Demand for commercial vehicles remained healthy in December, as 65,700 total heavy- and medium-duty trucks were ordered, according to the latest projections from ACT Research.

Over the past year, there were 602,300 Class 5-8 trucks ordered, an average of better than 50,000 units per month. Of that total, 43,900 Class 8 trucks were ordered in December and 21,800 Class 5-7 trucks ordered.

In fact, competitor FTR called 2014 the second-best year on record for heavy-duty truck orders.

Medium-duty orders are up 44% compared with last December and the yearly total of 222,200 Class 5-8 units is 12% higher than in 2013.

“As has been the case throughout 2014, the strength in order activity is symptomatic of converging trends that are favorable to demand,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst of ACT. “[These trends include] stronger economic activity, lingering pent-up demand, sizable fuel economy gains and rising carrier profitability.”