PACCAR’s proprietary telematics platform, PACCAR Connect, may not be new to the Australian market, but it was clear from the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show that its capabilities — and its value to transport businesses — have moved to an entirely new level.
Speaking with Fleet News Group at the PACCAR stand, Bill Rakis, Assistant Chief Engineer at PACCAR, explained how the system has matured since it first debuted at the Brisbane Truck Show four years ago.
“We’ve learned a lot,” Rakis said. “Originally, the reason we launched PACCAR Connect was a bit different to other telematics, it was all about getting the vehicle data back— that’s the highest quality data that is used to create value for customer, and information used to develop our products.”
Embedded intelligence, not just location data
PACCAR Connect goes beyond basic tracking and fleet visualisation. Because Rakis and his team design the software for the vehicles themselves, they can access proprietary data and engineer features not available from aftermarket systems.
One example is the ability to calculate Gross Combination Mass (GCM) without additional equipment. “We’re able to use the powertrain — it works out how long it takes to shift gears, what it does up a hill, and calculates the GCM,” Rakis said. This enables more accurate fuel economy insights by load type, helping operators benchmark performance whether hauling singles, B-doubles or road trains.
“The real benefit is using all of the data to create insights, rather than just dots on a map,” Rakis added.
Standard fitment and instant dealer support
The latest iteration of PACCAR Connect now comes standard on nearly all Kenworth and DAF trucks built in Australia, with 12 months of free data included. A key feature is remote fault code visibility.
“As the OEM, we know all the codes that happen on the truck,” Rakis explained. “Now, if something does occur, your dealer can see what’s happening in real time on the truck . We’ve also given that information to our customers to view themselves.”
This empowers operators, especially those managing their own maintenance, to make informed decisions about whether a vehicle can safely continue its journey or requires workshop attention — potentially avoiding costly downtime.
Compliance-ready, future-ready
PACCAR Connect is also becoming a compliance enabler. At this year’s show, PACCAR announced forthcoming TCA (Transport Certification Australia) approval for TMA and RIM applications, along with partnerships for OBM (On-Board Mass) with Airtec and electronic work diaries with Logmaster.
“These are the new points of difference we’re presenting today,” Rakis said. “And there’s a real advantage when customers hear these features are installed in the factory, ready to go.”
For customers financing through PACCAR, an added incentive is on offer: five years of data included with the truck.
Automated fuel tax credit recovery
One of the most compelling new features is an automated fuel tax credit (FTC) service, developed in partnership with KPMG.
“The data quality we’re getting through PACCAR Connect is so rich that KPMG, as tax agents, can automate the process,” Rakis said. “They can go back four years for retrospective rebates, and going forward, calculate savings every month.”
Importantly, the process is ATO audit-exempt due to its accuracy and automation through a Tax Ruling — a major benefit for operators by reduces the time spent on paperwork as well as confidently allowing operators to maximise the tax credit dollar amount.
Smarter camera integration — with a driver safety focus
While many telematics solutions are racing to add artificial intelligence (AI) camera features, PACCAR Connect is taking a practical, truck-centric approach.
At the Truck Show, PACCAR previewed a new dash cam solution with both forward-facing and cabin-facing cameras, integrated with PACCAR Connect to capture events such as harsh braking and turning.
More advanced functionality is also under development. Rakis outlined a scenario where the truck’s own safety systems intervene — for example, applying brakes to prevent a rollover.
“We can trigger that as an event and record the information. That’s powerful — fleets can see where incidents are happening and whether adjustments are needed,” he said.
While broader AI features such as driver eye tracking are on PACCAR’s roadmap, Rakis is prioritising features that can deliver immediate value across the 10,000-plus trucks already equipped with PACCAR Connect.
Supporting the transition to zero emissions
Looking ahead, PACCAR Connect will also play a role in supporting the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). At the show, a DAF electric truck was on display.
“We’re in a good position to turn it [PACCAR Connect] on for the electric truck as well,” Rakis confirmed. “We’re already using some of the data sets — trip time, loads, comparisons — as part of the demo program.”
Driving true return on investment
Summing up, Rakis said the goal is to deliver measurable return on investment for customers — whether through fuel tax savings, reduced downtime, smarter maintenance, or enhanced safety.
“We’re trying to build more around the truck,” he said. “It’s not just about a vehicle down the road. It’s about services that help your business get better returns, operate smoother, and have better resale value.”
Importantly, PACCAR is not competing with aftermarket telematics providers as a logistics business. “Our intent is to provide value to the customer up front, and the biggest return they can get going forward,” Rakis said.
As fleets increasingly demand that telematics deliver insight, not just data, PACCAR Connect looks set to remain a standout example of OEM-driven innovation tailored to the needs of the Australian market.
