Truck & Off-highway Engineering - February 2026

Overview

The February 2026 issue of Truck & Off-Highway Engineering focuses on the evolving landscape of commercial vehicle technology, highlighting the convergence of digital innovation, sustainability efforts, and advancements in hydraulic and powertrain systems. This edition provides readers with insights into upcoming industry events, emerging technology trends, and practical maintenance strategies, emphasizing how these developments are shaping the future of heavy-duty vehicles and construction equipment.

Digital Tech and the ACT Expo 2026

One of the central themes of this issue is the growing importance of digital technologies in commercial transportation, particularly as showcased at the upcoming ACT Expo 2026 in Las Vegas. The event is positioned as a critical meeting point for the industry to explore “digital strategies, digital solutions, and digital tech.” According to Erik Neandross, president of the Clean Transportation Solutions group at TRC, digital technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, connectivity, telematics, and software-defined vehicles—are moving from a niche interest to mainstream adoption. The industry is currently transitioning from curiosity to practical implementation, with many fleet operators still figuring out how to leverage AI and other digital tools effectively.

Previous themes at ACT Expo have included natural gas and electric vehicles, but 2026 will prominently feature the digital frontier. Discussions will cover how AI can process the massive data generated by modern commercial vehicles, optimize fleet operations, and integrate advanced safety systems like ADAS and autonomy. However, challenges remain in balancing innovation with operational realities; fleet managers express concerns about risks like lost digital keys, costly over-the-air updates, and the expense of fully outfitting trucks with every emerging feature. There is a noted “tug-of-war” between early adopters who want the newest technology and operators who prefer traditional, simpler mechanical solutions. Moreover, many small to mid-sized fleet operators may lack the resources to fully harness AI and digital advances, highlighting a need for education and tailored support.

Industry Perspectives on Technology Adoption

The magazine interviews industry leaders who emphasize a cautious but optimistic outlook on integrating new technologies. For instance, there is anticipation of increased hybrid truck discussions alongside electrification and natural gas efforts, responding to evolving regulatory and market conditions. The financial implications of innovation are starkly illustrated by Ford’s reported -30 billion write-off related to the Lightning EV truck launch, underscoring the massive investment required to bring new technologies to market.

As fleets spec out trucks with more and more digital options, costs can escalate dramatically. Operators must carefully weigh return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) against operational needs and sustainability goals. The overarching goal is to find scalable, practical solutions that advance clean transportation without rendering vehicles prohibitively expensive.

CONEXPO 2026 Preview

The issue also previews CONEXPO 2026, North America’s largest construction trade show taking place in Las Vegas shortly after the ACT Expo. Despite a recent decline in visitor attendance in Las Vegas, driven partly by international travel restrictions, expectations remain high for the show’s impressive lineup of construction machinery debuts. Leading manufacturers such as CASE Construction Equipment, John Deere, Volvo CE, Caterpillar, Liebherr, and Komatsu will present new equipment focused on jobsite productivity, safety, and innovation.

Volvo CE plans to reveal fourteen new machines, including next-generation wheeled excavators and a 60-ton articulated dump truck with improved fuel efficiency and productivity. JLG Industries will showcase a new micro-sized scissor lift designed for tight jobsite environments, while Volvo’s articulated hauler highlights advancements in powertrain technology. The show will also spotlight fluid power and hydraulics trends, an essential aspect of off-highway vehicles.

Hydraulic System Maintenance and Innovations

Maintenance and component technology receive attention through an in-depth article on hydraulic system health in Class 8 trucks. Author Luc Lapierre from Bailey International outlines a proactive, comprehensive approach to extend system life and reliability, transforming hydraulic maintenance from a cost center into a competitive advantage. Key best practices include vigilant inspection of components to catch wear early, controlling and analyzing hydraulic fluid quality instead of routine fixed-interval changes, and preventing contamination introduced during maintenance.

Advanced component technologies such as high-quality seals and innovative cylinder designs with built-in scrapers reduce leaks and contamination ingress, protecting critical system areas. Regular external filtration programs can double hydraulic oil life and enhance uptime. This technical focus benefits fleet operators by reducing downtime, lowering repair costs, and improving productivity, demonstrating that vigilant maintenance can yield significant long-term savings and operational reliability.

Powertrain and Autonomous Technology Developments

Additional features discuss future trends in heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) design influenced by AI, the accelerating adoption of autonomous truck technology, and the broader implications of these advances on fleet operations. The publication explores how integrating AI into ICE design can optimize performance and efficiency, and how autonomy is moving toward commercial viability with demonstrations and pilots in heavy-duty trucking.

The coverage highlights the interplay between clean transportation technologies, digital tools, autonomous systems, and the data they create. Truck manufacturers are increasingly focused on building connected, software-driven vehicles that incorporate advanced safety and predictive analytics to improve uptime and reduce operational risk.

Editorial and Industry Context

The editorial reflects on the continuing challenge of evolving transportation technologies amid shifting regulatory regimes and market uncertainty. It also notes macro factors affecting the industry, such as reduced tourism around events like CES and CONEXPO, which may impact scale but not the enthusiasm for new equipment and innovations.

The issue is rounded out by industry news, expert Q&As, and product briefs that collectively emphasize that while the commercial and off-highway vehicle industry faces a transformative period, there remains a critical need to balance innovation with practicality and cost-effectiveness.

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Summary

The February 2026 Truck & Off-Highway Engineering issue offers a comprehensive look at the ongoing digital transformation of the commercial vehicle sector, emphasizing AI, autonomy, and connectivity showcased at ACT Expo 2026. It explores technological advancements in hydraulic maintenance and powertrain design, industry responses to innovation costs and operational challenges, and previews major equipment reveals at CONEXPO 2026. The magazine provides essential insights for fleet operators, OEMs, and industry stakeholders navigating the complexities of adopting cutting-edge technologies while maintaining financial sustainability and operational reliability.