Drivers can use the feature during a 30-minute break, an overnight stop, or any other time the truck is parked. It expands remote programming capabilities Volvo first announced in June and is intended to keep truck software current without requiring a dealership visit.

Updates Can Run While the Truck Is Parked

The new process removes the need for someone to remain with the truck while an update is underway. Once started, the truck can be locked and left until the installation is complete.

Over-the-air updates can make changes to systems including engine performance, transmission functions and battery management. Volvo said more than 7,500 updates were completed during August alone, while its connected systems have the capacity to send as many as 20,000 updates per day.

The company also reported that the share of its connected trucks running current software increased from 25% to more than 80% over six months.

Connected Trucks Support Remote Diagnostics

More than 220,000 connected Volvo trucks are operating across North America. Along with software updates, the connected systems provide vehicle data that can be used to identify fault-code patterns and diagnose some problems before a truck reaches a dealership.

Volvo reported a 95% first-time fix rate and said trucks running its latest software experience 24% fewer unplanned stops. The company estimates its over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics and predictive service capabilities have collectively helped customers avoid more than 100,000 days of unplanned downtime.

The all-new Volvo VNL and VNR use a 24-volt electrical architecture designed to support expanded vehicle data, remote diagnostics, and future software updates after the trucks leave the dealership.

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: September 16, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Volvo

The post Volvo Rolls Out Unattended Software Updates for Trucks Across North America appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Built on a completely new platform – 90 percent new compared with the legacy model – the Volvo VNR is purpose-built for navigating congested city streets, distribution centers, and urban routes where visibility, precision, and agility are critical,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We are excited to begin production and get these trucks into the hands of our customers.”

The first units rolled off the line in February 2026 and are slated for delivery to Clayton, a national single-family homebuilder. Orders for the new VNR opened six months after its March 2025 unveiling.

Made in the U.S., Supported by Skilled Workforce

The New River Valley Plant, where all North American Volvo trucks are assembled, is the company’s largest manufacturing site worldwide. Voorhoeve emphasized Volvo’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, noting, “Volvo has built trucks for the U.S. and Canadian markets in Virginia for more than 40 years. The expansion supports the company’s growth plans in North America and its long-standing commitment to U.S. manufacturing and a skilled workforce.”

Volvo recently invested $400 million in upgrades at the plant, including a new 350,000-square-foot facility for cab welding and improved paint and material flow systems.

Fuel Efficiency and Safety Upgrades

The new Volvo VNR offers up to 7.5 percent better fuel economy than the previous model, thanks to improved aerodynamics, advanced powertrain features, and idle-shutdown systems. Volvo says this increase helps lower operating costs while supporting sustainability goals in regional and local delivery applications.

“The new Volvo VNR incorporates a comprehensive Volvo safety package, with advanced onboard technologies designed to support operation in dense urban traffic and pedestrian-heavy environments,” Volvo stated. “The truck offers better forward visibility than the previous model, enabled by a sloped hood design and a larger panoramic windshield. It also incorporates industry-first safety innovations, including integrated side curtain airbags, making it the safest regional truck ever produced by Volvo Trucks North America.”

Optimized for Urban and Regional Routes

The VNR’s tighter turning radius makes it ideal for city streets, distribution centers, and other confined areas. Its features include:

• Up to 7.5 percent improved fuel efficiency
• Volvo Active Safety Platform with Volvo Active Driver Assist Plus
• Camera Monitor System for enhanced visibility, including infrared tech for low-light conditions and digital reference lines for trailer positioning
• Multiple axle options, including Adaptive Loading, Electronically Controlled Suspension, and Global Rear Air Suspension
• Class 8 configurations: 4×2, 6×2, and 6×4 tractors, plus straight trucks with multiple body types
• Two trim levels: Core for practical durability, Edge for enhanced comfort and premium in-cab features
• 24-volt electrical architecture supporting advanced safety and connectivity
• Engine options: VGT engines from 405-455 HP with 1450-1850 lb-ft of torque, plus D13 Turbo Compound engines with waste heat recovery and two additional low-NOx ratings

“The start of production of the Volvo VNR follows the launch of Volvo Trucks’ all-new long-haul Volvo VNL,” Volvo said. “Together, the VNL and VNR reflect the company’s focus on application-specific trucks designed to improve efficiency, safety, and uptime across a range of fleet operations.”

