August preliminary NA Class 8 net orders were 19,000 units, down 9 percent year/year, but reflecting the best month since February. Continued economic strength and seasonal adjustment keep orders on trend. Complete industry data for August, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-September.

“As represented by seasonal factors, the industry remains at that time of the year when expectations for order activity are low, as most of the current year’s orders have been booked and out-year build plans are only starting to open,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Senior Analyst. “For Class 8, August is the last month of 'weak order season,' the four-month period that begins in May. Adding to downward pressure, the 2023 build plan has been essentially filled since the end of Q1.”

He added, “Seasonally adjusted, orders were 21,500 units, up 7.1 percent month/month, the best month since February, and the third consecutive month north of 20,000 units.”