We've been talking to a lot of fleet managers about OTR Remote over the past few months. The same questions keep coming up.
Instead of making you get on a call to get answers, here's everything you need to know.
General Questions
What is OTR Remote?
OTR Remote is a fleet diagnostic monitoring system. A device plugs into each truck's diagnostic port and streams data over cellular to a web dashboard. You can see fault codes, monitor engine data, and send remote commands (like forced regens) from anywhere.
It's the same diagnostic intelligence we've built over six years with OTR Diagnostics, but now it works 24/7 without anyone being at the truck.
How is this different from OTR Diagnostics?
OTR Diagnostics requires a phone plugged into the truck. It's great for owner-operators and drivers who want to diagnose their own trucks.
OTR Remote is always connected. No phone required. It's built for fleet managers who need visibility across multiple trucks without relying on drivers to plug in and check.
Is there a minimum fleet size?
Yes, OTR Remote requires a 3-truck minimum. It's designed for fleets, not single-truck operations.
If you're running one or two trucks, OTR Diagnostics is a better fit for your needs.
Compatibility Questions
What trucks does it work with?
OTR Remote supports:
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Detroit Diesel: DD13, DD15, DD16 (2011 and newer)
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Cummins: ISX, X15, ISB, ISL (2011 and newer)
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Paccar: MX-13, MX-11 (2011 and newer)
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Volvo: D11, D13, D16 (2014 and newer)
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Mack: MP7, MP8 (2014 and newer)
If you're running Class 8 trucks from the last 10-15 years, we likely support them. If you have a mixed fleet, we can look at your specific trucks and tell you exactly what's covered.
We already have Samsara / Motive / Konexial. Do we need this too?
You don't replace your ELD. You add OTR Remote alongside it.
Your telematics handles compliance: hours, location, miles. OTR Remote handles diagnostics: fault codes, derate alerts, remote commands.
Different tools, different jobs. Most fleets we're talking to are running both.
Installation Questions
How hard is the installation?
It plugs into the diagnostic port. Takes about 10 minutes per truck.
No drilling. No shop time. No downtime. Just plug it in and it starts streaming data.
Does the driver need to do anything?
No. Once the device is installed, it runs automatically. No driver involvement required.
Drivers won't even know it's there unless they look under the dash.
Does it interfere with our ELD or other devices?
No. OTR Remote reads data from the diagnostic network. It doesn't interfere with other devices on the bus.
Many trucks have multiple devices plugged into the diagnostic port (ELD, diagnostic tools). They all coexist without issues.
Feature Questions
What can I see in the dashboard?
The web dashboard shows:
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Fleet overview: All trucks at a glance, color-coded by status
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Fault codes: Active and inactive codes across all systems
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Live data: Engine parameters in real time
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Aftertreatment status: DPF soot level, regen status, SCR efficiency
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Derate status: Current derate stage and countdown timers
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Location: GPS tracking for all trucks
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History: Historical data and trends
Can I actually fix things remotely?
Yes. OTR Remote supports bidirectional commands:
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Force DPF regeneration
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Reset certain fault codes
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Clear derates (where possible)
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Run diagnostic tests
Not every issue can be fixed remotely. But many can. And for the ones that can't, at least you know exactly what's wrong before you send anyone anywhere.
Does it work with a mobile app?
OTR Remote is accessed through a web dashboard. It works on any device with a browser: computer, tablet, or phone.
There's no separate mobile app to download yet. Just log in from wherever you are. *Mobile app coming soon.*
Support Questions
What kind of support do we get?
Direct line to our team. You're not submitting tickets into a queue.
If something's wrong, you call us and we figure it out together. Our support team knows trucks, not just software.
Phone: 586-799-4375
What if we have a truck the system doesn't recognize?
Let us know. We're constantly adding coverage for new engine years and configurations.
If we can add support for your truck, we will. If we can't, we'll tell you upfront.
Getting Started Questions
What if we just want to try it on a few trucks first?
The real power of OTR Remote is seeing patterns across your fleet, which trucks keep having the same issues, which routes are hardest on aftertreatmet systems, where your maintenance dollars are actually going. Three trucks is the minimum.
When does it ship?
OTR Remote ships in April 2026. We're currently taking pre-orders with founder pricing for the first 250 trucks.
How do we get started?
Talk to our fleet team. We'll walk through your specific fleet, answer any questions, and help you figure out if OTR Remote makes sense for your operation.
No pressure. Just a conversation about your trucks. Our number is 586-799-4375
Related Posts
- What is Remote Fleet Diagnostics? A Complete Guide
- Why We Built OTR Remote
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