HDT Top 20 Products 2026: The New Tools, Technologies, and Ideas Shaping Trucking
From pricing intelligence and compliance tools to charging infrastructure, diagnostics, tires, and AI, HDT’s 2026 Top 20 Products recognize the new tools, technologies, and ideas heavy-duty trucking fleets are using to run their businesses.
The Top 20 Products were chosen by the editors of Heavy Duty Trucking with the help of a panel of trucking fleet representatives.
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HDT Graphic
11 min to read
HDT’s 2026 Top 20 Products explore tools and technologies trucking fleets should know about.
Key advancements include innovations in pricing intelligence, compliance, and AI, critical for modern fleet management.
The list also highlights charging infrastructure and diagnostic tools designed to improve fleet efficiency and uptime.
*AI Generated Content
If there’s a single theme connecting many of this year’s HDT Top 20 Products, it’s visibility—not just what drivers can see around the truck, but what fleets can see across operations, data, compliance, and costs:
Literal visibility, with several new or improved camera systems that help drivers see around their vehicle and improve safety.
Real-time visibility into vehicle health and status, including tires, refrigeration units, trailers and more.
Visibility into a vehicle's condition via diagnostic tools.
Visibility into a company's data, using AI to make sense of everything from safety events to fuel usage to bid pricing and routing.
Visibility into whether a truck will pass California's Clean Truck Check emissions rules.
Visibility in a new way of providing safety and compliance training via virtual reality goggles.
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There were a handful of others, as well, dealing with safety, electric-truck charging, EPA 2027 emissions, even a truck tire.
What Are HDT's Top 20 Product Awards?
The Top 20 Product Awards honor the best new and improved products we reported on last year. They were chosen by HDT's editors with the help of a panel of fleet representatives. We look for new or significantly improved products that stand out in three areas:
Innovation
Ability to address important industry issues
Potential to improve a fleet’s bottom line
The list is presented in alphabetical order by company name:
Clarios Connected Services: IdleLess with Battery Manager
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Clarios
Clarios Connected Services is a modular platform that uses real-time battery data and artificial intelligence to help fleets better manage battery performance and reduce unnecessary engine idling.
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The IdleLess module supports driver comfort by helping limit idling without compromising cab climate needs, reducing fuel waste and related maintenance costs.
Battery Manager monitors battery condition across chemistries and brands, providing notifications when a battery nears the end of its service life so fleets can plan replacements and avoid unexpected failures.
Together, the tools give fleet managers greater visibility into battery health, support more efficient vehicle operation, and help control operating costs.
Continental x Samsara: Trailer Tire Monitoring Integration
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Continental
The integration of Continental’s ContiConnect digital tire monitoring system with Samsara’s fleet management platform allows fleets in the U.S. and Canada to view tire and trailer health information in one interface.
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By combining tire pressure and temperature data with Samsara’s broader vehicle insights, fleets can identify faults and issues in real time and schedule proactive maintenance. This unified view helps address challenges related to tire-related breakdowns, maintenance planning, and trailer visibility.
The integration supports more consistent tire management practices, improves operational awareness, and enables fleets to reduce unplanned downtime and associated costs through earlier detection of emerging tire problems.
Although EPA 2027 emissions regulations are still in flux, Cummins engineered the new 2027 X15 diesel engine to meet the previously defined EPA 2027 requirements while delivering improved fuel economy — without added weight or increased diesel exhaust fluid consumption.
The new engine offers up to 605 hp and 2,050 lb-ft of torque and features a significantly simplified exhaust aftertreatment system. Other new features include a variable-geometry turbocharger, an aggressive new engine brake, and a 48-volt, belt-driven alternator to provide the extra electricity to power the aftertreatment heaters.
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Maintenance intervals and service practices are planned to remain consistent with the 2024 X15, with targeted improvements such as cartridge-style filters.
