Photo: Jim Park

Photo: Jim Park

In 2017, the trucking industry saw several major news stories play out on a near daily basis. The looming ELD Mandate, infrastructure reform, and Silicon Valley’s push into the trucking industry captured the attention of our readers in a big way this year.

Here are the most-read news stories of 2017:

1. What ELD Enforcement Could Look Like on Day 1

The electronic logging device rule takes effect on Dec. 18, but many fleets and drivers may not be compliant with it in time. So, what will enforcement look like for them?

2. FMCSA Issues Two Narrow ELD Exemptions to All Carriers

Having decided to grant part of a United Parcel Service request for a limited 5-year exemption from some provisions of the electronic logging device mandate, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will now allow all motor carriers — not just UPS — and drivers to make use of two new temporary exemptions from the ELD rule.

3. Navistar Hit With $30.8 Million Judgment in ProStar/MaxxForce Lawsuit

Navistar Inc. disputes allegations that it didn’t thoroughly test its MaxxForce EGR engines – allegations that surfaced in a lawsuit where a jury last week awarded $30.8 million in damages – including testimony about the engine program by former executive Jim Hebe that the company "did not test s**t".

4. Uber Freight Launches for Owner-Operators, Small Fleets

Uber is looking to transform the world of freight transport much as it has changed the world of taxis with its ride-sharing app. Deborah Lockridge has the story on what the new Uber Freight is -- and what it's not.

5. Truckers Take to the Streets to Protest ELD Rule

Truckers around the country -- including in the nation's capital -- gathered to protest the upcoming ELD mandate.  Some were participating in the ELD or Me protest in  Washington, DC,  while others took to the streets in Fresno, California, as part of Operation Black and Blue, to protest the implementation of  the electronic logging device rule.

6. Last Legs for Long-Haul Trucking?

A move away from long-haul to regional and super-regional routes has been predicted for years. Volvo's Magnus Koeck says that shift may already be underway.

7. First Look: Tesla's All-Electric Semi Truck

The highly anticipated Tesla electric semi has finally arrived. And, as hinted, teased and promised these many past months, it is a potential game-changer — and quite possibly a disruptive vehicle for trucking in many ways.

8. Cummins Unveils Class 7 All-Electric Daycab Tractor

With all eyes looking toward Tesla and its much-hyped unveiling of its new all-electric, commercial truck, Cummins on Aug. 29 stunned the trucking industry with the launch of its own new and fully electric, Class 7 day cab tractor.

9. California Gears up for Stricter Diesel Truck Emissions Regulations

Diesel-powered trucks appear to be in the crosshairs once again as California legislators, citing overwhelming public support, call for even tougher emissions regulations.

10. Volvo, Mack, to Discontinue 16-liter Diesel Immediately

Volvo Trucks North America announced to its dealers on Jan. 20 that effective immediately, the OEM would cease production and distribution of its 16.1-liter D16 diesel engine. Aftermarket service and support for all D16s currently in the field will continue unimpeded.

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