COLUMBUS, Ind. — Truck buyers may have taken summer holidays early this year, with North American Class 8 orders falling in June to a preliminary count of 18,900 units, according to ACT Research.

That total is still 13% higher than last June and follows typical seasonal cycles. Preliminary medium-duty orders are also down, but showed year-over-year growth, ACT reported.

Classes 5-7 orders declined from May to 14,900 units, which was still 6% better than last June.

ACT says order activity typically slows from May to September.

“Given the softer customer activity, both Class 8 and Classes 5-7 backlogs are likely to be reduced as OEMs build more vehicles than they received orders for during June,” said Steve Tam, ACT’s vice-president, commercial vehicle sector. “Industry watchers can take solace in the fact that this is an almost perennial ritual that takes place as buyers turn their attention to pursuits other than purchasing new equipment.”