NuPort Robotics reports commercial traction for autonomous trucking platform
Canadian autonomous-trucking developer NuPort Robotics says its commercial deployments across retail, ports, forestry and mining have generated more revenue than the capital raised. Its retrofit NuDrive platform is operating with customers and the company is seeking further North American deployments.
Ottawa blitz takes 27 commercial vehicles out of service
A joint enforcement blitz in Ottawa inspected 67 commercial vehicles and found 27 with safety defects serious enough to require immediate removal from service. Inspectors also laid 38 charges, including offences involving brakes, tyres, licensing, load security and vehicle weight.
US data-centre protests could disrupt truck deliveries, Overhaul warns
Planned protests at more than 140 US AI data centres could restrict truck access, delay freight deliveries and increase detention, hours-of-service and cargo-security risks. Overhaul advised shippers and carriers to prepare secure staging and contingency plans.
ATRI reports record truck operating costs as fleets defer purchases
ATRI reports record average truck operating costs in 2025 as freight rates remained weak. Fleets reduced truck counts, delayed purchases and ran older equipment, while repair, tyre and driver compensation costs rose. Most cost pressures continued into the first quarter of 2026.
Ontario trucker continues milk hauling after 52 years
Ron Bowles has driven milk trucks for Allan Johnston for 52 years, returning to the road after 36 years as a dispatcher. The 71-year-old continues hauling milk between farms near Listowel and a Toronto processing plant, highlighting changes in trucking work and vehicle technology.
Texas opens first mechanical runaway-truck arresting system
Texas has opened the state’s first mechanical runaway-truck arresting system on El Paso’s Loop 375. Eight energy-absorbing net stations can stop a 90,000-pound truck travelling at 90 mph, strengthening safety provision on the route.
Corgi enters trucking insurance with AI-enabled platform
Corgi has entered the trucking insurance market with an AI-enabled platform using real-time operational data to streamline underwriting, claims and policy access. It is integrating the offering with AtoB’s factoring, payments, telematics and brokerage services.
US used Class 8 truck retail sales rise 11% in June
Preliminary ACT Research data shows US same-dealer used Class 8 truck retail sales rose 11% month on month in June, while average prices increased 5% to more than $61,000. Auction and wholesale sales declined.
US Army orders 115 more Mack Defense heavy dump trucks
The US Army has ordered 115 additional Mack Defense M917A3 heavy dump trucks, taking recent orders to 208 vehicles worth more than $84 million under a five-year contract for up to 450 trucks.
EPA proposes easing 2027 heavy-duty truck compliance costs
The US EPA has proposed retaining 2027 heavy-duty diesel NOx limits while delaying durability requirements, limiting warranty expansion and removing mandatory DEF derates. It estimates savings of up to $6,000 per engine, potentially affecting truck-buying decisions.
HDT names nine finalists for 2026 Truck Fleet Innovator programme
Heavy Duty Trucking has named nine finalists for its 2026 Truck Fleet Innovator programme, recognising fleet professionals advancing operations through electric trucks, AI, safety initiatives, software and new approaches to recruitment and workforce development.
Dry-van spot rates overtake contract rates as truck capacity tightens
DAT’s June index shows US dry-van spot rates exceeded contract rates for the first time since February 2022. Rates rose across trailer categories despite modest volumes, indicating tightening truck capacity and greater pricing power for carriers.
FTR trucking index hits record as tight capacity lifts freight rates
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index reached a record 20.4 in May, up from 11.6 in April, as tight truck capacity, disruptions and fuel-cost recovery drove freight rates higher despite generally soft demand.
Volvo adds VNL and VNR Electric trucks to American Truck Simulator
Volvo Trucks North America has added the VNL and VNR Electric to American Truck Simulator. The VNR Electric is the game’s first battery-electric Class 8 truck, giving players a virtual experience of Volvo’s latest heavy-duty models.
NACFE details renewable natural gas truck maintenance requirements
A NACFE report outlines maintenance requirements for heavy-duty fleets using renewable natural gas, including high-pressure fuel-system inspections, specialist training, spark-plug and oil servicing, catalyst monitoring and coolant checks.
