For decades, fleet operators have relied on fixed maintenance schedules to keep their trucks running efficiently. These schedules, often rigid and conservative, were designed with generic service intervals rather than adapting to the unique conditions in which vehicles operate. However, thanks to advancements in real-time vehicle monitoring and predictive analytics, service schedules are evolving to become more dynamic and cost-effective.
Hayley Miles, Service Solutions Director at Volvo Group Australia, is at the forefront of this transition. She explains how the integration of telematics and real-time monitoring enables fleet operators to optimise maintenance schedules, reducing costs and vehicle downtime while improving reliability.
Moving Beyond Fixed Service Intervals
Traditional fleet maintenance schedules have been built around static kilometre-based service intervals—regardless of whether a truck is hauling freight across the Outback or operating on metro routes. This one-size-fits-all approach often leads to excessive servicing for some applications and inadequate servicing for others.
“Back in the day, servicing was every 20,000 kilometres, and it didn’t matter what the truck was doing,” says Miles. “Now, we’re tailoring service intervals based on real-world vehicle usage, fuel consumption, and the specific conditions under which each truck operates.”
This shift is made possible by telematics systems that collect vast amounts of vehicle data in real time, allowing manufacturers like Volvo to fine-tune service schedules to each truck’s operational profile. The result? Extended service intervals where possible, reduced workshop visits, and fewer unexpected breakdowns.
The Role of Real-Time Monitoring
Volvo’s real-time monitoring system continuously analyses truck performance and predicts potential component failures before they happen. This proactive approach means that instead of waiting for a breakdown, maintenance teams can intervene before critical issues arise.
“It’s not just about monitoring fault codes. The system tracks key vehicle parameters—such as exhaust temperatures, fuel efficiency, and wear indicators—using AI-driven analytics to identify patterns that may indicate a developing problem,” explains Miles. “If a potential issue is detected, the system flags it to the dealership, who can then contact the customer and schedule a repair before a failure occurs.”
Pieter Le Roux, Regional Service Solutions Manager at Volvo Group Australia, highlights the sophistication of Volvo’s real-time monitoring centre in Belgium. “We have over 87,000 assets being tracked globally. Our system isn’t just about reacting to faults—it learns from historical data using AI to predict and prevent failures before they happen. This proactive approach ensures that customers avoid costly unplanned downtime.”
Customised Service Agreements for Every Fleet
Recognising that every fleet has different needs, Volvo offers a range of service contracts—Blue, Silver, and Gold—each providing varying levels of maintenance coverage.
“The Gold contract includes real-time monitoring and offers our most comprehensive level of coverage,” says Miles. “This ensures that not only is scheduled maintenance optimised, but any potential issues are proactively addressed, helping customers manage their costs and reduce operational risk.”
Le Roux adds, “We call it Volvo Optimised Service Planning for a reason—it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each fleet is unique, and we work with our customers to tailor their service plans accordingly. Our goal is to keep trucks on the road, not in the workshop.”
For fleet operators accustomed to in-house servicing, switching to a manufacturer-backed service plan can seem like a big leap. However, Miles points out that many customers increasingly see the benefits.
“Customers who run their own workshops have to deal with administration, compliance, and staffing challenges,” she explains. “By opting for a structured service contract, they can reduce risk, free up internal resources, and ensure their trucks are maintained by experts who are deeply familiar with the latest vehicle technologies.”
The Future of Fleet Maintenance
The advancements in service scheduling are not just about cutting costs—they also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient transport industry. By reducing unnecessary servicing and ensuring parts are replaced only when needed, fleets can minimise waste and improve efficiency.
As electric trucks enter the market in greater numbers, predictive maintenance and telematics will play an even bigger role in managing fleet uptime. “Electric vehicles bring a whole new set of maintenance considerations, and real-time monitoring will be essential to ensuring they operate reliably and cost-effectively,” adds Miles.
Le Roux echoes this sentiment: “Electric trucks require a different approach to servicing, and real-time data is crucial in understanding wear patterns, battery performance, and operational efficiency. Our monitoring systems are already evolving to meet these challenges.”
For fleet operators, the worst kind of downtime is an unexpected breakdown. With technology providing greater insight into vehicle health and performance, fleet maintenance is shifting away from rigid service schedules toward a more intelligent, data-driven approach.
“We’re now in an era where maintenance is optimised for each individual truck’s needs, ensuring that vehicles require servicing when they need it—not just because a schedule says so,” says Miles. “It’s all about getting the best uptime and reliability while keeping costs under control.”
As the industry embraces these innovations, fleet operators stand to benefit from lower costs, reduced downtime, and improved operational efficiency—all made possible by technology that was once just a vision for the future.
