Data is the new diesel fueling fleet efficiency

Fleets have been caught in a holding pattern, forced to react to a market hit with fast-changing tariffs and legislation. An industry that has traditionally been quick to throw more people at a business problem shifted in 2025 from a “this is how we have always done things” mentality to a tech-first approach.

Looking back, it’s clear that quality data was the key ingredient that allowed fleets to do more with less — giving them new access to an array of Transportation Management System (TMS) offerings and AI agents that now complete routine tasks on their own.

Why should we think 2026 will be any different? Fleets that continue to put quality data at the center of their operations and maintenance programs will be the most successful in keeping their trucks on the road and their people happy—from drivers to technicians to back-office staff.

Data and AI creating new opportunities

Fleets manage hundreds, or even thousands, of breakdown events per year, which greatly impacts operational efficiency, driver safety and personnel retention rates. In a roadside breakdown survey conducted by Trimble, fleets reported that 2.5% to 5% of their vehicles were in for repair or maintenance on any given day.

Furthermore, 40% of those surveyed expected a vehicle to be out of service for 3 to 6 hours due to minor issues, like a flat tire. More complex repairs that require a visit to a dealer often take much longer, averaging 3.5 days to complete.

When trucks are not moving, fleets and drivers are losing money on repairs and idle time. AI technology is automating manual steps in maintenance programs, proactively diagnosing issues for preventive maintenance checks and creating a smarter, data-driven maintenance ecosystem.

Investment in data-driven technologies not only optimizes maintenance workflows but also supports technicians by enabling smarter decision-making and deeper insight into detailed repair history reports. They also improve scheduling and asset utilization, creating more uptime for the long term.

Companies are getting better at training AI agents and are increasingly confident in relying on AI to complete tasks without a human in the loop. Carriers are already seeing these solutions work in routine processes such as scheduling appointments and basic data entry tasks, with employees bringing recommendations to the table about what it should tackle next.

New technology empowering fleets and shops

Preventing roadside breakdowns and reducing safety risks for drivers is in everyone’s best interest. Modern trucks are pushing maintenance programs to keep pace with more technologically advanced trucks than ever, equipped with sophisticated telematics, electronic control systems, and alternative powertrains.

These innovations require maintenance teams to evolve traditional repair technicians into skilled diagnosticians proficient in data analysis and advanced repair techniques.

Today’s telematics platforms deliver much more than simple GPS tracking, offering maintenance alerts and compliance monitoring along with predictive analytics that empower drivers, back-office teams and technicians to proactively address issues and keep trucks on the road.

AI scanning and the efficiencies it can provide to maintenance teams prove to be a major topic discussed at the 2025 Trimble Insight Tech Conference. Fleets reported a seven-minute average of manual data entry per vendor repair order. With AI scanning, this same routine process can be done in less than two minutes.

Looking ahead into 2026, more fleets will adopt cloud-based, data-driven maintenance solutions that improve uptime and operational efficiency.

Data shows that the demand for qualified maintenance professionals is steadily rising. The TechForce Foundation’s Supply & Demand report estimates that a total of 971,000 auto, diesel, collision and aviation technicians will be needed by 2028—a 20% increase from previous projections.

It also found that a high number of replacement positions are currently available, underscoring the need to prioritize technician satisfaction, retention, and advancement as soon as possible.

Driving into the data-driven future

The technology we adopt must prioritize the people who use it. With increasing pressure on the industry, comprehensive training programs and effective change management from business leaders are a must.

Equally important is the technician’s work environment. Companies must provide the proper tools and technology, update shops with heated floors and air conditioning, offer flexible scheduling, assign manageable workloads and create a healthy culture in order to retain their current technicians and attract the next generation of shop staff.

The past year has proven to the industry that doing more with less is no longer a temporary strategy — it’s the new normal. Fleets that embrace AI and data-driven maintenance are not just reacting to breakdowns; they are preventing them, increasing uptime, keeping drivers and technicians safe and happy on the job.

As trucks become more complex and the demand for skilled talent rises, the ability to pair human expertise with intelligent technology will define the leaders of 2026 and beyond.