News & Press

Preliminary Net Trailer Order Activity Counter to Traditional Cycle in May

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:27:00 GMT

Preliminary net trailer orders in May were 20,700 units. While May orders were up only about 1,300 units from April’s 19,400-unit level, a 7% month-to-month increase, they vaulted over the tepid showing in May 2025, up 237% y/y. Seasonal adjustment (SA) at this point in the annual order cycle takes the month’s volume to 36,700 units. Final May trailer industry data will be available later this month. This preliminary order estimate is typically within ±5% of the final order tally.

“A sequential drop in net orders is typically expected, as May traditionally marks the second weakest order month of the annual order cycle,” said Jennifer McNealy, Director CV Market Research & Publications at ACT Research. “That said, this year’s cycle initially looked like it had been delayed a few months, as the order upticks that should have started in September or October of last year didn’t actually begin until December, but now may be buttressed by the rising freight rates. Regardless of the timing, the order upticks certainly are welcome, but caution remains a strategy for some trailer purchasers.”

McNealy concluded, “Given accelerating freight rates and rising carrier confidence, we raised the question for the last two months about whether more high-side surprising order intake months would happen, or whether traditional Q2 order weakness would prevail, as fleet decision-makers continue to hesitate about placing trailer orders while accelerating Class 8 tractor purchases instead in 2026. Based on the May data, we now know there was at least one more month of improved order intake in the pipeline, but it remains to be seen how the final month of Q2, as well as how Q3, will unfold.”

FTR Reports Trailer Net Orders Edge Higher in May to 20,189 Units

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:14:00 GMT

U.S. trailer demand was resilient in May, increasing 1% month over month (m/m) to 20,189 units, which represented a surge of 249% year over year (y/y) versus a very weak level in May 2025, FTR reported. Orders were far above the 10-year May average of 11,649 units, indicating better-than-seasonal momentum into late spring. Dry van trailers led the strength, but other key trailer types were strong as well, and almost all logged improved orders from a year earlier.

U.S. trailer builds declined 6% m/m in May to 16,553 units and were down 1% y/y, showing that trailer manufacturers remain cautious despite improved orders. Production for the year to date was essentially flat y/y at 79,482 units as net orders continued to outpace build.

Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, commented, “Despite the stronger May order intake, the market still does not appear to be entering a broad-based upcycle, especially with seasonally slower order months approaching. Rather than widespread capacity expansion, demand remains concentrated in replacement activity, fleet-specific needs, and dry van normalization with support from solid flatbed demand.

“Cost pressures are building and are reflected in May’s sharp increase in the already-elevated Producer Price Index for truck trailers and chassis. A recent change in how Section 232 tariffs are applied means higher overall tariffs on trailers, and upcoming antidumping/countervailing duty exposure for van-type trailers and subassemblies could add more costs on top of Section 232 tariffs.

“This situation may create opportunities for domestic manufacturers and suppliers, but those opportunities also could tighten build slots, extend lead times, and strain the supply of components or labor. The result could be firmer domestic pricing and less consistent order flow even without a broad increase in underlying trailer demand.”

ACT Research: Long-Term Stability Evident in the Used Truck Market

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:19:00 GMT

May preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales could not keep pace with April’s activity, down 13% m/m, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research.

“The decline was larger than expected based on historical seasonality, which called for a 3% m/m decrease. Auction sales surged 79%, directionally consistent with, but more than suggested by, historical expectations. The wholesale segment mirrored retail softness, giving up 19% m/m. However, ytd retail sales were down just 0.7%, with total sales increasing 2.9% ytd,” according to Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “Total reported preliminary sales finished May up 9.4% m/m. The fact that the total market is in sync with seasonal expectations is a welcome testament to the long-awaited balance and stability of the current market.”

“The preliminary average retail price (same dealer sales) of used Class 8 trucks was steady in May, slipping a narrow 0.6% m/m to land at $59,601. Pricing easily defeated seasonal expectations, which called for more than a 5% decline,” Tam concluded.

