COLUMBUS, Ind. — After increasing for nine consecutive months, the North American Class 8 backlog slid ever-so-slightly, but slid nonetheless, by just under 1 percent in June.

This easing was the result of a second straight month of slower order activity, as net orders came in at 21,266 units during June (9% below May levels), according to the State of the Industry report, recently released by ACT Research Co.

The report covers Class 5 through 8 vehicles for the North American market.

"Despite the slowing in new order activity over the last couple of months, it is important to note that the industry backlog continues to be very solid," according to Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT. "Cancellations continue to be very low, an indication of the quality of the orders currently booked at the OEMs," added Vieth.