FTR reported that Class 8 preliminary net orders for June totaled 13,100 units, down 33% month-over-month (m/m) and 6% year-over-year (y/y). Class 8 orders for the past 12 months have now totaled 273,700 units.
June’s orders are on the low side of normal market results, but this follows a five-month period of sustained strength in orders averaging 25% higher than the prior year. After averaging close to 18,000 units during the first three months of the year, orders have continued to slow at a seasonally expected rate, averaging just under 16,000 units in the most recent three months. Build slots for Class 8 trucks are being filled at a steady, albeit slowing, pace.
June’s m/m decline in orders was in line with seasonal expectations. The y/y decrease is the first this year, but it is relatively insignificant because it is modest and because of the strong order performance over the previous five months. While all OEMs experienced order declines, preliminary data indicates that vocational market demand dropped more significantly.
Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, commented, “OEMs are actively filling build slots at a steady pace. Along with the month-over-month increase, the fact that orders were up significantly from the May 2023 level indicates that the market remains on a solid footing despite near-term challenges. While all OEMs experienced order growth, vocational markets stood out as particularly strong compared to on-highway. Despite the trend of stagnant freight markets, fleets remain willing to invest in new equipment. Order levels slightly exceeded historical averages and seasonal expectations, and we still anticipate a replacement level of output by the end of 2024.”
©2024 FTR Transportation Intelligence. All rights reserved.