TMC 2025: Jack Kennedy Delivers Keynote and New Partnerships Announced

The American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition was full of several exciting announcements and an insightful keynote address from Platform Science co-founder and CEO Jack Kennedy. 

With a record-breaking 5,400 members of the trucking industry in attendance in Nashville, the event focused on two distinct tracks: Back to Basics and Advanced Technology. From live demos in the Platform Science Connected Vehicle Lab to discussions on improving fleet efficiency, attendees explored new ways to optimize performance and reduce downtime. 

Jack Kennedy Delivers Keynote Address

Platform Science co-founder and CEO Jack Kennedy was invited to deliver the keynote address on Tuesday’s kickoff breakfast and took the opportunity to share his vision for the upcoming decade for trucks and drivers, as well as for the broader connected freight ecosystem for commercial trucking. 

As trucks become smarter and the Age of Innovation advances, fleets need to be prepared to deal with a “disruptive” shift in technology that is breaking down silos of data and improving connectivity. While the FMCSA ELD mandate was a significant milestone, Kennedy explained that the technological advances currently developing will dramatically change the industry on an even larger scale, and those not keeping up could quickly fall behind.

He likened the current state of change in the industry to the shift experienced in the cell phone industry. Manufacturers originally competed to create the most compact, high-tech devices. Soon, however, it became clear that software and apps would become the key differentiator for users, as add-on apps for a wide range of everyday activities began to dominate the market.

Kennedy foresees a similar evolution occurring in the trucking industry. While smart trucks are increasingly being outfitted with OEM telematics sensors and hardware, the ability to integrate cutting-edge, add-on apps represents an almost limitless opportunity to add functionality and customize fleet operations. Choosing a fleet management solutions vendor with an extensive and constantly evolving ecosystem of add-on apps helps fleets ensure they can evolve with future needs and technology possibilities.

The Virtual Vehicle Marketplace

As an example of such a functioning app ecosystem, the Virtual Vehicle Marketplace from Platform Science allows fleets to expand, customize, and focus on specific needs and goals to create the ideal fleet management system. 

Virtual Vehicle is the premier application platform that brings together solutions made by telematics providers, third-party developers, Vehicle OEMs, Tier 1 component OEMs, and fleets themselves. Applications are available through the Virtual Vehicle portal which serves as a central hub where fleets can access real-time vehicle insights and optimize operations with integrated third-party solutions. 

By leveraging factory-installed OEM systems when available, fleets eliminate the need to install aftermarket telematics hardware and can access real-time vehicle data straight from the source. This approach cuts down on redundant equipment, lowers the total cost of ownership, and ensures data is available in-cab—even in areas with spotty cellular coverage. By establishing and utilizing an open, flexible platform, fleets can future-proof their operations and ensure they are always prepared to leverage even the most disruptive technologies.

More Important Announcements from TMC 2025

Platform Science and Cummins Partner to Introduce Vehicle Health Intelligence

At TMC25, Platform Science and Cummins Inc. announced a partnership to introduce Vehicle Health Intelligence, the newest native Virtual Vehicle integration. Cummins Inc. will transition its Connected Solutions® portal —which enables fleets to seamlessly access a range of features and capabilities — to the Virtual Vehicle platform.

Cummins and Platform Science have developed a new, streamlined experience for registering for Connected Solutions. Users simply register online with Virtual Vehicle and gain access to engine data and insights.

Cummins' adoption of the Virtual Vehicle signals the fact that the platform is one of the most robust application ecosystems available to fleets. Data delivered through this joint effort will enhance fleet performance by offering world-class remote diagnostics, engine data insights, and firmware over-the-air updates. Cummins looks forward to offering its customers prioritized, actionable insights for all their vehicles in one place through the Virtual Vehicle portal.

Hyundai Translead’s HT LinkVue Added to the Virtual Vehicle Marketplace

Also during TMC25, Platform Science announced the newest addition to the Virtual Vehicle Marketplace with the inclusion of Hyundai Translead’s HT LinkVue. HT LinkVue is a 360-degree trailer camera system that boosts driver visibility, reduces blind spots, and ensures accuracy in tight dock maneuvers. This addition provides not only additional choice for fleets using the Virtual Vehicle Marketplace but also enhanced versatility and scalability of the platform itself.

The next TMC meetings will be held in Raleigh, September 14-18, 2025 and then back in Nashville, March 16-19, 2026.

For more information on Platform Science’s full suite of fleet tools that help drivers thrive and deliver operational efficiencies, visit our website now.

‍View the full range of add-on apps available in the Virtual Vehicle marketplace now.