COLUMBUS, Ind. — Final North American Class 8 net orders totaled 46,440 units in February, up 157% y/y, as published in ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report.
“Buoyed by a more optimistic for-hire outlook, the need to refresh an aging fleet, and regulatory costs on the horizon, Class 8 order strength continued in February,” said Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT Research. “Aggregate spot rates, excluding fuel, are up roughly ~40¢ since late November, and ended February up 20% y/y. While some of this strength is weather-related, the responsiveness of rates despite flat demand suggests capacity is tightening and the market is approaching balance. Rates should ease as weather conditions normalize, but with more aggressive FMCSA enforcement on nondomiciled drivers, along with the upcoming produce season and Roadcheck, the window for material declines appears limited.”
Regarding medium duty, Vieth noted that yotal Classes 5-7 orders rose 10% y/y to 17,919 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.
