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Trucks pulling two 28-foot trailers, or “pups,” have become common in the LTL segment as large fleets utilize these vehicle combinations to increase flexibility in their delivery networks.

Knowing that comfort is a major factor in driver retention, trucking companies have taken action through their choices of auxiliary power units and approach toward idle management.

Connected truck capabilities such as remote diagnostics and over-the-air software updates are becoming more standard and more powerful as manufacturers integrate them into their designs.

According to industry leaders, this simple, yet crucial detail for fleets to consider when adding electric trucks to their rosters should be their top priority: where to plug them in.

Challenges remain for fleets wishing to integrate battery-electric trucks into their operations, but some early adopters are successfully deploying these vehicles.

The Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards system is undergoing major updates, including an online portal and codes for electric vehicles.

Drivers have had to grow accustomed to driver-assistance technologies such as the lane-assist function as fleets adopt the features for safety and legal reasons. 

Industry leaders are pointing to several positive indicators that have caused a drop in aftermarket parts prices in the second quarter of 2023 from the first quarter.

Trailer manufacturers are “eating backlog” now that market demand has normalized and supply chain disruptions have abated after the pandemic. But some components are still in short supply.

Fleets that want to test the waters with electric vehicles or other technology don’t have to do it themselves or even use their own trucks. Leasing companies are providing that opportunity.