Class 8 orders did not disappoint in November, at 40,925 units, according to ACT Research Co. The research firm’s data indicated continued support for strength in heavy-duty commercial vehicle demand, while medium-duty orders stabilized after the annual school bus order surge.
“Year-to-date, orders of 336,000 units are up 42.4% from last year at this time. Meanwhile, Class 8 has the largest backlog since October 2006 and on a per day basis, November’s build was the second best since December 2006,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “After a strong run from August to October that was in part augmented by the annual school bus order surge, medium duty orders pulled back in November, falling 3% year-over-year to 17,691 units,” Vieth added.