Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is partnering with Class8 to offer free ELDs, load optimization and dispatch tools to help fleets improve profitability.

Owner-operators and small fleets operating fourth- and fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia trucks have access to the suite of services immediately, while DTNA plans to roll it out across other Freightliner and Western Star vehicles throughout the year.

Class8’s offerings include: a free ELD compatible with the driver’s own device; load optimization to identify the most profitable freight opportunities based on rates, timing and empty miles; and Dispatch AI, which is a multi-leg planning tool that connects spot and contracts loads into efficient routes.

“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.”

The suite of services is delivered through Detroit Connect telematics.

“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 the Fleet Services Group at DTNA. “Detroit Connect, our proprietary solution, already offers customers remote visibility into the productivity of their trucks, drivers, and overall operations. By complementing these offerings with partnerships like Class8, we’re helping customers unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and profitability. These collaborations are a cornerstone of our long-term vision to lead the industry’s digital transformation.”