Preliminary Net Class 8 Orders Up 56% in September: FTR

Oct. 5, 2011
Preliminary data show that September Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEMs were 23,465—a 56% improvement from the same month a year ago and 12% above last month, according to FTR Associates

Preliminary data show that September Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEMs were 23,465—a 56% improvement from the same month a year ago and 12% above last month, according to FTR Associates.

Although orders have improved recently, the annualized order rate for the six-month period through September remains significantly less than earlier this year.

“The orders were at the high end of expectations,” said Eric Starks, President of FTR. “Given the level of order activity, it appears that truckers are not very concerned about a slowing economy. This is a good sign that things are not falling apart. The next three months will set the stage for 2012 as we will be entering traditionally strong order months. As the shipping season winds down, truckers will assess their position and place orders for delivery in late 1Q and 2Q so that they are prepared for next year’s shipping season.”

Final data for September will be available from FTR later in the month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service. Contact FTR Associates at [email protected] or 1-888-988-1699 ext 1 for more details.