July 14, 2026, 3:55 p.m., EDT
Drivers can take their breaks while remote updates continue. (Mack Trucks)
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Mack Trucks plans to implement Lock & Leave starting in fall 2026, allowing eligible over-the-air software updates to occur without a driver in the truck.
- The feature aims to maximize fleet uptime as connected trucks become more sophisticated and remote software updates become a standard feature.
- Pending final validation, Lock & Leave will be rolled out as part of Mack’s AutoSend deployment suite on Pioneer, Anthem, Granite and Keystone models.
Mack Trucks plans to improve over-the-air software updates by allowing drivers to make revisions without a human in the truck.
Volvo Group division Mack’s Lock & Leave extension is designed to maximize uptime by allowing drivers to take their breaks while remote updates continue. As part of the development, updates could also be carried out overnight or at the end of a shift, the company said.
Lock & Leave is scheduled to be available from fall 2026, subject to final validation. It will launch first on Mack’s new or redesigned models – Pioneer, Anthem, Granite and Keystone.
Remote software updates are becoming more and more standard as tractors become more sophisticated and the ability to maximize fleet uptime through advancements becomes a key selling point, particularly on new or redesigned models.
Mack is in the midst of renewing its entire portfolio of heavy-duty on-road and commercial vehicles. The overhaul is expected to be completed in 2027.
The update included the introduction of the Pioneer and Keystone models, as well as revisions to the Anthem and Granite.
Lock & Leave will first be introduced on Mack’s Pioneer, Anthem, Granite and Keystone models. (Mack Trucks)
Mack’s ambitions for the trucks are part of Volvo Group’s plans to capture a 25% share of the North American heavy-duty truck market by 2030. Volvo Trucks North America achieved a 9.1% share of U.S. Class 8 retail sales in 2025, while Mack held an 8.7% share, according to Omdia Automotive.
Lock & Leave is part of the AutoSend automated software delivery suite. When a driver initiates an authorized software update by activating the driver display, he or she can exit, lock and exit the truck. The vehicle will only stay on until the update is finished installing and then turn off.
Cox Fleet’s Alex Fraser discusses how fleets should respond when roadside mishaps simultaneously test their safety, compliance and customer service systems. Tune in above or visit RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
Mack customers have been receiving remote software updates for their vehicles as standard since March 2025. AutoSend is part of the Mack Over The Air service. Over The Air was launched in 2017.
“Mack customers measure success by how much time their trucks spend on the road,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Lock & Leave removes another hurdle for remote software updates. Drivers can start the update, end their day and let the truck do the rest.”
In June, VTNA announced similar plans to improve over-the-air software updates for unattended VNL and VNR models in 2026. In 2025, the company introduced remote software updates through its Volvo Connect portal.
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/mack-over-air-software
