Work Truck Week 2023: Educational Sessions Highlight Trucking Industry Advancements
Work Truck Week 2023 will bring a range of new technologies and educational opportunities focused on the work truck industry to the Indianapolis Convention Center March 7-10. Through the show's educational sessions and events, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about new technology developments and trends impacting the truck segment.
Trucking is one of the many industries served by the fluid power market. According to the National Fluid Power Association's (NFPA) most recently available U.S. Fluid Power Industry Brief, close to 15% of total hydraulic sales go into the truck market — including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks — while total pneumatic sales for this industry range about 16-17%.
As the trucking industry continues to evolve like many others fluid power serves, into areas such as electrification and automation, it will be important to monitor the various developments taking place. The events held throughout Work Truck Week will provide a unique opportunity to do so for many.
Alternative Power Sources Explored During Green Truck Summit
Work Truck Week kicks off with the Green Truck Summit on March 7. This day-long event spotlights the industry's efforts to not only increase sustainability but also productivity and efficiency, which can also aid with sustainability efforts. Sessions throughout the day will highlight the status of current and new technologies, regulations driving the push toward alternative energy sources as well as industry leaders providing their expertise in adopting new solutions.
The day will begin with a keynote address from Jennifer Rumsey, President and CEO of Cummins Inc. Much of her 25-year career has been focused on advancing technology to help make a positive difference in the world; Rumsey co-authored Cummins' Destination Zero strategy which sets out targets for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Following Rumsey's keynote address will be sessions focused on battery technologies and insight on what electric vehicle technologies are currently capable and what challenges still exist.
The afternoon will be filled with breakout sessions which include a mix of updates from specific OEMs and component suppliers working in the alternative energy space as well as sessions focused on topics including infrastructure and emissions regulations.
View the full Green Truck Summit schedule.
This event has continued to grow over the years and become an increasingly popular portion of Work Truck Week to attend. At the time of publishing, the Green Truck Summit was officially sold out.
Industry Updates Provide Insight on Design Trends
Several concurrent sessions will be held March 7-9 to provide attendees with insight into new commercial vehicle designs and industry trends.
As part of the OEM Update track of sessions, over these 3 days OEMs and chassis manufacturers will offer a look at their latest design updates. Daimler Trucks North America, Peterbilt Motors Co., International Truck and more will provide in-depth sessions highlighting their updates, many of which include electric models.
There will also be several sessions of note focused on industry trends. On March 7, analysis from NTEA - the Association for the Work Truck Industry which puts on Work Truck Week and S&P Global Mobility will provide a market forecast for the commercial vehicle industry.
On March 8, leaders from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy will provide an update on R&D initiatives impacting the industry. They will also overview ways the industry can support the DOE's efforts.
Another key session to be held March 9 will be focused on safety when working with electric vehicles. For both manufacturers and maintenance personnel it is important to understand how to safely work with electric vehicles and their various components due to the high voltages used.
READ MORE: How to Safely Work with High-Voltage Systems
The full list of sessions can be found on Work Truck Week's website.
