Class 8 truck orders hit a 13-month high in January at 22,188 units, rebounding from poor 2016 numbers fo the second and third quarter, according to ACT Research.

Vocational equipment had a particularly notable uptick in demand in January – a segment that ACT considers to be a driver of renewed market strength.

“Stronger orders, coupled with modest build, allowed backlogs to rise 7,600 units from December to 99,600 units,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT Research president and senior analyst. “Orders for vocational equipment rose to a two-year high of 8,500 units, or 38.5% of the month’s intake.”

Medium-duty orders echoed the positive Class 8 truck orders, hitting a six-month high of 22,744 units ordered. Volume was up 3% month-over-month and 31% year-over-year.

“The improvement was broad-based, with truck, bus, and RV orders all posting year-over-year and month-over-month gains," Vieth said. "Seasonal adjustment lifts medium-duty orders in January, boosting the total to 24,100 units. “On that basis, January was the best month for MD orders since February 2008.”