June Truck Orders Moderate As Expected

With 2021 truck order backlogs filled, and 2022 orderbooks not fully opened, orders continue to align with expectations driven by the supply of open build slots rather than any material fall-off in demand, according to ACT Research officials.

In June, North American Class 8 orders were between 25,700 and 26,700 units, up between 11% and 13% from May, ACT and FTR officials said in a press release, respectively.

“The June order total is very positive because it indicates this order cycle bottomed out at 24,000 orders in May. That is almost double the typical low point,” FTR officials said.

FTR expects a surge of orders when all the OEMs start booking for 2022. This could happen as early as July.

Class 8 orders now total 431,000 units for the previous 12 months, FTR reported.

Meanwhile, Class 5-7 truck orders were 22,800 units, a 12% slip from May.

Demand in this medium-duty segment faced a tougher year-ago comparison, but still outpaced June 2020 by 26%.

“With 2021 backlogs essentially filled and 2022 order activity remaining calendar constrained, North American Classes 5-8 orders in June moved sideways from May,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst, in a press release.