According to TCN, the updated website includes revised brochures, new videos and improvements to its ROI calculator, allowing users to estimate potential costs and benefits based on their own truck or fleet information.

Updated Resources Focus on Advanced Safety Technologies

The TechCelerate Now program provides research and educational materials covering a variety of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) used in commercial trucks. These technologies are designed to assist drivers and may include systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The updated website now features a five-minute overview video along with three shorter videos intended to explain the purpose and operation of various ADAS technologies. TCN has also refreshed two informational brochures covering both the safety benefits and potential operational considerations associated with adopting onboard safety systems.

Printed copies of the brochures are also available upon request for industry meetings and educational events.

ROI Calculator Receives New Features

One of the most significant updates is an enhanced ROI calculator that allows users to enter information about their trucks or fleets to estimate the potential financial impact of adding specific safety technologies.

According to TCN, the calculator uses cost and safety data associated with individual ADAS technologies to generate customized estimates based on the information entered by the user. The tool is intended to help motor carriers and owner-operators compare potential technology investments using their own operating data.

Government and Industry Partnership

TechCelerate Now is a collaborative initiative involving government agencies and trucking industry organizations. Participating partners include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) Foundation.

Additional information, including the updated brochures, videos and ROI calculator, is available here.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 12, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: TCN

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Headquartered in Madison, Indiana, Grote’s story tracks closely with the evolution of modern transportation, from early manufacturing roots to today’s advanced safety and trailer technologies.

From Early Manufacturing to Industry Standard

Grote Industries began in 1901, founded by William D. Grote as a chemical and industrial oxygen company. As trucking and commercial transportation expanded, the business adapted alongside it.

By the 1920s, Grote was already breaking new ground with plastic manufacturing, including the development of injection-molded products and automated molding technology. That early focus on innovation carried into 1929, when the company introduced the first retro-reflective vehicle reflector. That advancement helped establish the standard for the reflectors still used across highways today.

For drivers, that kind of equipment is not just another component. It is part of what keeps trucks visible and operations moving safely in all conditions.

Built Around Real-World Fleet Needs

Over the decades, Grote introduced products aimed at solving everyday challenges faced by drivers and maintenance teams.

Among those developments:

• The first all non-metallic lamp, designed for durability in demanding conditions
• The Turtle-Back Marker Lamp was introduced in 1965
• A no-splice wiring system to simplify installation and reduce failure points
•  The Ultra-Blue-Seal modular trailer wiring system in 1983
• The industry’s first LED marker light in 1989

Each step forward focused on reducing downtime, improving reliability, and making equipment easier to maintain in real-world fleet operations.

A Company Culture That Stayed Consistent

Even as technology evolved, the company remained family-owned, something leadership says has shaped its long-term approach.

Bill Grote, current Chairman of the Board, has pointed to the role family values played in building that foundation, emphasizing discipline, responsibility, and consistency over time. Those same principles continue to influence how the company operates today, from leadership decisions to product development.

Moving Into the Next Phase of Trailer Technology

Today, Grote is expanding beyond traditional lighting and wiring into more connected systems. Through its Networks division and 4SEE platform, the company is working in areas like programmable lighting, radar integration, and telematics.

These technologies are aimed at improving both safety and efficiency, giving fleets better visibility into their equipment and performance on the road.

“For 125 years, our success has come from standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers,” said Dominic Grote, CEO. “We listen first, innovate second, and measure every advancement by how well it addresses real challenges our customers face. That commitment – to partner deeply, respond quickly, and design with purpose – continues to guide every new product we create at Grote Industries.”

Long-Term Relationships Still Driving Growth

That focus on customer relationships has been a consistent theme throughout the company’s history.

“What I’ve always been proudest of is that Grote grew the right way – by doing things honestly, treating people fairly, and never being afraid to take a chance when the opportunity was right,” said Buzz Grote, past Chairman of the Board. “When we were first experimenting with LED lamps, we took the idea straight to one of our fleet customers, and their response was simple: ‘If you can build something like that, I’d buy it.’ That trust and confidence meant everything, and it’s that same partnership with customers that has driven Grote’s success ever since.”

For fleets and owner-operators alike, that kind of collaboration often translates into equipment that actually holds up under pressure.

Recognizing 125 Years Across a Global Workforce

To mark the anniversary, Grote plans to hold companywide celebrations throughout June, bringing together employees across its global operations.

The company now operates beyond Indiana, with locations in New York, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and China. More than 1,600 employees are involved in everything from engineering and manufacturing to testing and distribution.

