By: Shelly Parker, Senior Project Manager, Clean Transportation

In mid-September, I had the opportunity to attend the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Fall Meeting in Raleigh, NC. The invitation came from a member of the ATA Board of Directors who attended the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference and Expo. Justin Anderson’s recognition of shared priorities between ATA and the Clean Energy Technology Center created an exciting opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The TMC comprises 18 Study Groups and two committees, including the Sustainability and Environmental Technologies Study Group. These groups convene throughout the event to discuss and refine Recommended Practices (RPs)—guidelines developed collaboratively by professionals across the trucking industry. Drawing on real-world experience, members share applications of new technologies and best practices, ultimately shaping RPs that organizations can adopt to enhance performance, safety, and sustainability.

Beyond the Study Group sessions, the event featured presentations in the Future Truck Committee highlighting innovations poised to transform fleet operations. CEO-led discussions showcased a range of advancements—from AI-enabled bilingual maintenance tracking software designed to track service and streamline preventive maintenance, to on-board tire inflation management systems that monitor and adjust air pressure in real time. The latter technology not only reduces costs and downtime but also addresses one of the leading causes of tire blowouts on roadways, improving both safety and efficiency.

Importantly, the RPs developed within TMC serve a broader role by informing manufacturers on critical improvements in efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The collaborative process helps ensure that the trucking industry continues to adapt to evolving needs while embracing necessary and more innovative technologies.

I look forward to strengthening the Clean Energy Technology Center’s partnership with ATA and to continued engagement with TMC Study Groups. Together, we can advance innovations that benefit fleets, manufacturers, and the broader transportation industry.

If you’re interested in more learning and networking opportunities, the North Carolina Trucking Association Annual Councils and Conference is in Asheville, October 22-23, 2025, and the TMC’s Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition is in March 2026 in Nashville, TN.