BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – FTR has released the preliminary data showing North American Class 8 truck net orders at 43,620.

This means that December was the third consecutive month above the 40,000 level. Total Class 8 truck orders in North America for 2014  equaled 375,000 units, which is the second highest in order year history.

“The market momentum is now feeding on itself with orders once again exceeding expectations in December,” said Don Ake, FTR vice-president of commercial vehicles. “Reports are that more than 75% of the larger fleets have their 2015 orders booked.  One OEM reportedly has lead times for volume orders out to July.  With build slots at a premium, fleets have accelerated orders for 2015 requirements to reserve their places for future deliveries.  Some of these orders will inevitably be moved out or even cancelled, but for now the industry is very bullish on the 2015 truck market.”