FTR: Class 8 orders recover in June

After an unusual drop in orders for May, Class 8 heavy-duty truck orders were up 7 percent over the previous month and 38 percent over June of last year, according to freight transportation analyst firm FTR.    Net orders for North American Class 8 trucks totaled 17,600 units in June 2017, according to preliminary figures from freight transportation analyst firm FTR.
   The June order activity was up 7 percent compared with the previous month and 38 percent from the same 2016 period. Class 8 orders had decreased in May, but June’s return to normal levels was more in line with FTR expectations.
   “It is assumed that most of the June orders are for Q4 delivery enabling the OEM’s to maintain their current build rates throughout the year. This would result in full year numbers in line with FTR’s 2017 forecast,” said the firm.
   Class 8 truck orders for the past twelve months have totaled 216,000 units, according to FTR.
   “The fact that orders are up 38 percent over last year, proves the market is much improved this year,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles at FTR. “Fleets are ordering to fill out their remaining requirements for the second half of the year. However, it is still good news that orders rose and did not drop significantly from May. This shows the market is steady, stable and primed for a strong year in 2018.”
   Final data for June will be available from FTR later in the month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service, said the firm.