Hyundai Translead’s upgraded LinkVue trailer camera system now supports third-party integrations, allowing fleets to connect the 360-degree camera platform with existing fleet management tools.
LinkVue provides full-trailer visibility to help reduce blind spots and improve maneuvering accuracy, particularly in tight dock environments. Through partnerships with fleet management providers, including integration into Platform Science’s open platform, fleets can incorporate camera data into broader operational systems to enhance connectivity and asset oversight.
The update is designed to streamline adoption, enable more flexible use of existing technology investments, and support safety, efficiency, and trailer-management strategies across diverse fleet operations.
J.J. Keller & Associates: VR Safety & Compliance Training
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J.J. Keller
J.J. Keller has added virtual reality training to its online training solution, allowing learners to safely make mistakes in lifelike scenarios that feel real without the real-world risk. This approach provides an additional training format designed to increase engagement, reinforce key procedures, and support more effective safety and compliance programs.
Integrated within the existing J.J. Keller Training platform, the VR modules can be assigned, completed, and tracked alongside E-Learning, streaming video, and classroom courses. Available with compatible VR headsets, topics include transportation-focused simulations such as pre-trip inspections and a dangerous-goods crash, as well as general workplace safety hazards.
The Lite-Check Stryker 1000 is a trailer diagnostic tool designed to support emerging smart-trailer technologies through its compatibility with the newer 9-way CANBUS connection. It can read proprietary data from trailer suppliers and perform full-system diagnostics on electrical, air, and ABS components, with real-time, high-speed access to sensor and control-module information. Technicians can view results on the unit’s 7-inch touchscreen or through Android and iOS devices.
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By enabling communication with advanced lighting, braking, tire, and cargo-status systems, the Stryker 1000 helps fleets troubleshoot issues more accurately, support predictive maintenance practices, and maintain compliance as trailer technology evolves.
The Lytx Surfsight AI-14 dash cam uses enhanced machine vision and artificial intelligence to identify driving risks directly in the cab. These help drivers improve safety and generate insights to help fleet managers manage risk.
The device features an LCD touchscreen for simplified installation and operation, flexible audio recording options, and a tamper-resistant design. Road-facing ADAS capabilities include following distance, critical distance, and rolling-stop detection, with additional features such as pedestrian and red-light detection planned.
In early 2026, a fatigue-detection feature will be introduced that analyzes driver behavior to proactively identify the early signs of fatigue. Over-the-air updates will ensure the system remains current and supports continuous performance enhancements.
McLeod Software’s Version 25.2 TMS is a re-engineered transportation management solution for freight brokers and carriers, using artificial intelligence across its LoadMaster, PowerBroker, DocumentPower, and MPact platforms.
A redesigned, web-based LoadMaster has updated workflows, real-time planning tools, and drag-and-drop scheduling to streamline dispatch, routing, and load management.
PowerBroker workflows now support bulk load planning, simplified rate confirmations, faster factoring, and automated status updates. Revamped invoicing and back-office tools centralize billing, real-time cash visibility, and multi-user document management.
New AI-driven features through MPact.RespondAI automate communications, prioritize messages, and even draft quotes or orders before manual review.
Michelin’s X Line Grip D is a long-haul drive tire designed to extend mileage, improve traction, and reduce operating costs.
Built on Michelin’s durable Duracore casing with Infinicoil and Powercoil technologies, it is engineered for a long lifecycle and multiple retreads. Compared with the XDN2, it delivers about 20% more mileage and 20% lower rolling resistance, helping fleets manage fuel and tire expenses. Its chevron tread pattern enhances wet and snow traction, including improved starting performance on worn tires, supporting safer operation and more consistent grip throughout the tire’s service life.
The overall improvements support lower operating costs and better uptime for fleets.
Motive’s AI Answers is a conversational artificial intelligence tool that allows fleet managers to query their operational data in natural language and receive immediate, data-driven insights.
