In typical seasonal fashion, North America Class 8 orders fell in June, with the preliminary count coming in at 18,900 units. Compared to the same month last year, Class 8 net orders were 13% stronger.

Similar to Class 8, June’s medium-duty orders exhibited the same pattern of sequential softening, but year-over-year growth.

The preliminary tally of Classes 5-7 orders shows a month-over-month decline to 14,900 units, but a 6% increase compared to June 2012. Based on truckers’ historical ordering patterns, activity typically slows in the May to September time frame.

“Given the softer customer activity, both Class 8 and Classes 5-7 backlogs are likely to be reduced as OEMs build more vehicles than they received orders for during June,” said Steve Tam, ACT’s vice president – Commercial Vehicle Sector. “Industry watchers can take solace in the fact that this is an almost perennial ritual that takes place as buyers turn their attention to pursuits other than purchasing new equipment.”