ACT’s Classes 3-8 Used Truck report provides data on the average selling price, miles, and age based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs – Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). This report is utilized by those throughout the industry, including commercial vehicle dealers to gain a better understanding of the used truck market, especially as it relates to changes in near-term performance.

ACT Research is recognized as the leading publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasts for the North America and China markets. ACT’s analytical services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as banking and investment companies. ACT Research is a contributor to the Blue Chip Economic Indicators and a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel. ACT Research executives have received peer recognition, including election to the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics, appointment as Consulting Economist to the National Private Truck Council, and the Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Economic Indicators’ Most Accurate Economic Forecast over a four-year period. ACT Research senior staff members have earned accolades including Chicago Federal Reserve Automotive Outlook Symposium Best Overall Forecast, Wall Street Journal Top Economic Outlook, and USA Today Top 10 Economic Forecasters. More information can be found at www.actresearch.net.

FTR Reports Trailer Orders Stronger Than Expected in March at 18,045 Units

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:55:00 GMT

FTR reported that U.S. trailer demand in March came in stronger than expected. Net orders rose a surprising 36% month over month (m/m) to 18,045 units but remained down 15% year over year (y/y). The sequential gain is counter to typical seasonality as net orders usually fall around 20% m/m in March. Even with the sharp m/m increase, net orders were still below the 10-year March average of 20,276. Orders for the 2026 U.S. trailer order season (September 2025-March 2026) are down 19% y/y, and orders are down 15% for the year to date.

March U.S. trailer builds increased 15% m/m to 17,501 units but were slightly (1%) below prior-year levels. Year-to-date builds are also down 1% y/y, reflecting continued production discipline from manufacturers.

Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, commented, “Despite the healthy increase in orders, trailer demand remains largely replacement driven as fleets still have excess trailer capacity. In contrast, Class 8 demand has strengthened meaningfully, supported by improving asset utilization, firmer rate expectations, and better visibility into tariff-adjusted pricing and EPA 2027 NOx regulations – all of which combine to drive an early-cycle recovery in orders. As a result, fleet capital allocation is increasingly shifting toward power units aligned with forward-looking needs, leaving trailers relatively deprioritized despite improved freight market conditions.

“Meanwhile, the U.S. trailer market continues to face persistent headwinds. Elevated steel and aluminum costs, ongoing trade uncertainty, high financing costs, and constrained capital spending are limiting incremental demand and keeping orders subdued.”

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index Suffers Brief Drop in March as Expected

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:45:00 GMT

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for March fell as expected due to the unprecedented surge in diesel prices, dropping to a reading of -1.11 after hitting a four-year high of 10.2 in February. The fact that the index was only slightly negative despite such a huge hit from fuel costs highlights the strength of freight-related factors, especially rates. The positive contribution from freight rates alone offset most of the impact of soaring fuel costs. The outlook remains solidly favorable for carriers.

Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking, commented, “Carriers of all stripes are in store for a strong year from a rates perspective, but for much of the market, the recovery remains driven by the combination of very tight capacity and disruption. We are still skeptical that van freight will benefit much from volume growth, but the open deck sector is benefiting not only from very tight capacity but also from an ongoing surge in data center construction and a modest improvement in manufacturing output.”

Details of the March TCI are found in the May issue of FTR’s Trucking Update, published April 30. The May issue includes commentary on the impact of artificial intelligence on economic indicators beyond data center construction and consumer spending. The Trucking Update includes data and analysis on load volumes, the capacity environment, rates, and the economy.

The TCI tracks the changes representing five major conditions in the U.S. truck market. These conditions are: freight volumes, freight rates, fleet capacity, fuel prices, and financing costs. The individual metrics are combined into a single index indicating the industry’s overall health. A positive score represents good, optimistic conditions. Conversely, a negative score represents bad, pessimistic conditions. Readings near zero are consistent with a neutral operating environment, and double-digit readings in either direction suggest significant operating changes are likely.

FTR Announces Open Registration for the 2026 FTR Transportation Conference

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 13:02:00 GMT

Freight Transportation Research (FTR), the leading experts in freight transportation forecasting and analysis, today announced that Early Bird Registration for the 2026 FTR Transportation Conference is now open. This year’s event will take place Aug. 31 through Sept. 3, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN.

