Truck Makers Embrace Third-Party Safety Ratings Push

Key Details The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is expanding its vehicle safety ratings to commercial trucks, starting with Class 2B cargo vans and Class 3 pickups this year. Class 4-6 cab chassis will follow in 2027, with awards launching that same year. IIHS previously tested underride guards on trailers, with nearly all dry van manufacturers now meeting standards. Why It Matters Independent safety ratings drive adoption of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) among fleets and drivers. Volvo Trucks highlighted how third-party validation helps carriers understand safety features like side-curtain airbags, boosting uptime and reducing total cost of ownership. OEMs can use ratings as competitive selling points, similar to passenger vehicle markets. What's Next IIHS will release standard equipment details by end of 2026, with active safety benchmarks following by fall 2026. By 2027, expect awards for Classes 2-3 vehicles and expansion to larger classes. Side underride guard testing for Class 8 tractors is targeted for 2030. These ratings represent a major shift toward standardized safety transparency in commercial trucking.