Class 8 truck orders increased by 212% to 43,800

According to ACT Research, North American truck manufacturers received 212% more orders in February compared with a year earlier. Near 43,800 class 8 vehicles were ordered, while in 2020 the number of orders for class 8 trucks was 14,040.

ACT President Kenny Vieth noted that the U.S. economy remained strong in the trucking area.

“Consumer spending on goods, a red-hot housing market, a re-accelerating manufacturing sector, and pent-up inventories combine to provide very good visibility to near- to midterm freight trends,” said Vieth. “Contract freight rates are at record levels, as are spot rates, after seasonal adjustment. 

ACT Vice President Steve Tam said, that significant growth in freight traffic is expected in 2022: North American Class 8 production to be 302,000 units, up 40% from last year.

FTR Transportation Intelligence estimated pre-orders at 44,000, calling it the second-highest volume ever for any February.