At a time when freight markets are being reshaped by economic volatility, shifting trade dynamics, regulatory uncertainty, and inconsistent demand signals, the need for clear, data-driven insight has never been greater. Organizations are facing increasing pressure to make capital, procurement, and operational decisions without a stable playbook—often reacting to market changes rather than anticipating them.

The FTR Transportation Conference is designed to change that.

For more than two decades, this event has been the industry’s most trusted source for forward-looking intelligence. In 2026, FTR’s analysts and industry leaders will focus on helping attendees cut through the noise—translating macroeconomic uncertainty, freight demand variability, and capacity shifts into actionable strategies. All insights presented at the conference are backed by FTR’s proprietary Freight•cast™ forecasting methodology, which integrates macroeconomic data, freight demand signals, and equipment dynamics to deliver an unbiased, forward-looking view of the market.

Customized 2-Day Tracks for Maximum Flexibility

Attendees can tailor their experience by selecting the track most relevant to their business:

Truck Track – Focused on truck equipment and freight market dynamics.

• Truck Equipment – Aug. 31

• Truck Freight – Sept. 1

Freight Track – Designed for shippers navigating truck and rail markets.

• Truck Freight – Sept 1
• Rail Freight – Sept 2

Rail Track – Covering both rail freight demand and equipment outlooks.

• Rail Freight – Sept 2
• Rail Equipment – Sept 3

Attendees will have access to the industry’s most respected economists and analysts, as well as unparalleled networking opportunities with decision-makers across the trucking, rail, intermodal, and supply chain sectors.

Registration and Sponsorship

Early Bird Registration is now open for a limited time. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure the lowest available rate and guarantee their participation in this high-demand event.

To explore the agenda, view speakers, and register, visit ftrconference.com

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations looking to position their brand at the center of the freight transportation industry. Interested companies can download the 2026 Sponsorship Packet to learn more.

For additional information, contact Derek Young at dyoung@ftrintel.com.

Join FTR this September to gain the insight, perspective, and connections needed to navigate uncertainty and make smarter, more strategic decisions in today’s volatile freight environment.

Preliminary Net Trailer Order Activity Met Lower Expectations in February

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 21:37:00 GMT

Preliminary net trailer orders in February were down about 10,000 units from January’s 23,300-unit level, a 43% month-to-month decrease. At 13,200 units booked in February, order intake was 26% below February 2025’s level. Seasonal adjustment (SA) at this point in the annual order cycle lowers the monthly tally to 12,300 units. Final February trailer industry data will be available later this month. This preliminary order estimate is typically within ±5% of the final order tally.

“Sequentially, a drop in net orders was expected, as the industry transitions from the strongest to the weakest order months of the annual cycle,” said Jennifer McNealy, Director CV Market Research & Publications at ACT Research. “Trailer makers now will begin to take fewer orders and start to work down the backlog that grew during the peak of order season at the end of the previous year, which in this year’s cycle started and ended later than usual, as fleet decision-making hesitance into late 2025 delayed the cycle a bit and caused a high-side surprise in January.”

McNealy concluded, “We now question when we will see 20k-plus-unit order intake months again, and how quickly trailer OEMs will build down the still-thin backlog, particularly given concerns about the level of activity in the key freight-generating economic sectors that drive transportation demand.”

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index Rises in February Ahead of March Outlier

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 20:41:00 GMT

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for February rose nearly a full point month over month to a 10.2 reading – the highest level in four years – due to a further strengthening in freight rates. The record surge in diesel prices in March obviously was a huge short-term hit for carriers and could result in a negative TCI reading, although the preliminary assessment still shows a marginally positive reading due to strong freight rates and capacity utilization. Either way, the March TCI will be an outlier.

