FMCSA refreshes ELD website, Class 8 truck orders rise 81%

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently updated its website on the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate to make it more user friendly and to highlight important information. On Dec. 18, drivers who track hours of service with paper logs will be required to use an ELD to track them.

The FMCSA has added new questions and answers to its FAQ section, including information on how the ELD rule applies to the agriculture exemption and vehicles manufactured in 2000 with older engine parts.

A new resource page includes fact sheets, brochures and information in English and Spanish. Also, a new website for ELD manufacturers allows them to test ELD output files with the new ELD File Validator and offers access to technical specification questions and answers.

TRUCK ORDERS RISE
Preliminary orders for Class 8 trucks, or the tractors of semitrailers, rose 81% in July, from the same month in 2016. The July orders also rose 4%, from June, according to ACT Research.

“While down on a nominal basis from the 2017 order trend, seasonal adjustment brings July’s order intake in-line with recent activity,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research. “Over the past six months, Class 8 net orders, seasonally adjusted, have averaged 21,900 units/month.”