COLUMBUS, Ind. — Final North American Class 8 net orders totaled 38,050 units in March, up 131% y/y, as published in ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report.
“Despite the US’s war with Iran sending WTI oil prices up as much as 70% since the start of the conflict, Class 8 order strength continued in March,” said Carter Vieth, research analyst, ACT. “Industry observers worry that elevated fuel costs could reverse recent rate gains, derailing the nascent for-hire recovery, but a driver shortage beginning recently has likely insulated spot rates from fuel headwinds, as immigration enforcement and new FMCSA rules are now beginning to lower the driver population. While recent spot and contract rate improvements have been the primary driver of higher Class 8 orders, regulatory burdens, associated with higher equipment costs in 2027, have helped spur greater order activity, too.”
Regarding medium duty, Vieth noted total Classes 5-7 orders rose 12% y/y to 20,693 units.
“After gradually slowing through 2025 on tariffs and sagging consumer sentiment, the recent improvement likely reflects resilient consumer spending and some regulation-driven dealer stocking,” Vieth said.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
