The trucking industry is evolving faster than ever as new technology reshapes how fleets operate, maintain safety, and manage efficiency. For fleet managers, especially those running small or midsize businesses, the challenge lies in separating genuine innovation from the hype.
At Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, we’ve seen how technology can transform operations when it’s applied strategically. To explore what’s truly working in fleet technology today, The Inside Lane hosted an insightful webinar featuring:
- Ben Murchison, Director of Technology at RJ Logistics
- Megan Orth, Senior Director of Commercial Connectivity at C.H. Robinson
- Michael Quimby, COO of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions
Together, these industry leaders discussed what’s next for fleet management solutions, which technologies are driving real results, and how fleets can embrace innovation with confidence.
1. Why Fleets Should Focus on Incremental, Practical Tech
Implementing new tools across an entire fleet can feel daunting. That’s why experts agree that the smartest approach is to start small.
As Michael Quimby explained, fleets don’t need to overhaul their entire operation overnight. “There’s a lot of technology that can really help small businesses without requiring a big overhaul,” he said. Tools that improve fuel efficiency, digital ticketing, or basic fleet maintenance tracking can drive meaningful impact right away.
By adopting technology in stages, fleets see faster ROI, better driver adoption, and a smoother path to scaling larger systems over time.
2. How AI in Trucking Is Driving Real-World Results
Artificial intelligence has moved from buzzword to backbone technology. But the key, our panel noted, lies in how it’s applied.
According to Megan Orth, AI has democratized innovation: “With AI, the solutions are literally at our fingertips and we can go after them.”
At Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, we’ve seen AI deliver measurable gains when targeted toward specific operational needs, like predictive maintenance, route optimization, and driver performance analytics.
When used correctly, it helps fleets prevent breakdowns before they occur and optimize decision-making in real time. Misused, however, it risks being labeled as hype.
The takeaway: smart fleets apply AI where it solves a real problem, not where it simply sounds futuristic.
3. Cybersecurity in Fleet Management Is No Longer Optional
As fleets adopt more connected devices and telematics systems, cybersecurity has become a front-line issue.
Ben Murchison emphasized a critical question every fleet leader should ask: “Do you know where your fleet data is stored and how it’s protected?”
At Kooner FMS, we treat data protection as a core pillar of every solution. From fleet dashboards to mobile repair requests, safeguarding sensitive data ensures both operational integrity and customer trust. The rise in ransomware and phishing attacks means every connected truck or sensor can be a potential entry point, making proactive cybersecurity an operational necessity, not an IT add-on.
4. ROI from Fleet Technology Is More Than Just Cost Savings
Fleet technology should absolutely deliver financial returns, but ROI isn’t just about money saved, it’s also about time, safety, and efficiency.
As Quimby noted, “Tremendous time savings translate into a significant payback for the organization.”
At Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, our clients report benefits that go beyond the balance sheet: faster response times, reduced downtime, and safer, more confident drivers. These qualitative improvements often prove just as valuable as any dollar figure. When evaluating tech investments, smart fleet managers consider both measurable and experiential outcomes.
5. Technology That Works for Everyone, from Leaders to Drivers
One of the most encouraging trends across the industry is the democratization of fleet technology.
Fleet dashboards, mobile apps, and real-time maintenance alerts now empower technicians, dispatchers, and drivers, not just management. As Ben Murchison put it, “Ultimately, the drivers are the heroes.”
At Kooner FMS, we design fleet management solutions that prioritize usability and impact at every level. When technology helps technicians perform maintenance faster or allows drivers to access roadside support for fleets instantly, it’s not just a productivity win; it’s a morale boost that strengthens the entire operation.
The Road Ahead: Smarter, Safer, and More Predictive
The future of trucking technology won’t be defined by the number of tools a fleet adopts but by how effectively those tools connect to create insight and efficiency.
At Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, we believe in technology that empowers, not overwhelms. Fleets that focus on mobile-first platforms, predictive analytics, and condition-based maintenance will continue to outperform those chasing every new gadget.
For small and midsize fleet owners, the goal is clear: adopt the right technology, one step at a time, and measure results that matter, uptime, driver safety, and customer satisfaction.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Fleet?
At Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, we help fleets integrate technology that works, not just looks good on paper. From AI-driven predictive maintenance to secure fleet dashboards and mobile roadside repair services, we’re here to simplify innovation for real-world results.
Talk to our experts today to learn how your fleet can stay ahead of technology trends, reduce downtime, and operate with greater efficiency every mile of the way.