Integrated into the Motive platform, it draws from connected information such as safety events, fuel usage, idling, maintenance, and driver activity. Users can ask questions in plain language to quickly get metrics, trends, or summaries without manual reporting.
By simplifying access to information and reducing time spent on data analysis, AI Answers helps fleets monitor performance, identify issues earlier, support decision-making, and manage costs related to fuel, safety, and vehicle downtime.
The Netradyne Driver•i D-810 is an AI-enabled platform that extends Netradyne’s edge intelligence across up to eight cameras for true 360-degree visibility.
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By analyzing 100% of drive time on the device rather than in the cloud, it detects critical risk in real time, helps drivers manage blind spots, and recognizes positive driving so fleets can move from exoneration to prevention.
Every mile of video becomes a natural language searchable record, so safety and claims teams can quickly find footage for incidents, coaching, and proof of service.
Discreet dual and quad lens windshield HD cameras are over 80% smaller than previous models, keeping the driver’s view clear while enabling flexible coverage.
Noregon’s JPro diagnostic software now includes a pre-scan to detect problems potentially affecting compliance with the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Truck Check regulation. This rule requires nearly all heavy-duty vehicles that travel in California to pass emissions inspections using software like Noregon’s Truck Check Up.
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The new pre-scan feature in JPro identifies issues that could cause a failed inspection. These results are available from JPro’s Road Worthiness feature, which assesses if a vehicle is ready for operation.
By detecting potential faults early, the pre-scan feature helps fleets avoid inspection failures, unexpected downtime, and costly repairs.
BidRight is a pricing automation and intelligence platform developed by Nussbaum Technology. It was created by Nussbaum Transportation to streamline its internal pricing process and is now offered to other trucking fleets.
BidRight automates bid preparation, offers built-in workflow collaboration tools, uses historical and market data context, and analyzes lane-by-lane profitability and network fit. By reducing manual workload and standardizing analysis, BidRight can help fleets process bid requests faster, improve network balance, and win more profitable freight.
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Nussbaum said it has been able to bid 20 times faster and maintain rates 5% above market for 10 consecutive quarters in its own fleet operations.
Prologis Mobility’s modular charging platform is a prefabricated, skid-based system designed to accelerate electric fleet deployment by reducing reliance on lengthy grid-interconnection timelines. The unit integrates power cabinets, dispensers, and smart controls into a single structure that can be installed quickly and used as a temporary or permanent charging solution.
Capable of delivering up to 1.2 MW of dynamic charging and built to be compatible with future megawatt charging systems, it supports high-capacity fleet needs while offering flexibility across sites and applications. The approach helps fleets overcome infrastructure delays, scale charging more efficiently, and control electrification costs.
Relay Pulse is a fuel management tool that integrates with electronic logging devices to help fleets prevent first-party fuel fraud by improving oversight of driver fueling activity.
The system connects with more than 250 ELD providers to verify vehicle location and status during each fuel transaction, automatically blocking activity that does not meet authorized fueling criteria.
By eliminating manual checks and providing clearer visibility into driver behavior, Relay Pulse helps carriers reduce unauthorized purchases, minimize administrative workload, and lower fuel-related losses. The integration supports more consistent compliance with fueling policies and strengthens overall cost control across fleet operations.
Samsara: CARB Clean Truck Check (CTC) Manager for Fleet Compliance
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Samsara
Samsara’s CTC Manager is a telematics-based tool designed to help fleets meet California Air Resources Board Clean Truck Check requirements by automating emissions testing and reporting.
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As testing frequency increases to twice annually and eventually to four times per year, the system enables fleets operating in or entering California to collect required emissions data remotely rather than relying on manual or shop-based processes.
By integrating testing workflows into the Samsara platform, CTC Manager helps reduce the administrative burden of compliance, improve accuracy, and minimize vehicle downtime. The tool supports fleets in adapting to expanding regulatory demands while maintaining operational efficiency.