Why This Milestone Matters for the Industry

For trucking professionals and industry stakeholders, milestones like this are more than a company anniversary. They highlight how equipment manufacturers have helped shape safety standards, reduce maintenance challenges, and support evolving fleet needs.

Grote’s continued focus on visibility systems, electrical components, and connected trailer technology reflects where the industry is heading next.

After 125 years, the company’s direction remains tied to the same core priorities that matter on the road every day: safety, reliability, and practical innovation that works where it counts.

The post Grote Industries Marks 125 Years Supporting Trucking Safety and Innovation appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A New VNX Is Coming

Volvo confirmed that a next-generation VNX is expected to debut later this year. While details are still limited, the move points to a bigger plan already underway across the company’s lineup.

The current VNX is built for heavy-haul and severe-duty work. It has not yet been updated with Volvo’s latest platform, which has already been rolled out in the newer VNL and VNR models. Bringing the VNX into that same system would give heavy-haul operators access to the same fuel savings, safety upgrades, and connected tech.

“We’re in the midst of more than $2 billion in product investments,” said Magnus Koeck, vice president of strategy, marketing, and brand management. “And we’re not done.”

For fleets running specialized freight, this signals that Volvo is getting more serious about competing in heavy-haul and vocational segments.

What the New Platform Is Delivering So Far

Volvo’s latest truck platform first showed up in the redesigned VNL, followed by the VNR for regional operations. Early numbers are already getting attention across the industry.

The VNL is delivering fuel economy gains of 10 percent or more in real-world use. The VNR is targeting up to 7.5 percent fuel savings. For carriers watching every cost, those numbers matter.

“In today’s environment, that can mean a 3% improvement in operating margin,” Koeck said. “That’s the difference between profit and loss for many fleets.”

For owner-operators and fleet managers alike, that kind of margin shift can decide whether a truck stays profitable over time.

Expanding Production to Keep Up

To support these new trucks, Volvo is putting serious money into production. The company has invested more than $400 million into its New River Valley plant in Virginia and is building a new $700 million facility in Monterrey, Mexico.

The Mexico plant is expected to begin low-volume production later this year. Volvo has made it clear this is about adding capacity, not replacing U.S. manufacturing, as it looks to grow its footprint in North America.

Trucks Are Getting More Connected

Volvo is also pushing further into connected truck technology. More than 220,000 Volvo trucks across North America are now connected, allowing over-the-air updates that can be installed without taking trucks off the road.

Adoption has picked up quickly. In about six months, the number of trucks running the latest software jumped from roughly 25 percent to more than 80 percent. According to Volvo, trucks with updated software are seeing 24 percent fewer unplanned stops.

“Trucks today are essentially smartphones on wheels,” said product expert Maddie Sullivan. “They’re constantly improving.”

For drivers, that means fewer shop visits tied to software issues and more updates happening without downtime.

New Hardware to Support More Data

Volvo is also working on a new tractor-trailer connector designed to handle more data than current systems. Today’s connectors mainly support lights and braking, but newer trucks rely on cameras, sensors, and telematics that need more bandwidth.

The company says it is working with partners to turn this into a new standard across North America. If adopted widely, it could improve how tractors and trailers share information in real time.

Safety Features Continue to Expand

Safety remains a major focus across Volvo’s lineup. New platform trucks now include features like a side-curtain airbag for heavy-duty applications and an automatic emergency call system that alerts first responders after a crash.

Additional options include blind-spot detection along the full length of a 53-foot trailer, adaptive lighting, and Volvo Dynamic Steering.

Beyond safety itself, there is also a financial side. Volvo noted that even non-injury crashes can average close to $50,000 in damage, making prevention a priority for fleets trying to control costs.

What This Means for Drivers and Fleets

Between a new VNX on the horizon, ongoing platform upgrades, and continued investment in both hardware and software, Volvo is clearly building toward a more unified lineup.

For drivers, that likely means more consistency from truck to truck. For fleets, it points to better efficiency, fewer unexpected repairs, and more control over operating costs.

With the heavy-haul segment next in line, the upcoming VNX will be one to watch as more details come out later this year.

The post Volvo Signals Next Heavy-Haul Truck as Platform Rollout Continues appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The 2026 HDTX will take place September 23–25 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and fewer than 50 fleets have been selected to participate. Those chosen attend as guests of Heavy Duty Trucking, with airfare, hotel, meals, and programming included.

Who Attends HDTX?

HDTX has grown since its launch in 2017 into a gathering of diverse heavy-duty trucking professionals. Attendees typically include fleet owners and executives of Class 7-8 fleets, as well as managers overseeing maintenance, equipment specification, safety, compliance, and technology initiatives. The event is designed for those responsible for operational decisions and seeking solutions to day-to-day challenges in the trucking industry.