Avery Vise, FTR’s vice president of trucking, commented, “Extreme volatility in fuel prices – especially with the just-announced ceasefire in the Middle East – and uncertainty over how the spot market will respond to falling diesel prices make the near-term truck freight market far more difficult to forecast than the longer-term outlook, which remains solidly favorable for carriers. The freight market’s response this year to weather and diesel prices confirms how much capacity has tightened. As we explored in our latest update for clients, the real question is whether freight volume will support an acceleration of freight rates or whether carriers will merely hold recent gains.”

Details of the February TCI are found in the April issue of FTR’s Trucking Update, published March 31. The April issue includes commentary revisiting the outlook for freight volume. Trucking Update includes data and analysis on load volumes, the capacity environment, rates, and the economy.

The TCI tracks the changes representing five major conditions in the U.S. truck market. These conditions are: freight volumes, freight rates, fleet capacity, fuel prices, and financing costs. The individual metrics are combined into a single index indicating the industry’s overall health. A positive score represents good, optimistic conditions. Conversely, a negative score represents bad, pessimistic conditions. Readings near zero are consistent with a neutral operating environment, and double-digit readings in either direction suggest significant operating changes are likely.

In addition to the monthly updates on trucking conditions, FTR offers a weekly Trucking Market Update on the State of Freight Podcast. The weekly update, hosted by Avery Vise, covers spot market and economic indicators and major industry developments. Listen to recent episodes and download the accompanying graphics for the latest episode: https://www.ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast

The 2026 FTR Transportation Conference will be held from Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Indianapolis, including a full day on Sept. 1 dedicated to forecasts and discussions concerning the truck freight market. Learn more and register at ftrconference.com.

For-Hire Supply-Demand Balance Hit 4.5-Year High in February

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 20:20:00 GMT

The latest release of ACT’s For-Hire Trucking Index indicated the supply and demand balance increased in February, as freight volumes increased and capacity continued contracting.

The Volume Index increased 5.7 points to 62.0, seasonally adjusted (SA), in February, a four-year high, bolstered by January’s large winter storm that buffeted the Midwest, South, and East Coast and created a backlog of freight.

Carter Vieth, Research Analyst at ACT Research, commented, “For-hire volumes are benefitting from slowing/contracting private fleet growth, putting loads into the for-hire market even with the current absence of a broader freight demand recovery. The repeal of IEEPA and the expiration of §122 tariffs in 150 days should lower the effective tariff rate by roughly 10% and may help to trigger a restock. However, higher oil prices following the conflict with Iran have effectively negated any tariff benefit to consumers in the short term.”

The Capacity Index ticked down 0.4 points m/m, to 48.0 in February from 48.4 in January, the 11th consecutive month in neutral/contraction territory.

He commented, “Capacity continues to exit as current levels of profitability, despite recent pricing improvements, remain a constraint on investment. Weather also had an effect, allowing for some improvement in the coming months. Increased truck orders since the news that EPA’27 will still happen, partially, is driving some purchasing, but capacity additions will likely be modest until we get closer to 2027.”

The Supply-Demand Balance increased in February to 63.9 (SA), from 58.4 in January, a 4.5 year high as volumes increased and capacity continued to contract.

Vieth concluded, “While rate gains may ease as the weather improves, FMCSA nondomicile actions should tighten the driver supply further, and as private fleets contract, for-hire demand should improve solely on the return of market share that was ceded between 2022–2025. The ending of IEEPA tariffs and the impermanent nature of §122 tariffs may help to lay the groundwork for improved inflation and some restocking, but higher oil prices may cancel out those tailwinds.”

The ACT For-Hire Trucking Index is a monthly survey of for-hire trucking service providers. ACT Research converts responses into diffusion indexes, where the neutral or flat activity level is 50. Please contact us at trucks@actresearch.net if you are a for-hire executive interested in participating. In return, participants receive a detailed monthly analysis of the survey data, including Volumes, Freight Rates, Driver Availability, Capacity, Productivity and Purchasing Intentions, plus a complimentary copy of ACT’s Transportation Digest report.

