspection data from Kodiak’s driverless trucks into existing state roadside screening systems, beginning in Texas and Louisiana. The collaboration supports Kodiak’s planned US public-road driverless truck launch by the end of 2026.
Germany authorises cab-less Level 4 autonomous truck for daily logistics
Einride and Lidl are operating Germany’s first cab-less SAE Level 4 autonomous truck on public roads under a KBA permit. The vehicle transports goods between Lidl facilities, with plans to expand the route and consider further Schwarz Group deployments.
ZF unveils low-dust MAXX Uniper air disc brake for heavy-duty vehicles
ZF has unveiled its MAXX Uniper air disc brake for heavy-duty commercial vehicles at IAA Transportation 2026. A coated rotor cuts PM10 brake-particle emissions by up to 65%, while the modular design delivers up to 30,000 Nm of torque and easier servicing. Production is expected in 2027.
Volvo updates D13 engine for EPA 2027 emissions rules
Volvo Trucks North America has updated its D13 heavy-truck engine with a high-pressure common-rail system, 48-volt aftertreatment components and a revised turbocharger. Ratings run from 405 to 540 hp, with fuel-economy gains of about 4% claimed for some fleets.
Diesel price surge improves payback case for renewable natural gas trucks
An updated Energy Vision report says higher diesel prices have shortened the payback period for renewable natural gas Class 8 trucks to 1.3–2.8 years, although limited vehicle supply and fuelling infrastructure could constrain fleet adoption.
ZF’s TraXon Hybrid wins Truck Innovation Award 2027
ZF’s TraXon Hybrid heavy-duty transmission has won the Truck Innovation Award 2027. VECTO simulations indicate potential CO₂ reductions of up to 47% in defined long-haul conditions, while the plug-in hybrid system preserves operational flexibility.
ZF showcases commercial-vehicle technology and growth at IAA 2026
ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions reports more than €5bn in awarded 2026 business and an almost 90% customer-acquisition win rate. At IAA Transportation, it is showcasing new driveline, braking, ADAS and software-defined commercial-vehicle technologies, including the MAXX Uniper air disc brake.
ZF expands North American commercial-vehicle technology and production
ZF is expanding its North American commercial-vehicle business, bringing its PowerLine transmission to more applications and localising production of electric axles and trailer systems. The supplier is also developing hybrid technology and autonomous-truck solutions.
Kodiak says driverless long-haul truck operations remain on track for 2026
Kodiak AI says its long-haul autonomous-trucking safety case is 93% complete and remains on track for commercial driverless operations by the end of 2026. The remaining work centres on engineering verification and validation.
US DOT outlines regulatory strategy for driverless trucks
The US Department of Transportation has published a 2026–2030 automated-vehicle strategy covering planned rules for driverless commercial vehicles, safety standards, hazmat operations and more consistent interstate deployment.
PlusAI targets 2027 autonomous truck launch with up to $300m SPAC funding
PlusAI has agreed to merge with Texas Ventures Acquisition III in a deal that could provide up to $300m for its Level 4 autonomous heavy-truck programme. The funding is intended to support OEM integration and a factory-built truck launch targeted for 2027.
NHTSA plans to rewrite US heavy-truck fuel-economy rules
NHTSA says it lacks authority to regulate heavy-truck engines separately from complete vehicles, paving the way for a future rewrite of US fuel-economy rules. Existing standards remain in force while the agency considers vehicle-level requirements and manufacturers’ compliance flexibility.
Coach House selects Microlise fleet platform for 20 HGVs
Coach House will deploy Microlise’s planning, journey-management, SmartPOD and telematics solutions across its 20 HGVs, replacing paper-based processes with integrated digital workflows, electronic proof of delivery and improved fleet visibility.
Detroit opens orders for EPA 2027-compliant heavy-duty engines
Daimler Truck North America will open orders on 1 September for Detroit Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines in Freightliner and Western Star trucks. The engines feature updated fuel, emissions and thermal-management systems after three years and more than 8 million miles of testing.
Germany’s HGV Sunday driving ban and 2026 low-water exemptions
DAKO outlines Germany’s Sunday and public-holiday driving ban for HGVs, its exemptions and penalties, alongside temporary 2026 exemptions introduced during low water levels on major inland waterways.
US-Canada truck tariffs threaten cross-border freight operations
Tariff negotiations between the US and Canada have stalled, with medium- and heavy-duty trucks among the key disputes. Industry warnings indicate prolonged tariffs could reduce freight volumes, create equipment imbalances and increase cross-border trucking costs.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks introduces Base and Line Haul models in Southern Africa
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has expanded its Southern African range with new Base and Line Haul heavy-duty models. The Base variants focus on cost-conscious operations, while Line Haul models target long-distance transport with enhanced comfort, efficiency and range.
Cross-border freight faces enforcement and tolling barriers in Southern Africa
An analysis of the enforcement, duplicated inspections, informal costs and tolling practices disrupting cross-border heavy-truck freight between South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and the DRC.
