At the top line, North American Class 8 net orders totaled 28,082 units in November, compared to build at 27,973 units, according to ACT Research.

“As we move into the year’s home stretch, freight-related data points continue to shift from strong growth to more moderate levels of activity,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT Research’s President and Senior Analyst. “November marked the first negative Y/Y order comparison in two years, falling 17 percent compared to last November. Over the past 12 months, Class 8 net orders totaled 506,300 units, the second strongest 12-month order period in history, trailing only the 12-month period ending October.”

Regarding the medium duty markets, Vieth commented, “November’s orders hewed to the warm side of 2018’s activity, with medium duty orders rising 23 percent Y/Y. Through year-to-date, 2018’s 280,800 orders are up an identical 23 percent Y/Y. Medium-duty trucks have been the primary driver of stronger activity in 2018, followed respectively by bus and RV orders.”