COLUMBUS, Ind. — March preliminary North America Class 8 net orders of 37.2k units increased 126% y/y, according to ACT Research.
“After one of the best Class 8 order numbers in history in February, it is little surprise March preliminary data retreated, but only slightly, to a still very strong 37,200 units,” said Carter Vieth, research analyst, ACT. “Though, as we exit ‘order season’ (September to March), and in recognition of significant backlog building since December, order strength is likely to move off current levels on typical seasonality. The Iran war poses major risks to the economic outlook, but tight for-hire capacity and a return of the driver shortage have helped insulate spot rates from the negative impacts of rising diesel prices.”
Complete industry data for March, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-April.
Regarding medium duty, Vieth noted preliminary Classes 5-7 orders rose 4.5% y/y to 19,300 units in March, but like last month’s orders, the positive y/y differential lends itself more to easy comps than a meaningful demand inflection.
“Concerns over the K-shaped economy will impact medium duty more than heavy duty, as less wealthy households cut back on the services supported by MD trucks,” 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.
