14 Jul 2025 3 min read

🚛 Fleetline • July 14, 2025

Fleetline - Your 5-Minute Brief for Smarter Trucking

OEM Spotlight

International launches eRH BEV tractor

A grayscale image of an International eRH Class 8 Electric Tractor — International eRH launched at ACT Expo. Source: International Motors

International Motors introduced their all-new eRH electric Class 8 regional-haul tractor at ACT Expo, offering up to 300 miles of range with advanced driver-assist tech and ergonomics—designed for local and regional fleets seeking zero-emission solutions. Source

Volvo VNL wins Red Dot + pursues CARB‑24

Volvo’s redesigned VNL secured the 2025 Red Dot Design Award, praised for its aerodynamic styling and fuel efficiency boost of ~10%. Simultaneously, Volvo is pursuing CARB‑24 certification for the VNL and VNR models with 0.05 g NOₓ standards targeted for Q4 2025. Source

Daimler hits U.S. production milestone

Daimler Truck North America rolled its 850,000th U.S.-built truck off the line at its Cleveland facility, further cementing its place as a production leader in the Class 8 market. Source

Dealer Dashboard

Rush Canada enters bus market

Two yellow school bus parked in a garage — Ruch Truck Centres rebrands into Rush Bus as it acquires Leeds Transit. Photo Source: Rush Truck Centres

Rush Truck Centres of Canada acquired Leeds Transit, taking over bus dealerships across Ontario and Quebec. These will be rebranded as Rush Bus Centres and offer IC Bus and Collins Bus products, expanding Rush’s reach into pupil and commercial transport. Source

Fleet Tech Brief

Motive’s Positive Driving AI: Good Behavior Pays Off

A driver looking at his phone, with a caption of "Please keep your eyes on the road" — Motive has launched Positive Driving AI. Photo Source: Motive

Motive has launched Positive Driving AI—a driver coaching platform that highlights safe, proactive behaviors rather than only risky events. Fleets using it have reported 64% fewer safety incidents and 43% lower driver turnover. Source

The new system flags behaviors like smooth merging, proper following distances, and hazard avoidance. These real-time alerts are paired with digital dashboards that fleet managers use to recognize and reward drivers—with some offering bonuses or gift cards. Source

Why it matters: Driver appreciation at scale is a competitive advantage. The industry’s high turnover rate makes tools like Motive’s AI not only a safety upgrade but a retention strategy. As more fleets adopt this model, OEM dealers may start bundling AI platforms with vehicle purchases to offer fleets a full-service solution.

Regulatory Radar

A semi truck photo side by side with a hair sample — Bill aims to crack down on truck drivers who are habitual drug users. (Photo: Jim Allen/Shutterstock)

Hair testing on FMCSA radar

A new bill proposes the integration of hair-sample testing into FMCSA’s drug testing protocols. While large carriers support the change for better detection over time, many owner-operators cite concerns around privacy and additional costs. Source

🧭 Backhaul Bits

ZEV funding hits electric drayage: Washington State's WSDOT awarded $6.2M for 19 Class 8 electric drayage trucks and a new SeaTac-area charging hub designed to support 250 daily charges. This is a tangible step toward the region's zero-emission port goals. Source
U.S.–Mexico freight holds at $74B: May 2025 saw cross-border freight volumes hit $74 billion, holding strong despite ongoing tariff chatter. A proposed 30% tariff by the Trump campaign on Mexican imports may shake up cross-border lanes if implemented. Source
ArcBest EV outperforms diesel: ArcBest’s recent pilot showed its Class 8 electric semi beating diesel counterparts on fuel savings and maintenance predictability—providing more evidence that EV tech is catching up operationally. Source

☕ Final Take:

International is pushing forward with EVs. Volvo’s redesign is earning global acclaim. Rush Canada is doubling down on bus sales, and Motive’s AI is turning driver safety into driver pride. Meanwhile, regulators want deeper screening, and infrastructure funding is bringing the EV future into the now. Stay ready, stay caffeinated.

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