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North American Class 8 orders in September cleared 12,000 units, ACT Research reported, citing preliminary data, but the volume remained just a faint shadow of what occurred a year earlier.

Sales of used Class 8 trucks under $50,000 continued to fall during July, which helped drive up the average sales price, but at the same time underscored certain buyers have exited the market, according to ACT Research.

U.S. Class 8 retail sales in June improved to climb above 23,000 units, WardsAuto.com reported. They landed against the backdrop of a freight environment that is weakening this year and already is served by too many trucks, other analysts said.

U.S. retail sales of heavy-duty trucks kept up momentum in May, pushing into the 20,000-plus territory for the 10th time over the past year, WardsAutomotive.com reported.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on a potential pilot program that would allow drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 to operate trucks interstate.

The market for used Class 8s in March continued to butt heads with a lack of inventory amid still-strong demand. Sales slipped, and prices rose.

All major truck builders and several startups are preparing to develop, test and market either battery-electric vehicles or fuel-cell/battery models in the very near term. Replacing diesel-powered Class 8 trucks, though, will present numerous challenges to an industry accustomed to proven and reliable diesel-­engine technology.

Daimler Trucks North America rode its Freightliner brand to a nearly 50% market share of U.S. Class 8 retail sales in January as volume industrywide cleared 20,000 units, WardsAuto.com reported.

North American orders of Class 8 vehicles in October reached 43,600 and extended the cycle of strong demand that began a year ago, ACT Research Co. reported.