Combined North American net orders for Class 5-8 trucks hit 41,900 units in May, with most of the strength in the Class 8 market. ACT Research reports Class 8 net orders are expected at 25,900 units, while Class 5-7 net orders sank to an estimated 15,900 units. 

“Since last October, when the current period of stronger orders began, total NA Classes 5-8 net orders have been booked at a 547,200 unit annual rate,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Sr. Analyst.

Vieth says May's Class 8 orders rose 4% month over month and 14% year over year, while Classes 5-7 net orders fell 27% month over month and 10% year over year, adding, "the month-over-month number was against a tough comparison, since April’s orders were the best since early 2006."

"When seasonally adjusted, May was the strongest order month for Class 8 since February,” Vieth said.