FTR reports preliminary North American Class 8 orders were at 47,200 units, significantly higher m/m at +28% and y/y up 116%. January Class 8 orders surpassed even the strong Q4 2014 activity and were only lower than the orders from early 2006.
The North American equipment market continues to strengthen as we move into 2018. North American Class 8 orders for the past twelve months have now totaled 316,000 units.
“Order for heavy-duty trucks surged to start 2018,” said Jonathan Starks, chief operating officer. “These levels were well above our already strong expectations and continue to indicate that the equipment markets are still reacting to the tight capacity in the truck marketplace.
“January is normally a seasonally weaker month, except when the market is on a clear upswing. Capacity continues to remain historically tight and truckers are taking advantage of the opportunity with spot rates on the Truckstop.com load board up 30% year-over-year in January. Near-record levels can't last for long, but orders could stay quite elevated throughout the spring."