Mack adds Lock & Leave to simplify truck software updates
Mack Trucks is adding Lock & Leave to its over-the-air update platform, allowing drivers and technicians to start eligible updates before leaving trucks unattended. The feature will initially support Mack’s newest platforms and is expected this autumn after validation.
Best Fleets findings highlight trust and AI route planning in driver retention
Findings from CarriersEdge’s Best Fleets to Drive For programme show that open communication and trust remain central to truck-driver retention. Leonard’s Express is testing AI route planning based on driver preferences to make dispatch decisions appear fairer.
NACFE sets biodiesel maintenance guidance for truck fleets
A NACFE report says truck fleets using biodiesel must manage fuel storage, cold-weather performance, filter changes and oil-drain intervals. The guidance highlights biodiesel’s lubricity and emissions benefits while warning that adoption requires tighter maintenance controls.
NACFE outlines renewable diesel maintenance guidance for truck fleets
NACFE says renewable diesel can cut fleet carbon emissions with little change to trucks, fuelling infrastructure or maintenance. Fleets should nevertheless monitor seals, cold-weather performance, DPF regeneration and SCR temperatures.
NACFE report details changing maintenance needs for diesel truck fleets
A new NACFE report examines how North American truck fleets are adapting maintenance for software-intensive diesel engines. It highlights oil analysis, coolant testing, connected diagnostics, condition-based servicing and technician training as fleets navigate the transition to new powertrains.
Mack Defense secures $47m to continue US Army truck production
Mack Defense has secured $47 million in US federal funding to continue producing M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks for the Army at its Allentown facility. The appropriation supports a five-year contract for up to 450 vehicles.
Trucker Path integrates CargoNet theft intelligence into truck navigation
Trucker Path has integrated Verisk CargoNet’s cargo-theft intelligence into its commercial navigation platform. The US service overlays county-level risk ratings, stolen-commodity trends and theft methods to help truck drivers and fleets make safer routing decisions.
WEX and TFS launch equipment finance programme for North American fleets
WEX and TFS Financial have launched a financing programme for trucking and transport companies in the US and Canada, giving WEX’s over-the-road fleet customers access to equipment loans through TFS’s lender-matching platform.
US truckload rates rise as driver shortages tighten capacity
US truckload rates continued rising in May and June as driver shortages, regulatory enforcement and reduced equipment investment tightened capacity. Analysts say the freight-market recovery remains primarily supply-driven, with spot rates well above 2025 levels.
CACSA develops aerodynamic bullbar for South African truck fleets
Commercial Auto Components SA is developing an aerodynamic bullbar for long-haul trucks. Ansys FEA simulations indicated about 32% lower average turbulence intensity than its existing design, aiming to improve vehicle protection without compromising fuel efficiency.
ATRI seeks motor carriers for driver-facing camera safety study
ATRI is recruiting motor carriers for a confidential study measuring how driver-facing cameras affect truck-fleet safety and operational metrics. The research will compare pre- and post-deployment outcomes and examine strategies for managing in-cab data.
Chevrolet adds Duramax diesel to 2027 Silverado Work Truck
Chevrolet has unveiled the 2027 Silverado 1500, making its 3.0-litre Duramax diesel available in the Work Truck trim for the first time. The update also adds new V8 engines, standardises larger displays and retains Super Cruise on selected trims.
Questar AI study quantifies fuel waste from degraded truck aftertreatment
Questar’s AI analysis of a mixed heavy-duty fleet found degraded diesel particulate filters and SCR systems wasted an average of $27 in fuel per vehicle per day. Its platform uses telematics, diagnostic data and predictive models to quantify maintenance-related fuel loss.
ATRI study highlights truck detention’s $15bn cost to US fleets
An ATRI study finds truck detention affects nearly 40% of stops, costing US for-hire fleets 135 million hours and more than $15bn annually. The article examines safety, driver-retention and data-sharing measures to reduce delays.
Central Transport settlement highlights risks in trucking recruitment
Central Transport’s $5.5m EEOC settlement over alleged sex discrimination in driver recruitment prompts analysis of hiring records, safety performance, DEI scrutiny and risks in AI screening. ATRI research indicates women-focused recruitment can increase female driver representation.
