FTR: North American truck orders up in July

Class 8 truck orders in North America in July rose 21 percent month-over-month, according to preliminary data from transportation industry analyst FTR.    Class 8 truck orders in North America in July equated to about 23,920 units, up 21 percent month-over-month, but still down 19 percent compared to last July, according to preliminary data from transportation industry analyst FTR.
   The Bloomington, Ind.-based firm said the boost in July came mostly from large company truck orders, which followed a “comparable rise” in trailer orders in June. Overall, the market for new trucks remains strong with Class 8 orders totaling about 356,000 units for the past 12 months, FTR said.
   “Fleets are positive because freight markets continue to grow. We may see more of this early ordering trend the next two months before the peak order season starts in October,” said Don Ake, FTR’s vice president of commercial vehicles. 
   FTR said final data for July truck orders will be available later this month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service.