ACT: Falling Class 8 Cancellations Precursor to Stronger Demand
Class 8 orders rose above 20,000 units for a sixth consecutive month in March, but fell sequentially for the first time since November, says ACT Research. However, cancellations fell to their lowest levels since Q3’10 for the second time in the past three months.


Class 8 orders rose above 20,000 units for a sixth consecutive month in March, but fell sequentially for the first time since November, says ACT Research. However, cancellations fell to their lowest levels since Q3’10 for the second time in the past three months.
March Class 8 net orders totaled just over 22,000 units. Medium-duty net orders totaled 15,400 units, a volume just below February and year ago March levels.
“Reflecting healthy economies and perhaps currency strength, Class 8 orders bound for Mexico and Canada rose to levels last seen in late 2011,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president & senior analyst.
“Positively, cancellations fell to their lowest levels since Q3’10 for the second time in the past three months. Declining cancellation trends in the U.S. & Canada bode well for the future,” he added.
Underlying medium-duty vehicle demand, stronger bus and RV orders month over month and year over year offset a pullback in step van orders. Class 5-7 truck orders were flat from February to March.
More Fleet Management

Is Your Parts Procurement Process Reactive or Proactive?
Ready to revamp your parts procurement process? Learn how now with “Strategic Parts Purchasing: A Process Checklist”
Read More →
What Trucking Events are Happening in 2026?
Looking for trucking-related conventions, expos, and other events? Heavy Duty Trucking has developed this list of national and larger regional trucking shows and events.
Read More →
Truckload Rates Keep Rising as Tight Capacity Fuels Freight Market Recovery
Spot and contract rates continued climbing in May and June, not because freight demand is surging, but because fewer trucks and drivers are available.
Read More →
What Geotab's New AI Connector Means for Fleets
Fleets can now ask their usual AI assistants questions about maintenance, safety, fuel use, and vehicle performance, using their live Geotab data, and take action on the answers without leaving their preferred AI tool.
Read More →
New C.H. Robinson Tool Opens Door to More Predictable Freight
BidBoardX lets carriers search, bid on, and secure committed freight opportunities through a single digital marketplace.
Read More →
New York City's Microhub Project is Delivering Results
Trucking, last-mile delivery companies, and environmental advocates like what they are seeing so far with New York's microhub program.
Read More →
Why Truck Detention Keeps Costing Fleets Time and Money
A 2024 ATRI study found detention affects nearly 40% of truckload stops and costs the industry more than $15 billion annually. Despite the toll on drivers, fleets, and supply chains, the problem remains stubbornly persistent.
Read More →
Time is Running Out to Apply for Exclusive HDT Event
Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange brings fleet managers and suppliers together for the deeper conversations that lead to ideas, partnerships, and solutions. Time is running out to apply for the September event.
Read More →
Amazon Launches Less-Than-Truckload Freight Offering for All Businesses
This launch is the latest addition to Amazon Supply Chain Services, a portfolio of supply chain capabilities from Amazon, including freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping.
Read More →
Import Cargo Volume to See Year-Over-Year Gain Again in June, Then Remain Below 2025 Levels Into Fall
After July, the report predicts a weakening in import volume as consumer uncertainty remains high and the impact of increasing inflation takes its toll.
Read More →
