Preliminary NA Class 8 net orders in February were 21,000 units, while NA Classes 5-7 net orders rose to 18,300 units, according to ACT Research.

“Constrained production capabilities and long backlogs continue to impede new order activity. Based on preliminary February inputs, North American Classes 5-8 net orders were essentially flat compared to January,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Senior Analyst. “While order weakness is attributable to supply constraints, the ground rules of data collection play a part: The OEMs only report orders that are scheduled to be built within 12 months. With backlogs effectively stretching 12 months, and with limited forward visibility, order volumes have largely been mirroring production activity.”

Vieth concluded, “As has been the case for months, we reiterate that with critical industry demand drivers at, or near, record levels, industry strength should be measured with long backlog lead-times, rather than in tepid new order activity.”