Connected truck technology and automated software upgrades help reduce unplanned stops and improve fleet uptime
Greensboro, North Carolina, 18 March 2026 – Volvo Trucks North America is rapidly transforming how commercial trucks stay updated, expanding its over-the-air software update program across its connected fleet. In just six months, the company increased the share of trucks running the latest software from 25 percent to more than 80 percent. This shift has already delivered measurable results, including a 24 percent reduction in unplanned stops, helping fleets maintain higher uptime and smoother operations.
The expansion reflects the growing role of connected truck technology and fleet management software in modern transportation. By enabling automatic software updates, Volvo Trucks allows vehicles to receive performance improvements, new features, and system upgrades without requiring service appointments or dealer visits.
A major factor behind the program’s success is automation. Volvo Trucks reported that successful over-the-air updates rose from roughly 1,000 per month to nearly 1,000 per day during the rollout. This significant increase highlights how digital fleet technology is reshaping the trucking industry.
According to company representatives, today’s connected trucks operate much like advanced digital devices. The latest Volvo VNL and Volvo VNR models are designed with integrated software platforms that continue evolving after the truck is delivered.
At the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting, Volvo Trucks North America product expert Madeline Sullivan explained that modern trucks behave more like smartphones on wheels. She noted that a truck purchased today may look the same physically months later, but its software capabilities continue improving through updates.
The automated update system simplifies maintenance for fleet managers. Instead of manually requesting updates or scheduling service appointments, software improvements are delivered automatically in the background. Volvo Trucks can evaluate its connected fleet daily and deploy up to 10,000 updates per day when necessary.
Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said the new approach allows fleets to stay current without managing complex software versions. Automated updates ensure that trucks continuously receive improvements that enhance fuel efficiency, system performance, and vehicle uptime.
Drivers also benefit from the process. When an update becomes available, drivers receive a notification inside the truck. Installation can then take place while the vehicle is parked or during scheduled breaks, ensuring that operations are not interrupted.
Previously, many software updates required fleets to contact customer service or visit a dealership. With over-the-air truck updates, upgrades can now be completed remotely. The updates may include improvements to engine systems, transmission controls, battery management, and other critical vehicle technologies.
Volvo Trucks also collaborated with customers before enabling automatic updates as the default setting. The response from fleets has been overwhelmingly positive, with less than one percent choosing to opt out of the program.
The company says fleets are recognizing the real value of continuous software improvements. Fewer system faults, reduced downtime, and higher vehicle availability are helping transportation companies improve operational efficiency.
As the trucking industry increasingly adopts connected fleet technology, over-the-air software updates are becoming a key driver of innovation. Volvo Trucks’ rapid expansion of its program highlights how digital vehicle platforms, predictive maintenance, and smart transportation technology are shaping the future of commercial trucking.
