Durable sustainability in commercial vehicle maintenance operations has long been a laudable goal for those companies who wish to be good corporate stewards of our planet’s resources — not only because it is the right thing to do but also because many fleet customers demand it and those operations who can demonstrate sustainability gain a competitive advantage from among their peers. 

But as the trucking industry approaches the third decade of the 21st century, the definition of sustainability is broadening toward a more holistic one, going beyond fuel efficiency and aerodynamics, and encompassing all aspects of fleet operations. Improvements to the vehicle must also be mated to sustainability achievements in maintenance shop (physical plant) and workforce (personnel) ecosystems. Technological advances — particularly related to advanced telematics, system interconnectivity, and appropriate applied artificial intelligence solutions — will spur innovation and achievement in sustainability efforts, but the challenge is knowing which of the myriad solutions available are actually applicable to a given operation. 

During this session, an expert panel will share their visions for what sustainability will mean for progressive fleets in the year 2030 and beyond. We’ll explore opportunities to improve various efficiencies through vehicle design and specification, facility design and management, and improved personnel recruitment, development and retention efforts — initiatives all working together to help tomorrow’s fleet managers better leverage limited resources while still minimizing downtime and improving overall fleet performance.