There are several informative sessions and panels for heavy-duty fleets at this year’s Fleet Technology Expo, in Long Beach, Calif.

The conference kicks off on Monday Aug. 24 and runs through Wednesday Aug. 26 at the Long Beach Convention Center in downtown Long Beach. The event covers all segments of the fleet spectrum from small to big fleets and everything in between. For heavy-duty fleets, this year’s focus will be on making every mile and component count.

The heavy-duty track focuses on over-the-road fleets and takes an in-depth look at powertrains, aerodynamics, maintenance practices and other strategies and technologies that can save on fuel and time.

The first day of the event will host a session called The Future of Fleet Vehicle: Heavy Duty, moderated by Heavy Duty Trucking’s equipment editor Jim Park. Featuring experts from Peterbilt, Daimler, and Lightning Hybrids, the panel will focus on new and upcoming in-vehicle technology and discuss how it can benefit fleets. The session will also give a brief and realistic look at where vehicle technologies are heading in the next 20 years, including a discussion of autonomous vehicles.

Another highlight of the conference is a panel on Tuesday called Technology in Trucking and Growing Profits. The panel will discuss technology that saves fleets time and money and improves routing, scheduling, asset tracking, customer service, hours of service, driver compensation and productivity. The panel is being moderated by Fran Flynn, vice president of sustainability, marketing and community relations at Fleet Advantage. The panel includes representatives from Con-way Truckload and Toyota Logistics Services.

“Forward thinking fleet operators are leveraging technology and data analytics to gain visibility into their total cost of ownership; said Flynn.  “We are pleased to be a part of this important conference that helps educate industry leaders on emerging technologies and smart, efficient fleet management.”

Additionally, the conference will host other panels and sessions on Aerodynamics, investing in CNG, and switching to automated manual transmissions. These educational sessions will include representatives from Mack Trucks, Ryder System, ARC, Clean Energy, and Volvo Trucks.

The Fleet Technology Expo will also host another Green Fleet Ride & Drive event giving attendees the opportunity to get first-hand experience with the latest vehicle technologies. Manufacturers from companies like International, Hino, Ford, and more will be on hand to showcase the latest technologies.

To top it all off, there will be an exhibit hall packed with vehicles, technologies and services related to maintaining smart and efficient fleets.

For a complete schedule of events, registration and general information on the Fleet Technology Expo, please click over to the FTX website.