Fleets seek integration, training as vehicle technology accelerates
Fleets seek integration, training as vehicle technology accelerates
Publish Date: 2026-03-12 07:40:00
Source Domain: www.trucknews.com
Rapid advances in vehicle technology are reshaping commercial fleet operations, but adoption will depend on effective integration, workforce training and clear economic benefits.
Representatives from fleet operations, utilities and truck manufacturers said during a Green Truck Summit discussion held as part of Work Truck Week, that work trucks are becoming increasingly complex as electrification, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), telematics and software platforms expand across the industry.
While these technologies promise improved safety and operational efficiency, they also introduce new challenges for fleets, upfitters and technicians responsible for deploying and maintaining the vehicles.
From left: Moderator Andrew Wrobel, Dean Cerimeli, Meighan Read, and Kyle Crawford during a Green Truck Summit panel discussion at Work Truck Week in Indianapolis. (Photo: Leo Barros)
Dean Cerimeli, director of manufacturing at National Fleet Services, said one of the biggest challenges from an upfitter perspective is integrating modern vehicle technology with aftermarket equipment.
Commercial vehicles now include growing numbers of sensors, wiring systems and electronic control modules that must function correctly alongside equipment installed during the upfitting process. As a result, even routine modifications require greater awareness of how vehicle systems interact.
Upfitters must watch out for sensors
Upfitters who once relied on standardized installation practices must now consider the placement of sensors, wiring harnesses and electronic components before installing accessories such as lighting, winches or other equipment.
The shift toward software-driven vehicles is also creating operational challenges for fleets, said Meighan Read, fleet forward (electrification) and technical support, at Duke Energy.
Technologies that function well in consumer vehicles often become more complicated when deployed across large…