ACT Research Freight Forecast provides analysis and forecasts for a broad range of U.S. freight measures, including the Cass Freight Index®, Cass Truckload Linehaul Index®, and DAT spot and contract rates by trailer type. The service provides monthly, quarterly, and annual predictions for the truckload, less-than-truckload, and intermodal markets over a two- to three-year time horizon, including capacity, volumes, and rates. The ACT Research Freight Forecast uses equipment capacity modeling and the firm’s industry economics expertise to provide unprecedented visibility for the future of freight rates, helping businesses in transportation and logistics management plan for the future with confidence.

Freight Cycle Finding a Higher Gear

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 20:16:00 GMT

The recent strength in spot rates is going up against a surge in diesel prices, as discussed in the latest release of the Freight Forecast: Rate and Volume OUTLOOK report.

“Since there is generally no fuel surcharge in the spot market, it’s remarkable that spot rates have risen about as much as fuel costs in the past few weeks,” said Tim Denoyer, ACT Research’s Vice President and Senior Analyst.

“Diesel costs spiked 25¢–30¢ per mile for TL fleets, which typically comes out of the spot market trucker’s pocket. But, with a lot of marginal fleets on the edge, the jump in diesel prices tightened capacity almost immediately, with spot dynamics tightening through March, demonstrating a tight market for the first time in about four years.

“The extra $1.50 per gallon is a new capacity constraint on the TL market. The TL rate outlook has risen as tighter driver and equipment availability drive spot market momentum, with a few signs of improving demand,” Denoyer concluded.

The monthly 62-page ACT Freight Forecast report provides analysis and forecasts for a broad range of U.S. freight measures, including the Cass Freight Index, Cass Truckload Linehaul Index, and DAT spot and contract rates by trailer type for the U.S. and Canada. The service provides monthly, quarterly, and annual predictions for the TL, LTL, and intermodal markets over a two- to three-year time horizon, including capacity, volumes, and rates. The Freight Forecast provides unmatched detail on the freight rate outlook, helping companies across the supply chain plan with greater visibility and less uncertainty.

ACT Research is recognized as the leading publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasts for the North America and China markets. ACT’s analytical services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as banking and investment companies. ACT Research is a contributor to the Blue Chip Economic Indicators and a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel. ACT Research executives have received peer recognition, including election to the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics, appointment as Consulting Economist to the National Private Truck Council, and the Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Economic Indicators’ Most Accurate Economic Forecast over a four-year period. ACT Research senior staff members have earned accolades including Chicago Federal Reserve Automotive Outlook Symposium Best Overall Forecast, Wall Street Journal Top Economic Outlook, and USA Today Top 10 Economic Forecasters. More information can be found at www.actresearch.net.

North American Transborder Freight decreased 5.5% in January 2026 from January 2025

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 19:55:00 GMT

Total Transborder Freight by Border in January 2026, Compared to January 2025:

Transborder freight between the U.S. and North American countries Canada and Mexico:

Total transborder freight: $126.9 billion of transborder freight moved by all modes of transportation, decreasing 5.5% compared to January 2025.

Freight between the U.S. and Canada: $52.8 billion, down 18.4% from January 2025.
Freight between the U.S. and Mexico: $74.1 billion, up 6.5% from January 2025.
Trucks moved $84.6 billion of freight, down 3.5% compared to January 2025.
Railways moved $12.2 billion of freight, down 19.6% compared to January 2025.
Pipelines moved $9.3 billion of freight, down 10.3% compared to January 2025.
Air moved $7.9 billion of freight, up 28.1% compared to January 2025.
Vessels moved $6.6 billion of freight, down 19.7% compared to January 2025.

Detroit, Port Huron, and Buffalo are the top truck ports for U.S. freight flows with Canada, while Laredo, El Paso, and Otay Mesa are the top truck ports with Mexico.

Detroit, Port Huron, and International Falls are the top rail connection ports for U.S. freight flows with Canada, while Laredo, Eagle Pass, and El Paso are the top rail connection ports with Mexico.

Chicago, Port Huron, and Minneapolis are the top pipeline connection regions for U.S. energy freight flows with Canada. El Paso, Hidalgo, and Laredo are the top pipeline connection regions with Mexico.

Port of Boston, Arthur, and Portland are the top water port connections for U.S. energy flows with Canada. Port of Houston, Arthur, and Texas City are the top water port connections for U.S. energy flows on the Southern border.

