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The increase in Class 8 truck demand that began late last year has some component makers scrambling to meet the sudden surge, and one analyst warned the supply problem could get worse if orders grow as expected.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The U.S. Transportation Department’s new safety program is putting pressure on intermodal fleets, which say their safety records are being hurt in part by violations that were supposed to be rectified by new federal chassis safety rules.

The number of new commercial trailers registered in the United States in 2010 reached 105,471, a 42% increase from the previous dismal year, R.L. Polk & Co. reported.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — More truck drivers will be receiving pay increases in the second quarter as fleets’ prospects improve and driver supply tightens, a compensation expert told an industry conference.

Nearly 17 years after Congress ordered federal regulators to put in writing that motor vehicles are not to park on railroad tracks while waiting for the traffic to clear or a light to turn green, two agencies said they have rectified a series of “misunderstandings” with state transportation officials and have offered a new proposal.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Truck stop operators can expect to benefit from a stronger freight market, new parts-and-service opportunities and diversification of their business, industry officials said.

The U.S. Supreme Court last week directed a lower court to reconsider a claim by freight railroad CSX Transportation Inc. that the Alabama fuel tax it pays is discriminatory because truckers are exempt from the same tax.

The retread business is booming at Snider Tire Inc. — so much so that the Greensboro, N.C., company is building a sixth plant to fulfill its half-million yearly orders for Michelin retreads.

The U.S. Class 8 truck fleet appears to have halted a lengthy decline, according to new registration data for the last quarter of 2010, and fleet executives, truck dealers and analysts all said vehicle sales should continue to rise.