Class 8 net orders surge in November: FTR Associates

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NASHVILLE, Ind. — Net orders for Class 8 heavy-duty trucks totaled 26,005 units in November, a 38% increase over October and the highest levels seen in four years, FTR Associates reports.

November’s preliminary figures represent the highest monthly order since May, 2006, the industry forecaster says. November also marked the fourth consecutive month-over-month increase in orders.

The figure includes the US, Canada, Mexico and exports.

“We were expecting a normal seasonal increase in orders to a level between 22,000 and 25,000 units,” said FTR president Eric Starks. “The November number came in slightly above those expectations. This can be chalked up as a win for the industry. The fact that truckers are willing to start ordering equipment is certainly a good sign.”

Starks added, “It is clear that we are in a recovery period for the new truck equipment market. However, we still harbour concerns regarding the durability of the current surge. We do know that leasing companies and large fleets were instrumental in pushing the orders higher. What we are not seeing are the smaller and medium size fleets participating at the levels we would normally expect during a recovery. Until we see this group jumping back into the market we will continue to be optimistic, but with a degree of caution. The recent numbers have not changed our view on the direction of the new equipment market for 2011.”

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