Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

August Class 8 Truck Orders Will Beat Expectations

Orders for Class 8 trucks in the month of August will be slightly above expectations and a 36% improvement over July’s terrible numbers, according to projections from FTR and ACT Research.

by Staff
September 6, 2016
August Class 8 Truck Orders Will Beat Expectations

 

2 min to read


Orders for Class 8 trucks in the month of August will be slightly above expectations and a 36% improvement over July’s terrible numbers, according to projections from FTR and ACT Research.

Ad Loading...

Class 8 truck orders in August will be around 14,200 units for the month, a significant rebound from July’s dismal 10,358 units ordered, according to ACT Research. July’s order numbers were the worst recorded by ACT since the first quarter of 2010.

Ad Loading...

“After a weak June and a dismal July, Class 8 orders rebounded in August to 14,200 units, or nearly 16,000 units on a seasonally adjusted basis,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT president and senior analyst. “While rising 37% from July, August demand failed to meet the year-ago order volume for an eighteenth consecutive month, falling 29% from August 2015.”

Despite the gains, Class 8 order activity for August was the weakest for the month in six years and is down 35% compared to 2015. Class 8 truck orders have totaled 206,000 units for the last 12 months. FTR expects truck orders to remain moderate in September before jumping in October, giving analysts the first look at what to expect for 2017’s truck market.

“Late-summer orders are generally weak seasonally, however, and the August order total still remains significantly below last year’s level,” said Michael Baudendistel, vice president at Stifel, a transportation analysis firm, in an email to investors. “We believe October will be the next truly meaningful order month, as it should be the first month which reflects orders for model-year 2017 tractors, which should give insight into expected production next year.”

Related: No Signs of Relief for Class 8 Truck Market

More Equipment

Photo of back of aluminum flatbed trailer on show floor
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 2, 2026

Fontaine Expands Flatbed Lineup with New Fleet-Focused Models, Eyes 2027 Launch

Fontaine is broadening its flatbed lineup with new models aimed at fleets, including a lightweight aluminum trailer expected in 2027 that emphasizes durability, repairability, and lower cost.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail with Fontaine Force flatbed trailer
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 2, 2026

Fontaine's Fleet-Focused Force Flatbed Prototype [Watch]

A new prototype from Fontaine Trailer focuses on what fleets say they need most: easier repairs, lower maintenance costs, and practical, service-friendly design.

Read More →
Illustration of day cab tractor-trailer crossing bridge
EquipmentApril 1, 2026

From Long Haul to Short Loops: The New Math Behind Day Cabs

As warehouse networks expand, predictable regional routes are replacing long-haul runs—reshaping how fleets spec, operate, and resell day cabs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Factory illustration building with Hyundai on the side
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMarch 31, 2026

Hyundai Translead Bringing Trailer Production to U.S.

The new Hyundai Translead production sites will improve trailer and body delivery to customers by reducing lead times and leveraging a growing dealer network.

Read More →
Collage of Top 20 Product award ceremonies
EquipmentMarch 31, 2026

HDT Honors the Best New Products of 2025 at TMC [Photos]

Heavy Duty Trucking's Top 20 Products awards recognize the best new products and technologies. Check out the award presentations at the 2026 Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting.

Read More →
freightliner whitepaper
SponsoredMarch 31, 2026

Detroit Engines: Trusted Performance, Built for What's Next

The Detroit® Gen 6 engine platform proves that real progress doesn’t require a complete redesign. Built on 20 years of trusted technology, these engines are designed for efficiency, stronger performance, and greater reliability than before. And they do it all while complying with 2027 EPA standards on every mile.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White semi trailer at TMC booth display
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMarch 30, 2026

Hyundai Translead Expands Trailer Tech, Introduces Long-Life Dry Van, New Refrigerated Body

Smart safety systems, AI-powered visibility, a 10-year-warranty dry van, and a modular refrigerated body debuted at TMC.

Read More →
Illustration showing diesel exhaust fluid pump sign and EPA headquarters
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMarch 30, 2026

EPA Targets DEF Sensor Failures Behind Truck Derates

New guidance allows engine makers to replace problematic DEF sensors with NOx-based systems, aiming to reduce unnecessary derates and downtime caused by failures in the sensors designed to monitor diesel exhaust fluid on trucks.

Read More →
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMarch 27, 2026

Heavy Duty Trucking is Searching for the Top Green Fleets of 2026

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Truck-Lite backup camera system.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsMarch 27, 2026

Clarience Technologies Expands Safety and Visibility Portfolio at TMC

From advanced connectivity to AI-powered cameras and next-gen fuel filtration, Clarience companies outlined a roadmap for safer, more connected trailers at TMC’s Annual Meeting.

Read More →