For drivers navigating city routes and regional deliveries, the VNR promises better maneuverability, enhanced safety, and improved fuel efficiency—making it a strong choice for fleets focused on reliability and driver comfort.

Source: The Trucker

The post Volvo Trucks Begins Production of New Regional Hauler at Virginia Plant appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Mike Roeth, NACFE’s Executive Director, highlights the importance of this phase in the evolution of trucking technology, saying, “The Messy Middle is a time when fleets can choose from a variety of powertrain solutions and other efficiency-enhancing technologies. For this Run, we are featuring tractors powered by diesel, natural gas, batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells. These four powertrain solutions represent currently available options for fleets today.”

The Fleets and Technologies Driving the Run

A total of 13 fleets will be participating in the event, utilizing a mix of advanced powertrains. Here’s an overview of the trucks involved in this groundbreaking demonstration:

• Albert Transport (Laredo, TX): Operating a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper tractor powered by a Detroit DD15 diesel engine.

• Frito-Lay (Topeka, KS): Using a Volvo VNL sleeper tractor equipped with the Optimus Technologies system running on B99 biodiesel.

• TBA: Deploying a heavy-duty tractor fueled by renewable diesel.

• Mesilla Valley Transportation (Las Cruces, NM): Running an International LT sleeper tractor with a Cummins X15 2027 NOx diesel engine.

• Kleysen Group Ltd. (Edmonton, AB): Operating a Kenworth T680 sleeper tractor featuring a Cummins X15N engine using natural gas.

• UPS (Salt Lake City, UT): Using a Kenworth T680 day cab tractor with a Cummins X15N natural gas engine.

• Wegmans (Rochester, NY): Running a Peterbilt 360 day cab tractor powered by a Cummins X15N natural gas engine.

• 4Gen Logistics (Rialto, CA): Featuring a Volvo VNR day cab electric tractor.

• JoyRide Logistics (Phoenix, AZ): Leveraging a battery-electric Windrose day cab tractor.

• Nevoya (Colton, CA): Operating a battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia day cab tractor.

• Saia (Stockton, CA): Showcasing a battery-electric Tesla Semi day cab tractor.

• Pilot Travel Centers (Bloomington, CA): Utilizing a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell day cab tractor.

• Penske Logistics (Katy, TX): Also operating a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell day cab tractor.

A Collaborative Effort Across the Industry

Taki Darakos, Vice President of Vehicle Maintenance and Fleet Services at PITT OHIO, expresses his enthusiasm for this wide-reaching effort, stating, “PITT OHIO, as well as other fleets I’ve spoken with, are thrilled to have such a wide range of fleets and solutions in this Run. We believe this truly represents the state of long-haul trucking today and by capturing data from these 13 vehicles that we will help the industry see the role these various powertrains play in both return-to-base and over-the-road long-haul trucking.”

Key Details About the Program

The three-week event is scheduled to begin on September 8, with Geotab acting as the official telematics and data partner. Fleet profiles will be featured on the Run on Less website throughout August, while the event will stream live data and insights during September.

The Messy Middle Bootcamp also continues to explore the technologies driving the Messy Middle. On April 8, at 1 p.m. ET, the focus shifted to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), complementing sessions on diesel and natural gas that have already concluded. Discussions on hydrogen fuel cells are set to follow.

Cummins and Shell Take Center Stage

Cummins and Shell proudly sponsor the event as title sponsors, with significant contributions from other event sponsors and supporting sponsors. Roeth expressed his gratitude, noting, “We want to thank our title sponsors, event sponsors, and supporting sponsors for helping fund this Run. We could not do this work without their assistance. We are still seeking additional support, and anyone interested in supporting the Run should contact me at 260-750-0106.”

The diversity of participating fleets and technologies underscores the complex transition underway in the trucking industry. Stay updated on the Run on Less – Messy Middle program and learn how these innovations pave the way towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: RunOnLess

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