December was the second biggest Class 8 order month since March 2006, with orders up roughly 50% month-over-month and year-over-year. Meanwhile, medium-duty December net orders fell month-over-month; but year-over-year orders were mixed, with Classes 6 to 7 rising 20% and Class 5 orders falling 16% against tough comparisons.

For the year, Class 8 net orders were up 17% from 2012 while Classes 5 to 7 orders rose 10%. This updated status of the North America commercial vehicle market was included in the State of the Industry report, recently released by ACT Research. The report covers Classes 5 through 8 vehicles for the North American market.

“The U.S. and Canada did the ‘heavy lifting’ for Class 8 orders in December, while Mexico and non-NAFTA orders moved sideways at low levels,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research Co.

“Strengthening domestic demand has been supported in the second half of the year by improving economic activity that has translated into improved profits for truckers,” he added. “The softness in December’s Classes 5 to 7 orders is viewed as a temporary pause following two very strong order months for medium duty.”