December North American Classes 5-7 net orders are expected at 14,200 units and Class 8 net orders are expected at 31,800 units, when actual data are released mid-month.

“This is the time of the year when the large fleets and leasing companies are in the market and large Class 8 order volumes are most likely. As such, an above trend number was expected,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst.

“December Class 8 orders were up 50% month-over-month and year-over-year. December’s Classes 5-7 orders pulled back, following several strong order months. However, Q4 Classes 5-7 orders of 51,800 represent the best quarterly intake since Q1’08,” he added.