FTR: Class 8 orders continue to grow in November

Net orders for North American Class 8 trucks totaled 32,400 units in November 2017, up 71 percent from the previous year, according to freight transportation analyst FTR.    Net orders for North American Class 8 trucks totaled 32,400 units in November 2017, according to preliminary figures from freight transportation analyst FTR.
   This is the second consecutive month that Class 8 orders have surpassed 30,000 units. Based on the preliminary figures, November will be just 8 percent shy of very strong October, but 71 percent above November 2016. Distribution of orders in November, similar to October, was not uniform across all OEM’s, data shows.  
   Orders for Canada fell somewhat after three impressive months, but the North American market continues to show strength and stability heading into 2018: North American Class 8 orders for the past twelve months have now totaled 274,000 units.
   “Orders for Class 8 trucks have been sturdy and consistent. The orders are right in line with our forecast of stronger production and sales in 2018. The year-over-year comparison is over-stated, however, because the election tempered order amounts last November,” said Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles.
   “Freight growth is robust right now and fleets will need to expand capacity to keep pace. Also, ELDs are expected to reduce productivity to some degree. Still, for now, fleets are being more careful managing their orders and not being overly aggressive placing them this fall. OEMs should be able to increase production modestly next year when needed,” Ake concluded.