In a first for the heavy-duty truck segment, Volvo partnered with the Center for Pet Safety to evaluate its new long-haul Volvo VNL for in-cab pet travel. The result was a successful pass in a formal pet safety evaluation conducted earlier this month.

Why Pet Safety Matters in Long Haul Trucking

Volvo estimates that roughly 800,000 pets travel in commercial trucks across the United States. For drivers, pets are not accessories. They are companions and family. That makes secure travel and reduced distraction a real safety issue, not a lifestyle feature.

“To my knowledge, our Volvo VNL is the first heavy-duty truck ever to pass a pet safety test,” said Maddie Sullivan, product manager, Volvo Trucks North America. “Safety is in our DNA at Volvo, and that commitment extends to everyone who shares the road, including the pets that so many drivers consider family.”

Inside the Volvo VNL Pet Safety Evaluation

The evaluation took place on December 12 at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia. Specialists from the Center for Pet Safety conducted a hands-on assessment of the Volvo VNL cab design, focusing on how pets can be restrained and transported safely during real-world driving.

The review included inspection of interior layouts, strength-tested anchor points, available restraint connection options, and cab climate control. Dogs also rode along on the Volvo Customer Center test track using Center for Pet Safety-approved harnesses and carriers. This allowed evaluators to observe pet positioning, movement, and comfort under normal driving conditions.

“Evaluating the Volvo VNL in person allows us to examine how vehicle design, securement points, and cab layout all work together to impact pet safety,” said Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety. “By working directly with Volvo’s engineers and product teams, we can evaluate real-world cab features, identify the safest places for pets to ride, and help drivers make choices that keep pets secure while reducing distractions, especially during busy holiday travel.”

What Helped the Volvo VNL Pass the Test

According to Volvo, several built-in features contributed to the successful evaluation. The VNL includes strength-tested anchor points that are compatible with Center for Pet Safety-certified harnesses and carriers. These anchor points help keep pets restrained during sudden stops or evasive maneuvers.

The truck also features the Volvo Parking Cooler, a climate control system designed to maintain safe interior temperatures for up to eight hours without idling. This is especially important for drivers traveling with pets during temperature extremes.

In addition, Volvo noted that the VNL’s strength-tested mesh bed design showed strong potential as a safe rest area for pets, with only minor adjustments needed to support secure travel.

“The Volvo VNL was designed to support life on the road, and working directly with the Center for Pet Safety helps us better understand how our design choices can support safer, more comfortable travel for drivers and their furry co-pilots,” Sullivan said.

Practical Takeaways for Drivers and Carriers

While the evaluation focused on one specific truck model, the findings highlight broader lessons for the industry. Proper restraint systems matter. Anchor points and certified harnesses reduce risk for both pets and drivers. Climate control is critical for safety, not just comfort. Cab layout and secure rest areas can help minimize distraction during long hours behind the wheel.

For fleets, the evaluation reinforces how in-cab design can support driver wellbeing and focus. For owner operators, it provides reassurance that pet travel can be done responsibly with the right equipment and planning.

Holiday Travel and Pet Safety on the Road

As part of the event, the Center for Pet Safety also shared seasonal reminders for drivers traveling with pets during the winter months. These included securing pets properly, packing essentials, planning rest stops, and preparing for cold weather conditions.

The guidance aligns with the Center’s ongoing mission to improve safety for families and pets traveling year-round.

For drivers who rely on a four-legged copilot to make the road feel like home, the Volvo VNL evaluation marks a meaningful step forward in acknowledging that reality and designing trucks that support it safely.

Source: The Trucker

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“When most people hear design, they think of automotive or fashion, not heavy-duty trucks. However, for our team, design plays a critical role in everything from fuel efficiency to driver comfort,” shared Brian Balicki, head of design at Volvo Trucks North America. “With the all-new Volvo VNL, we started with a blank sheet of paper and reimagined the truck from the ground up. The streamlined, wedge-shaped cab and dramatically sloped windshield are not just visually striking, they reduce aerodynamic drag and help deliver up to 10% better fuel efficiency compared to the legacy model. Inside, we transformed the driving environment and sleeper into a space that feels more like a home away from home.”

Cutting-edge redesign and features

Revealed in January 2024, the all-new Volvo VNL represents six years of intensive research and represents a complete rethinking of the long-haul truck. With a nearly 90% redesign from its predecessors, the truck offers enhanced productivity, safety, profitability, and sustainability, addressing the demands of the North American freight transport sector.

The Volvo VNL is visually distinguished by its dynamic lines, aerodynamic efficiency, and innovative wedge-shaped profile. Its curved windshield reduces drag, while the angled front grille, headlights, and intakes enhance both form and function. Volvo described this design as “a significant industry shift” that exemplifies its brand strengths.

Inside the cabin, driver-focused features fuel innovation. An all-new 24-volt electrical system hosts technologies like dynamic displays, a Camera Monitor System, inductive charging, and task/ambient lighting. Comfort is redefined with customizable cab configurations, upgraded materials, and amenities like versatile bunk setups and airline-inspired window shades designed to meet drivers’ needs.

Revolutionizing the driver experience

“The all-new Volvo VNL was designed to change everything for heavy-duty trucks, and we evaluated every detail of the driver experience from selecting materials that provide a premium look and feel to incorporating innovative safety features that help protect drivers in case of an accident,” remarked Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Winning this prestigious design award validates the six years of dedication that went into transforming our flagship VNL model. We created a vehicle that not only connects with customers but also delivers exceptional performance and comfort.”

The design innovations are aimed at creating a driver experience that reflects their needs on the road, earning praise from drivers and the broader trucking industry along the way.

About the Red Dot Award

The Red Dot Design Award is a globally celebrated mark of recognition, honoring exceptional design across industries. Originating in Essen, Germany over 70 years ago, it spans 51 categories, including vehicles, electronics, household goods, and more. Winning the Red Dot Award reflects not only design excellence but also innovation and functionality.

The official award announcement will occur on July 8 at the Designers’ Night hosted at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen.

Volvo Trucks continues to push industry boundaries, setting a new standard for functionality, comfort, and design with the Volvo VNL.

Source: The Trucker
Source: Volvo Trucks

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