U.S. retail sales of Class 8 trucks in May topped 19,000 and were the fourth-highest in the past 26 months, WardsAuto.com reported. However, analysts said a severely challenged supply chain has stalled even higher sales and added to truck makers’ production-related expenses.

U.S. retail sales of medium-duty trucks rose 13.7% in May to 20,801, driven by large gains in demand for Class 6 trucks, a highly competitive sector.

ACT Research Co. reported trailer orders in May climbed 30% to 23,300, based on its preliminary estimate. Trailer makers called the ongoing surge unprecedented.

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — The head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration spotlighted key trucking issues — including hours-of-service rules, electronic logging devices and truck parking — during remarks here at an industry meeting, and stressed that he wants his agency to build a positive relationship with fleets and drivers.

Flatbed and specialized transportation carrier Daseke Inc., which has been in the throes of expansion — adding seven fleets last year and one so far in 2018 — has created a new unit to improve the way it buys, sells and maintains the thousands of pieces of equipment it operates.

U.S. trailer orders continued to mount in April, tightening the pressure on trailer makers to secure the components and labor needed to boost production amid the rising cost of materials.

U.S. retail sales of Class 8 trucks in April climbed 37% to nearly 19,000 units as all truck makers posted double-digit gains, WardsAuto.com reported. One key supplier said parts are flowing in from around the globe to meet the demand — which is expected to build this year.

U.S. retail sales of medium-duty trucks in April neared 19,000, rising slightly higher than a year earlier, WardsAuto.com reported.

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced that French oil and gas company Total S.A. has become its largest stockholder and will underwrite a leasing program meant to accelerate the use of natural gas fuel in North American heavy-duty trucks.

First-quarter earnings reports for two companies supporting the commercial vehicle industry reflected different results amid a strong environment for freight and booming truck orders. One supplier of fuel and related services for fleets on the road had a net loss but an uptick in revenue while a diversified component supplier saw both its net income and revenue surge.