FTR Reports Preliminary North American Class 8 Net Orders for March Remained Strong at 38,200 Units

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 13:41:00 GMT

FTR reports North American (N.A.) Class 8 truck/tractor preliminary net orders for March declined 19% month over month (m/m) to 38,200 units but remained exceptionally strong, increasing 137% year over year (y/y). This marks the fourth consecutive month of greater than 20% y/y growth and the second straight month exceeding 135% y/y growth. While vocational demand increased sequentially, on-highway orders declined notably m/m. Despite this mix shift, both segments continued to contribute meaningfully to the strong y/y expansion. Class 8 orders have totaled 280,457 units over the past 12 months.

Although March orders moderated from February’s surge, activity still suggests a market on a very solid footing and supported by improving freight fundamentals. The sequential decline largely reflects typical volatility and seasonality following outsized demand in the prior month. Orders exceeded expectations in March and remain significantly elevated – up 69% y/y cumulatively since the demand inflection in December and up 96% year to date in 2026.

As in recent months, a portion of order activity likely reflects deferred replacement demand reentering the market. However, the sustained strength in orders increasingly suggests that momentum is being driven by improving freight volumes, higher asset utilization, and firmer rate expectations. Tightening capacity conditions are further reinforcing rate strength and supporting fleet confidence. As we have noted previously, increased clarity around tariff adjusted pricing and concerning EPA 2027 NOx regulations are reducing uncertainty and encouraging more structured fleet capital planning.

Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, commented, “The 2026 order season from September 2025 through March 2026 is now up 15% y/y, representing a clear inflection from the double-digit declines seen earlier in the cycle and reinforcing the view that the industry has entered the early stages of recovery. While monthly variability is likely to persist, improving cumulative order trends and a strengthening freight backdrop suggest demand is becoming more durable and less reliant on short-term catch-up dynamics. At the same time, disciplined OEM production continues to support backlog growth without leading to excess inventory.

“Risks remain, including the trajectory of the freight recovery, elevated financing costs, policy uncertainty, and geopolitical factors affecting fuel prices. In addition, several new risks are introduced by the surge in orders itself. First, there is potential for a FOMO effect in which fleets rush to place Class 8 orders to secure build slots, thus introducing some excess into backlogs and raising the risk of higher cancellation rates later in the year, especially if the freight recovery slows or falters. Second, if current order strength proves fundamentally driven, it raises the question of whether the industry can successfully ramp production to these elevated levels given potential supply chain and labor constraints.”

Preliminary orders may be estimated and are subject to revision when FTR releases final data mid-month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service.

FTR Reports Preliminary North American Class 8 Net Orders for August at 13,400 Units

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:36:00 GMT

FTR reported that Class 8 preliminary net orders in August totaled 13,400 units, up 2% month-over-month (m/m) but down 16% year-over-year (y/y). Class 8 orders for the past 12 months have now totaled 271,000 units.

August orders came in below seasonal expectations as the average m/m increase from July to August has been around 20% over the past seven years. The combination of a stagnant truck freight market and full or nearly full 2024 order boards presumably are the main factors behind a smaller than typical increase. Based on performance for the year to date (YTD), orders are running slightly below replacement demand levels at an average of 18,735 net orders per month. The typically slower order period from April through August has averaged 14,885 orders per month. Despite three consecutive months of lower y/y orders, strong early-year performance has kept 2024 YTD net orders up 14% y/y.

Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, commented, “OEMs this month faced a somewhat mixed market, though overall conditions were stable. The conventional market outperformed the vocational sector, driving most of the m/m improvement. Despite stagnant freight markets, fleets continue to invest in new equipment, albeit at a slower pace. We expect further reductions in backlogs once the final Class 8 market data is released later this month and continued growth in already record-high inventory levels. Pressure on OEMs to reduce production rates is mounting.”

Preliminary orders may be estimated and are subject to revision when FTR releases final data mid-month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service. To contact FTR, email sales@ftrintel.com or call (888) 988-1699, Ext. 1.