Blacktown cuts fleet defects through proactive maintenance
Blacktown City Council says structured 13-week servicing and independent pre-start checks have reduced daily fleet defect lists from about 17 pages to six or seven items, helping keep waste and service vehicles available.
California permits autonomous truck testing as Teamsters sue over rules
California has issued permits for Aurora and Kodiak to test heavy-duty autonomous trucks with safety drivers under new rules. The Teamsters have sued the DMV, alleging inadequate assessment of the regulations’ economic and safety impacts.
Elite Group reaches 2026 Safe Fleet Award final
Australian heavy-vehicle operator Elite Group has reached the finals of the 2026 Safe Fleet Award. Judges highlighted its integrated safety programme, including telematics monitoring, driver coaching, compliance controls and QR-based incident reporting across its 62-truck fleet.
ZF expands technology-open commercial-vehicle decarbonisation portfolio
ZF is presenting a technology-open commercial-vehicle decarbonisation portfolio at IAA Transportation 2026, combining hybrid and electric drivelines, trailer electrification, air-management systems and integrated software to improve efficiency and support fleet transition.
EEOC sues KLLM over alleged discrimination against female driver trainees
The EEOC has sued KLLM Transport Services and KLLM Driving Academy, alleging female student drivers faced discriminatory training arrangements, delayed starts and unpaid waiting time at facilities in Texas and Mississippi.
First Volvo R70 rigid hauler enters service at German quarry
The first Volvo CE R70 rigid hauler in Europe has entered service at SHF Steinbruchbetriebe’s Bettenfeld Quarry in Germany. Built in Scotland, the Stage V machine has a 65-tonne payload and is designed for efficient, comfortable quarry operations.
Engine Technology Forum backs SCR systems in testimony on US heavy-duty rules
The Engine Technology Forum has testified to the US EPA on proposed 2027-plus heavy-duty engine rules, defending SCR and DEF systems while addressing derating provisions and operational challenges for truck operators.
US expands Homeland Security role in truck-safety enforcement
The Trump administration is broadening Homeland Security’s role in US truck-safety enforcement, including roadside operations and investigations into CDL training schools. A July operation across four states placed 766 drivers and vehicles out of service and detained 51 people over suspected immigration violations.
Manitoulin Transport founder Doug Smith dies aged 93
Doug Smith, who founded Manitoulin Transport in 1960 and built it into one of Canada’s largest privately owned trucking companies, has died aged 93. He was also recognised for his contribution to the industry and Northern Ontario communities.
Trimac acquires California Freight to expand US bulk transport operations
Trimac Transportation has acquired California Freight, adding food-grade bulk trucking, warehousing and brokerage operations across California and Nevada to its US business.
Southeastern Freight Lines marks 45 years at Valdosta service centre
Southeastern Freight Lines is marking 45 years at its Valdosta service centre, which has expanded from seven employees and nine dock doors to 63 employees and 107 doors.
U.S. trucking capacity tightens as freight spending rises despite falling shipments
The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index shows U.S. trucking capacity tightening in the second quarter, with shipments falling while freight spending and spot and contract rates rose sharply amid a shrinking carrier base.
Clean Energy expands Canadian CNG network as fleets add natural-gas trucks
Clean Energy Fuels is expanding its CNG fuelling network in British Columbia and Alberta as Canadian trucking, refuse and oilfield fleets order additional natural-gas heavy trucks using Cummins’ X15N engine.
BFS expands European fleet network to Hungary
BFS has added Hungary to its European partner network through a collaboration with INTER-ÉPFU near Budapest. The partnership will offer MAN commercial-vehicle rental and expand flexible mobility and service solutions for the Hungarian transport market.
US senators question FMCSA over truck and bus crash data
US senators have asked FMCSA to explain possible undercounting of large-truck and bus crashes and a sharp fall in motor-carrier enforcement cases, citing concerns that incomplete safety data could hinder action against high-risk operators.
Paccar recalls 5,919 heavy trucks over possible electrical fault
Paccar is recalling 5,919 2027 Peterbilt and Kenworth heavy trucks after oil contamination may affect their power distribution centre boxes. Dealers will inspect serial numbers and replace defective units free of charge; no related field reports had been received by 27 July.
Maska acquires Kenworth and PacLease Montréal operations
Maska has acquired four Kenworth dealerships, three TRP parts stores and PacLease Montréal’s leasing operations, expanding its network to 19 locations, nearly 150 service bays and about 700 employees.
Range Energy powered trailer brings hybrid assistance to existing heavy trucks
Range Energy’s powered trailer, using ZF’s AxTrax 2 electric axle and batteries, can add propulsion and regenerative braking to existing heavy trucks. A test-track ride showed smoother launches, potential fuel and emissions savings, and power for trailer equipment without new charging infrastructure.