Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is adding another technology partner to its growing connected services ecosystem. The OEM has announced a strategic partnership with freight technology provider Class8. The new collaboration is aimed at helping Freightliner owner-operators and small fleets improve compliance, planning, and profitability.
DTNA said Class8 services are targeted to Freightliner owner-operators and small fleets beginning in January 2026.
The initial rollout will focus on customers operating fourth- and fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia models, with availability expanding to other Freightliner and Western Star trucks throughout 2026.
Simplifying Operations and Reducing Costs
Through the partnership, Cascadia owners will gain access to Class8’s suite of digital tools designed to simplify daily operations and reduce costs.
Offerings include a free electronic logging device (ELD) service, load optimization tools that recommend more profitable freight based on rates and empty miles, and “Dispatch AI” for multi-leg route planning that connects spot and contract loads into more efficient trips.
“Our service makes it simple for fleets to adopt what they need, when they need it,” said Chris Atkinson, CEO of Class8. “The free and wireless ELD service lowers the cost of getting connected, and our Load Optimization and Dispatch AI give carriers practical levers to improve margins without adding complexity.”
DTNA positioned the partnership as another step in its broader digital transformation strategy, pairing third-party solutions with its proprietary Detroit Connect platform. DTNA said its partner portfolio is designed to add functionality and flexibility for fleets, while maintaining the connected foundation delivered through Detroit Connect across Freightliner and Western Star models.
Another Virtual Vehicle Partner
Class8 joins other DTNA strategic partners, including Platform Science and Geotab.
DTNA’s Virtual Vehicle platform — developed in partnership with Platform Science — is designed as an open telematics platform that enables fleets to deploy and manage third-party applications through integrated in-cab and cloud connectivity. Geotab Integrated Telematics offers a plug-and-play solution aimed at delivering real-time insights into vehicle health, driver behavior, and compliance.
Detroit Connect, DTNA’s proprietary connected vehicle platform, supports a range of remote diagnostics and performance tools through the Detroit Connect Portal.
Features include Virtual Technician for remote fault code diagnostics and service recommendations, remote parameter updates for over-the-air setting changes, remote engine reports for automated Detroit Diesel Electronic Control reporting, and Safety Plus visibility into Detroit Assurance safety systems.
“At Daimler Truck North America, our growing services portfolio is curated to create real and immediate value for our customers,” said Sanjiv Khurana, general manager of DTNA’s Fleet Services Group. “By complementing these offerings with partnerships like Class8, we’re helping customers unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and profitability.”
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