Thermo King’s TracKing Smart Trailer Telematics system expands the company’s monitoring capabilities by providing real-time visibility into trailer, cargo, and refrigeration unit status.
Complementing the existing TracKing Pro platform, it consolidates data on tire pressure, brake health, door position, lighting, axle weight, and reefer performance to support more informed operational decisions. Continuous monitoring allows fleets to identify maintenance needs earlier, reduce on-road risks, and improve trailer uptime.
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The system also helps manage idling and reefer operation more efficiently, supporting fuel savings and emissions reduction. TracKing Smart Trailer is designed to enhance compliance, safety, and overall trailer management.
UVeye has expanded its AI-based vehicle inspection technology to commercial fleets with a heavy-duty platform designed for Class 6–8 vehicles.
The system, which the company calls an MRI for vehicles, uses drive-through scanners to perform a 17-point, 360-degree inspection in seconds, identifying exterior or mechanical issues such as damage, component anomalies, or foreign objects under or around the vehicle. Each scan produces a digital report with annotated images to support maintenance planning, compliance checks, and documentation.
By automating inspections and providing consistent, detailed results, the platform helps fleets improve safety practices, reduce manual inspection time, and limit downtime.
Volvo Trucks North America announced it would equip all new Volvo VNL and Volvo VNR models with integrated side curtain airbags as standard.
Designed to deploy during a truck rollover, the airbags provide additional protection for both the driver and passenger in one of the crash types most associated with severe injuries and fatalities. By incorporating this safety feature across its new truck lineup, Volvo aims to help reduce occupant harm in rollover events and support fleet safety initiatives.
The integration requires no aftermarket installation and ensures consistent protection as part of the vehicle’s factory-engineered safety systems.
WattEV introduced a solid-state transformer (SST) designed to accelerate deployment of megawatt-scale charging for heavy-duty electric trucks.
Developed with partial funding from the California Energy Commission, the system replaces multiple pieces of conventional infrastructure, including step-down transformers, switchgear, and low-voltage rectifiers, within a single unit. Its compact design allows installation on service islands between pass-through charging lanes, supporting high-power, drive-through charging layouts.
Built for compatibility with upcoming megawatt charging system-capable trucks expected to reach production in 2026, the SST aims to simplify site construction, reduce space requirements, and enable faster rollout of high-capacity charging needed for battery-electric fleet operations.
To be considered for an HDT Top 20 award, a new product must have been reported on by HDT’s editors, either online or in print, over the past year.
Products must be commercially available or scheduled to become so within the year, so “concept” products are not eligible.
Entire powered vehicles are excluded.
Each company may only receive one award per year.
Awards will be presented to the winners in individual ceremonies at their booths or HDT's booth at the Technology & Maintenance Council meeting in March.
HDT has been awarding its Top 20 Products honors since 2011. The program was an upgrade of the previous Nifty Fifty awards.
Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than fleets can keep up, and telematics must evolve with it, Cawse said during Geotab Connect. The future? A single AI coordinating every system — and leaders who know how to guide it.
Geotab launches GO Focus Pro, an AI-powered 360-degree dash cam designed to reduce collisions, prevent fraud, and protect fleets from nuclear verdict risk.
Knowledge Hub is designed to turn scattered tribal knowledge into execution-ready intelligence and help logistics teams make faster, more consistent decisions.
Quester’s AI-driven maintenance insights aim to help fleets reduce unplanned downtime, improve repair planning, and better understand the true cost of maintenance decisions.
Artificial intelligence is changing how cybercriminals and cargo thieves target trucking fleets—and how fleets defend themselves. As phishing, impersonation, and cargo theft converge, cybersecurity is becoming a core part of fleet safety and operations.
Fleetworthy's new Bestpass Toll360 add-on uses route data and AI to predict toll charges, reconcile invoices, and automatically file eligible disputes—helping fleets cut manual work and recover overpayments.
