Heavy commercial vehicles, their technology, manufacturing, operations or markets.
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.
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.
API approves PC-12 heavy-duty oil category for EPA 2027 engines
API has approved the PC-12 heavy-duty diesel oil category for engines designed to meet US EPA 2027 standards. Its CL-4 and FB-4 specifications target improved oxidation control, wear protection and aftertreatment compatibility, while fleets assess maintenance impacts using their own data.
Atlas targets 100 Kodiak driverless trucks in Permian Basin
Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding Kodiak’s driverless frac-sand haulage in Texas and New Mexico, adding a second load-out site and targeting 100 autonomous heavy trucks by mid-2027. Public-road operations are expected in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Brake Safety Week targets commercial-vehicle drums and rotors
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will focus its 23–29 August Brake Safety Week inspections in Canada, Mexico and the US on drums and rotors, removing vehicles with serious brake or other violations from service and collecting enforcement data.
Amerit expands Canadian commercial-vehicle operations with Triple Diamond acquisition
Amerit Fleet Solutions has acquired Mississauga-based Triple Diamond Truck and Trailer Repair, expanding its Canadian commercial-vehicle maintenance and repair operations through the Pro Reefer platform.
US launches Freedom Haulers programme to recruit veteran truck drivers
The US administration has launched Freedom Haulers to recruit veterans into heavy-truck driving, expanding CDL waivers, tuition support and training pathways while easing licensing for service members.
Isuzu launches US veterans apprenticeship for commercial-truck technicians
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has launched a nationwide paid apprenticeship programme for US military veterans, combining dealership experience, mentorship and Isuzu technical training to strengthen its commercial-truck technician pipeline.
Truck Centers joins Battle Motors’ dealer network in the US Midwest
Truck Centers has joined Battle Motors’ dealer network, adding sales and service for its vocational trucks across Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The range includes diesel, compressed natural gas and electric models.
Hyroad opens mobile hydrogen refuelling station for trucks in California
Hyroad Energy has opened a mobile liquid-hydrogen refuelling station in Santa Fe Springs, California, supporting hydrogen-powered commercial trucks. The 1,000kg unit completed 45 transactions in its first full week, with fuelling times below 25 minutes.
ZF presents scalable 360-degree safety system for trucks and trailers
ZF is presenting scalable active-safety technology for trucks and trailers, combining radar, camera, braking and steering through a truck-trailer Ethernet link. The system supports collision prevention, highway assistance, yard manoeuvring and future automation.
Daimler to move Freightliner and Western Star production to the Carolinas
Daimler Truck North America will shift Freightliner and Western Star production from Portland to factories in North and South Carolina, with 375 workers facing layoffs as the company restructures its manufacturing network.
British Columbia passes commercial dash camera mandate
British Columbia’s Bill M217 mandates forward-facing 1080p cameras, 72-hour retention and night vision on commercial vehicles above 11,793kg operating on provincial highways. The law follows Royal Assent and applies to qualifying US-registered trucks using B.C. routes.
2026 Driver CPC rules and fleet compliance explained
A 2026 guide explains Driver CPC’s five-year, 35-hour training requirement, the distinction between National and International CPC, requalification after expiry and how fleets can track driver compliance.
US senators introduce bill targeting identity-changing trucking operators
Bipartisan US Senate legislation would study “chameleon carriers”, require the FMCSA to detect identity-changing operators during registration and improve agency information sharing, with an appeals process for wrongly flagged applicants.
Charger Logistics to deploy Aurora driverless trucks on Dallas–Laredo route
Charger Logistics will deploy Aurora’s second-generation driverless trucks on freight runs between Dallas and Laredo, Texas. The agreement is intended to add capacity and improve tractor utilisation, with further routes planned.
US freight brokers overhaul carrier vetting after liability rulings
US freight brokers are reviewing motor-carrier vetting after court decisions increased liability risks. The industry is seeking clearer FMCSA standards, while new guidance emphasises documented safety checks, controlled exceptions and action against fraud and double brokering.