Final North American Class 8 net orders totaled 19,172 units in September, down 7% year-over-year and 15% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report. Total Classes 5-7 orders rose 27% year-over-year to 20,297 units, reflecting continued strength in medium-duty demand despite broader market headwinds.

Order softness in the Class 8 segment this month appears closely tied to ongoing regulatory uncertainty, with fleets cautious amid the lack of finalized EPA 2027 engine rules and associated penalties. While September typically marks the start of the annual “order season,” it appears not all OEMs have fully opened 2027 order boards, further contributing to subdued activity. In contrast, medium-duty orders remain robust, likely supported by dealer inventory stocking ahead of anticipated 2027 regulatory changes and higher prices.

“Despite the regulatory uncertainty impacting Class 8 orders, fleet appetite for new equipment remains intact—what’s missing is planning visibility,” said Carter Vieth, Research Analyst at ACT Research. “With backlogs still well above historical averages and medium-duty demand showing resilience, the market’s underlying fundamentals remain constructive even as the industry navigates a complex regulatory landscape.”

State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 Overview

ACT’s State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 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. More information can be found, here.