Structured Supplier Meetings

A standout feature of HDTX is its “speed dating” style one-on-one meetings with suppliers. Fleet managers get 10 minutes per session to present operational challenges and explore how suppliers’ solutions might fit. If a conversation isn’t a match, participants move on to the next meeting, keeping discussions productive and focused.

Education and Industry Insights

HDTX also offers educational sessions led by Heavy Duty Trucking editors and industry experts. Topics at previous events have included:

• Maintenance and equipment specification
• Safety and compliance
• Driver recruiting and retention
• Sustainability
• Autonomous trucks
• Leveraging fleet data and artificial intelligence

One of the event highlights is the HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Awards, which recognize fleets driving innovation in trucking. The awards ceremony is followed by a panel discussion moderated by HDT editors, offering attendees insight into the strategies and successes of top-performing fleets.

Networking Beyond the Conference Room

Beyond structured meetings and sessions, HDTX encourages networking through meals, receptions, and social activities. The small, intimate format allows fleet managers to build genuine connections with peers and suppliers, something often missing at larger conventions.

All-Expenses-Paid Participation

Fleet managers selected for HDTX attend on an all-expenses-paid basis. This includes:

• Round-trip economy airfare to Phoenix
• Two-night hotel stay at the Scottsdale Resort
• Ground transportation between the airport and the resort
• Scheduled meals and receptions

Note that incidentals, parking, and transportation to and from the attendee’s home airport are not included.

Why HDTX Matters for Fleet Managers

For fleet managers looking to stay ahead in the industry, HDTX provides several advantages:

1. Educational sessions with industry experts – curated by HDT editors specifically for fleet management challenges.
2. Peer-to-peer networking – build relationships and exchange ideas in a setting designed for meaningful conversation.
3. Insight from leading suppliers – learn about technologies and solutions shaping the future of heavy-duty trucking.
4. One-on-one meetings with suppliers – focused discussions to address operational challenges.
5. Truck Fleet Innovator Awards – recognize industry-leading fleets and gain perspective from award-winning executives during a panel discussion.

For fleet managers and industry stakeholders, HDTX represents a concentrated opportunity to connect, learn, and explore innovations that can impact fleet operations.

Learn more and submit an application at: heavydutytruckingexchange.com/attend

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Bridgestone Americas announced it will introduce a new digital Fleet Portal platform during the annual meeting of the American Trucking Associations Truck Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, taking place March 16 through March 19 in Nashville.

While the platform is designed for large commercial fleets, tools like this highlight how data-driven management systems are increasingly shaping the broader transportation industry, including services used by rideshare companies, delivery platforms, and vehicle operators.

A Single Dashboard for Fleet Operations

According to Bridgestone, the Fleet Portal brings together multiple systems used by fleet managers into a single online interface. Instead of switching between different platforms, operators can access tools and operational data through one login.

“With the new Fleet Portal, we can centralize all tools and data into a single digital experience for fleets,” said Josh Holland, vice president, network and fleet care solutions, Bridgestone. “This integration is key to Bridgestone’s customer strategy to connect our fleet solutions in ways that deliver stronger performance with less complexity.”

The platform is built to help companies monitor vehicles, track maintenance activity, and organize operational information without relying on several disconnected systems.

For transportation businesses managing large numbers of vehicles, centralized dashboards can reduce administrative work and improve how quickly problems are identified.

Why Centralized Data Matters

Platforms that combine operational data into one system are becoming common across transportation. Companies running fleets often juggle service requests, driver information, billing, and vehicle records across multiple programs.

Bringing those details into one environment can help managers respond faster when maintenance issues or service needs arise.

“Centralizing insights and workflows means less manual work, faster decisions, and full operational visibility,” said Steve Hoeft, president, commercial truck group, Bridgestone. “It’s a major step in the industry’s digital evolution, enabling fleets to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive decision-making and management.”

Although the system is designed for commercial trucking fleets, the same type of operational visibility is increasingly important for rideshare and mobility services that rely on large numbers of vehicles working simultaneously.

What the Fleet Portal Includes

The new Fleet Portal integrates several common fleet management functions into one web-based system.

According to Bridgestone, the platform allows companies to manage areas such as:

• Account management
• Locations and users
• Vehicles and assets
• Service events
• Billing and invoicing
• Reporting metrics and key performance indicators
• Knowledge resources and support
• Access to other Bridgestone applications

These features are designed to help fleet managers track activity across their entire operation without needing separate systems for each task.