Mack details driver-focused cab for redesigned Granite vocational truck
Mack has detailed the driver-focused cab of its redesigned Granite vocational truck, including digital controls, upgraded seating, Command Steer and MaxRide Air suspension. Orders open in the second half of 2026, with production due to begin in Pennsylvania in January 2027.
Stellantis recalls 1.3 million Jeep vehicles over fire risk
Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles worldwide over wiring that may overheat and cause a fire. Repairs will involve inspection and possible component replacement.
Ram previews ProMaster City and updates commercial-vehicle line-up
Ram has previewed the 2027 ProMaster City compact van, due with customers in the first quarter of 2027, alongside expanded ProMaster cargo options and updates to its Chassis Cab, heavy-duty and 1500 truck lines for commercial and government fleets.
Michelin expands X Line Grip D truck tyre range with retread
Michelin has expanded its X Line Grip D commercial-truck drive tyre range in North America with an additional size and a pre-mould retread using the original tread design and compound. The company says the casing supports up to four retreads and one million miles.
Volvo Trucks to enable unattended over-the-air software updates
Volvo Trucks North America will introduce unattended over-the-air updates later this year, allowing fleets to install software while trucks are parked. The capability builds on Volvo’s connected 24-volt platform and is intended to reduce operational disruption.
AI adoption spreads across trucking fleets, but human oversight remains essential
Fleet executives describe practical AI uses in trucking, including route optimisation, driver management, predictive maintenance and freight appointments. A 2026 private-fleet survey finds generative AI adoption has risen sharply, while weak data infrastructure and cybersecurity risks reinforce the need for human oversight.
Small US fleet invests in Mack tractors amid rising costs and broker scrutiny
Hell Bent Xpress owner Jamie Hagen says small trucking fleets must prepare for greater broker scrutiny, sustained fuel costs and tighter compliance demands. The South Dakota carrier has invested in six Mack Pioneer tractors, with five more ordered, citing safety technology and fuel efficiency.
Safety validation remains key barrier to scaling autonomous trucks
Nauto CEO Stefan Heck says safety validation, vast real-world datasets and controlled freight corridors are the main barriers to scaling autonomous trucks. He also highlights continuing human oversight, economic incentives and the need for harmonised US standards.
Peterbilt unveils limited-production Freedom 250 Model 589 truck
Peterbilt has unveiled the limited-production Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589 truck, with only 250 units available to order through authorised dealerships until the end of 2026.
ATRI links truck safety technology to lower insurance losses
ATRI reports that trucking liability premiums rose 38% from 2015 to 2024 despite falling crash rates. Six safety technologies, including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, were correlated with lower per-mile liability losses.
US truck tonnage holds at highest level since 2022
The American Trucking Associations’ For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index was unchanged in April at 117.8, remaining at its highest level since autumn 2022. Tonnage was up 3.5% year on year and 2.6% in the first four months of 2026.
US ruling increases safety scrutiny for freight brokers and carriers
The US Supreme Court’s broker-liability ruling allows negligent-hiring claims against freight brokers that select unsafe motor carriers. The decision is expected to increase carrier vetting, safety documentation and compliance costs across trucking.
DAT: Fuel Costs Lift April Truckload Rates as Volumes Decline
DAT reports April truckload spot rates rose across van, refrigerated and flatbed segments, driven mainly by higher diesel surcharges rather than stronger demand. Freight volumes declined, while reduced small-carrier capacity tightened spot-to-contract spreads.
Scania Wins German Telematics Award for Driver Management
Scania has been awarded the German Telematics Award 2024 for its driver management solutions, highlighting its commitment to efficiency and sustainable fleet operations.
Scania Annual and Sustainability Report Overview 2015-2022
Scania's reports highlight initiatives for sustainable transport while integrating financial, social, and environmental performance in a comprehensive manner.
Scania Reaches 500,000 Connected Vehicles Milestone
Scania has surpassed 500,000 connected vehicles, enhancing data analysis capabilities and supporting customers with fleet management services to improve efficiency and sustainability.
