Preliminary North America Class 8 net orders in September totaled 18,700 units, down 9.5% year-over-year, according to ACT Research. The softer order intake likely reflects ongoing regulatory uncertainty among fleets, as the EPA has yet to finalize 2027 NOx rules. September typically marks the start of “order season,” but with some OEMs not fully opening their 2027 orderboards, normal seasonal patterns have been disrupted.

“The 2027 regulatory engine transition is clearly impacting order seasonality this year, but the underlying demand for new equipment remains robust, supported by strong spot rate momentum,” said Carter Vieth, Research Analyst at ACT Research. “Fleets are eager to replace aging equipment and prepare for cost increases on the horizon, but the lack of regulatory clarity is making it difficult for them to plan effectively.”

Based on preliminary September orders and recent OEM build plans, ACT Research expects the Class 8 backlog to decline from August’s level when full September data are released in mid-October.

ACT’s State of the Industry: Classes 5-8 Vehicles report provides a monthly look at the current production, sales, and general state of the on-road heavy and medium duty commercial vehicle markets in North America. It differentiates market indicators by Class 5, Classes 6-7 chassis and Class 8 trucks and tractors, detailing activity-related measures such as backlog, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders, and retail sales. Additionally, Class 5 and Classes 6-7 are segmented by trucks, buses, RVs, and step van configurations. The Class 8 market is segmented into trucks and tractors, with and without sleeper cabs. The report includes a six-month industry build plan, a backlog timing analysis, historical data from 1996 to the present in spreadsheet format, and a ready-to-use graph package. A first-look at preliminary net orders is also published in conjunction with this report.