Built-In Service Dispatch Tools

Another part of the platform connects fleets with the company’s dealer network to coordinate service calls and repairs.

The portal includes a Service Dispatch solution that links operators with the Bridgestone Commercial Dealer Network. The system can automatically deploy technicians and track service activity through uploaded photos, documents, and digital event records.

For companies that manage dozens or even hundreds of vehicles, the ability to request repairs and track work orders digitally can help reduce downtime and improve service response times.

Automation and Data-Driven Tools

Bridgestone said the portal also uses automation features to analyze operational data and help users navigate the platform more efficiently.

Initial capabilities include automated service workflows that reduce manual data entry when scheduling maintenance or tire repairs. The system can also search across technical documents, support resources, and reports through a unified interface.

Another feature provides direct access to dealer locations and training resources within the same system, allowing fleet managers to locate service partners quickly when issues arise.

More Digital Tools on the Way

The Fleet Portal is expected to evolve with additional technology integrations. Bridgestone said future upgrades may include deeper automation and analytics tools designed to help fleets interpret operational data and identify patterns.

“These advancements will serve as an important step in Bridgestone’s broader strategy to harness AI across its fleet solutions and strengthen the digital tools that support customers every day,” the company said.

The new platform will be showcased at Bridgestone’s booth during the transportation technology exhibition in Nashville, where attendees can also see the company’s latest commercial tire products for long-haul, regional, waste, and last-mile delivery fleets.

As digital tools continue expanding across transportation, platforms like the Fleet Portal highlight how companies are working to simplify operations and turn large amounts of vehicle data into practical insights for fleet managers and mobility providers alike.

The post Bridgestone Introduces Digital Fleet Portal to Streamline Vehicle Operations appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The new technology, called FleetIQ, was built to simplify how maintenance is tracked, scheduled, and managed both from the office and out in the field. Instead of juggling multiple systems and service calls, FleetIQ puts everything into one streamlined platform designed to make fleet maintenance faster, smarter, and more efficient.

“FleetIQ integrates everything (ERP, CRM, telematics, dispatch) into one unified command center,” said Michael Quimby, Chief Operating Officer at Kooner Fleet Management Solutions. “Designed to keep people, platforms, and performance in sync, it boosts technician productivity, improves visibility, shortens response times, and elevates customer satisfaction, without adding complexity.”

A Platform Built for Real-World Fleet Demands

FleetIQ uses real-time data to predict maintenance issues before they cause breakdowns. That means replacing parts when they show early signs of failure instead of waiting for an unexpected stop on the shoulder. The system’s automated dispatching assigns the right technician and optimizes routes on the fly, helping fleets cut response times and reduce wasted miles.

For drivers, this translates to fewer delays waiting for service and more reliable equipment. For fleet managers, it means clearer visibility into maintenance schedules and costs without extra paperwork or calls back and forth.

The company says early users of the platform have already seen:
• 40% faster service response times
• 30% less vehicle downtime
• 25% fewer unnecessary work orders

Designed for Technicians and Drivers Alike

The system’s mobile-first design helps technicians in the field communicate instantly with dispatchers, customers, and drivers. Two-way connectivity ensures everyone involved in a repair or service call stays updated in real time. This setup also reduces training time and makes adoption easier for busy crews already managing full schedules.

“FleetIQ is the next step in our mission to transform fleet management,” said Gary Kooner, Founder and CEO of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions. “Fleets today face growing pressure to control costs, improve uptime, and navigate complex regulatory requirements. FleetIQ was purpose-built to meet those challenges head on, giving fleet operators actionable intelligence, predictive insights, and a seamless user experience that drives real-world results.”

Smarter Maintenance, Less Hassle

With freight demand up and regulations tightening, the need for dependable maintenance tools has never been greater. Platforms like FleetIQ could help fleets of all sizes keep trucks moving, drivers earning, and customers happy while reducing costs and stress.

