FTR: Class 8 orders building up in advance of fall order season

Net orders of North American class 8 trucks totaled 22,100 units in September, a 7 percent increase from August and a 62 percent increase year-over-year, according to the latest figures from the freight transportation analyst FTR.    Net orders for Class 8 trucks in September rose 7 percent month-over-month and 62 percent compared to September 2016, according to freight transportation analyst FTR.
   September’s net orders of 22,100 units met FTR’s expectations, the firm stated, as the market builds momentum heading into the fall order season.  
   North American Class 8 orders for the past twelve months have totaled 239,000 units. “Orders from Canada were particularly robust as fleets are benefiting from a strong economy,” the firm said. 
   “The recovery in the Class 8 market is building, and we saw that with the orders through the summer. Order totals never got that low and followed cyclical trends.  This is a healthy, growing truck market, which is in excellent position for greater expansion in 2018.  Class 8 order rates are expected to jump in Q4,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles at FTR.
   “Stronger freight growth generated by a more vibrant U.S. economy will spur demand for additional trucks next year.  Factor in the loss of productivity from the ELDs, and fleets will have to expand capacity to haul the available freight,” Ake concluded.