Vethy fleet pilot program: 50-100 tractor rollout playbook

• Table of Contents

1. Pilot tractor selection
2. Baseline measurement
3. Install and post-install KPI dashboard
4. Path to fleet-wide standard spec

Fleets evaluating parking AC at scale typically run a structured pilot program before committing to fleet-wide deployment. Vethy supports pilot customers with dedicated implementation team, structured KPI dashboard, and a documented path to fleet-wide standard spec on new tractor orders. This page is the recommended pilot playbook for a 50-100 tractor first-wave deployment.

Pilot tractor selection

Pilot wave should be drawn from a representative mix of fleet operating conditions: at least one tractor in each major fleet segment (long-haul OTR, regional, drayage), at least 30% of pilot in the hottest summer-operating region, at least 30% in highest-idle baseline tractors, and inclusion of both team-driver and solo-driver assignments to reach both driver populations. Pilot wave 50-100 tractors typically produces statistically meaningful idle-reduction and fuel-savings data within 6-9 months of operation.

Baseline measurement

Pre-install baseline measurement on each pilot tractor for 90 days minimum: idle hours from ELD, fuel consumption, driver-reported sleep quality survey, behavioral health claim baseline (if available), and any DOT-relevant fatigue events. Baseline period should cover at least one full summer month for southern-region tractors. Vethy provides standardised baseline measurement template and works with the fleet's primary ELD or telematics provider for clean data extraction.

Install and post-install KPI dashboard

Pilot install typically scheduled across 4-8 weeks with authorized installer network or fleet shop. Post-install KPI dashboard updated monthly: (1) tractor-level Vethy uptime hours, (2) tractor-level idle hour reduction vs baseline, (3) tractor-level fuel cost reduction, (4) DPF regen interval (if instrumented), (5) driver-reported sleep quality survey at 30/90/180 days, (6) any warranty events, (7) telematics integration health. Vethy customer success team reviews dashboard with fleet ops/HR monthly during pilot.

Path to fleet-wide standard spec

Successful pilots (defined as positive ROI + positive driver feedback + no significant warranty or reliability issues) typically convert to fleet-wide standard spec on new tractor orders within 12-18 months. Conversion structure: (1) add Vethy to new-tractor procurement spec for all replacement orders, (2) optional retrofit program for existing tractors prioritised by remaining first-life and operating-region heat exposure, (3) shift to dedicated account-team handling for warranty and service across the full fleet. Several large fleets that have completed this conversion report 12-24 month payback at the fleet level and material long-term retention/SmartWay/CSRD reporting benefits.

Frequently asked questions

How big should a fleet pilot be?

50-100 tractors typically produces statistically meaningful idle-reduction and fuel-savings data within 6-9 months. Smaller pilots (10-30 tractors) work for early validation but require longer measurement periods for reliable inference.

What KPIs does the pilot track?

Tractor-level Vethy uptime, idle hour reduction vs baseline, fuel cost reduction, DPF regen interval, driver-reported sleep quality survey at 30/90/180 days, warranty events, and telematics integration health. Monthly dashboard review with Vethy customer success team.

How long is a typical pilot?

Pre-install baseline 90 days, install 4-8 weeks, post-install measurement 6-9 months for statistically meaningful results. Full pilot cycle typically 10-14 months from kickoff to conversion decision.

How does a successful pilot convert to fleet-wide standard?

Add Vethy to new-tractor procurement spec for all replacement orders, optional retrofit program for existing tractors prioritised by remaining first-life and operating region, and shift to dedicated account-team handling for warranty and service across the full fleet.