For fleets looking to modernize without adding more layers of complexity, Kooner’s new system may offer a practical path forward.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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This enforcement follows an executive order directing FMCSA to fully restore English proficiency as a safety qualification. According to FreightWaves and FMCSA reports, nearly 10% of the active driver base could be at risk of temporary removal, a factor already contributing to tighter capacity and higher freight rates across the U.S. logistics network.​

How Fleets Are Responding

Forward-thinking fleets are acting quickly to keep their operations compliant and recruiting pipelines strong. Carriers are introducing new English assessment and support initiatives, such as:

• Language training programs: Bilingual drivers are being offered on-the-job English refresher courses through mobile-based platforms and video apps, reducing the risk of out-of-service orders.​
• Digital recruiting and onboarding tools: Fleets are integrating automated recruiting platforms that screen for English proficiency as part of the hiring process, helping reduce recruitment delays and paperwork.​
• Mentorship and peer coaching: Veteran drivers fluent in English are helping train newcomers in communication and documentation standards required by inspectors.
• Community outreach: Fleets are connecting with local CDL schools, particularly those serving immigrant and multilingual worker populations, to ensure new drivers meet federal standards before entering the field.​

The Broader Workforce Challenge

According to Tech.co’s 2025 Logistics Report. With drivers aging out and younger replacements entering at slower rates, fleets can’t afford to lose even small portions of qualified personnel.​

Some carriers have begun offsetting this shortage through route optimization and scheduling flexibility, allowing more frequent home time to attract and retain talent. Others are adopting predictive maintenance and telematics solutions to curb costs and improve driver satisfaction amid a tighter labor pool.​

Action Steps for Fleet Operators

To stay compliant and competitive in this environment, fleets should prioritize three steps:

1. Conduct internal English assessments for existing drivers and offer improvement resources where needed. Proactive testing can prevent costly roadside removals.
2. Enhance recruiting efforts by forming partnerships with trade schools, community programs, and workforce agencies specializing in licensed CDL talent.
3. Use technology and automation to streamline hiring, safety documentation, and driver support—reducing downtime and improving compliance oversight.

Preparing for a New Standard

The U.S. Department of Transportation has made it clear: states that fail to enforce English proficiency can face federal funding consequences, amplifying the need for national adherence. That means fleet managers must now think beyond short-term recruitment—they must build pipelines of qualified drivers ready to meet evolving federal and operational standards.​

As America’s trucking industry moves nearly 70% of the nation’s freight, understanding and responding to these requirements isn’t just a matter of compliance; it’s essential to keeping freight moving. TruckDriversUSA partners with fleets to analyze driver pipelines, recruit compliant candidates, and help ensure continuity in a changing regulatory era.

Source: Tech.co, FMCSA, FREIGHTWAVES

The post How Prepared Is Your Driver Pipeline for Ongoing FMCSA English Language Enforcement? appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Streamlining Inspections with Innovative Technology

“We’re thrilled to announce this industry-first capability, starting with Nevada,” said Shay Demmons, CPO at Fleetworthy. “Our PreClear weigh station bypass customers can activate Expedited Inspection through their ELD, and once done, they’re set with Nevada and any new states as they come on board.”

The service is currently available at weigh stations in Nevada, supported by Geotab and Platform Science ELDs, with plans for expansion into additional states soon.

Redefining Roadside Inspection Efficiency

Expedited Inspection securely automates the transfer of fleet and vehicle registration data to pre-fill inspection forms. Additionally, the solution delivers a driver’s Electronic Record of Duty Status (eRODS) directly to enforcement officers, reducing manual data entry and accelerating inspection times. The process not only lowers driver stress but also minimizes time spent at inspection sites and decreases risks, particularly violations related to Hours of Service data, one of the most common violations.

According to Nevada Highway Patrol Lieutenant Tappan Cornmesser, “By partnering with Drivewyze by Fleetworthy on Expedited Inspection, we’re empowering our officers with tools that reduce manual tasks and speed up inspections. Automating the secure transfer of Hours of Service records and pre-filling inspection forms allows us to focus on enforcement rather than paperwork, saving time for drivers, boosting accuracy, and keeping commerce flowing.”

Aligning Technology with Fleet Performance

Fleetworthy is using its Drivewyze PreClear network, North America’s largest bypass network, to deliver additional value to fleets. Although random inspections still occur, Expedited Inspection offers significant benefits by automating traditionally time-consuming manual tasks, saving fleets and inspectors time, resources, and stress.

“Our focus is on fleet performance, which means providing top-tier safety, automation, and a better driver experience,” said Emilie Campbell, Senior Director of Partner Management at Platform Science. “By now offering Expedited Inspection in our ELD, we are continuing to be at the forefront of the next generation of compliance technology. We look forward to offering this new feature to our industry-leading customers who expect cutting-edge innovation and operational excellence from us.”

Demmons underlined the importance of this innovation to the transportation sector, stating, “By removing the manual handoff of HOS data and automating the inspection workflow, we’re helping fleets get back on the road faster while giving enforcement tools to keep highways safe.”

Fleetworthy’s Expedited Inspection is poised to redefine roadside compliance, creating smoother, more efficient processes for both drivers and inspectors.

Image Source: DriveWyze
Source: The Trucker

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