Class 8 truck orders slip further in September

Transportation industry forecaster FTR said Class 8 truck orders – those used to move trailer loads of freight around the country – reached a preliminary 13,800 units in September, down 2 percent from August.    Transportation industry forecaster FTR said Class 8 truck orders – those used to move trailer loads of freight around the country – reached a preliminary 13,800 units in September, down 2 percent from August.
   This September is considered the worst month for Class 8 truck orders since the same period in 2009. Orders are also down 27 percent from a year ago. FTR noted that Class 8 truck orders for the past 12 months reached about 201,000 units.
   “The truck market continued to stay weak through September, but this was highly expected considering the slower industry conditions and overall seasonal trends. Fleets are cautious due to an uncertain economy and slow freight growth,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles for FTR, in a statement. “Class 8 inventories also remain high and this also restrains new orders.
   “The October orders will still be a critical sign for 2017. Large fleets are expected to begin ordering replacement units for 2017,” he added. “If the economy does improve and the trucking outlook brightens, then medium-sized fleets and others should feel confident enough to order also in coming months. This would put the market near replacement levels in 2017.”