COLUMBUS, Ind. – Pent-up demand  from deferred replacement, tight freight-carrying capacity, improved fleet financial performance and some easing in credit availability, will combine to support an upcycle across all heavy-duty truck segments through 2012.

According to ACT Research, class 8 net orders continue at a strong pace, and after a slight pause in January, commercial trailer orders have returned to a solid growth trajectory as well.

The latest release of the ACT North American Commercial Vehicle Outlook reflects the impact of a U.S. economic recovery "proceeding at a slow, but self-sustaining pace."

"While some growing pains are occurring as the industry ramps up to meet the widespread increase in demand, the commercial vehicle market will continue at a solid pace," said Sam Kahan, ACT’s chief economist.

He said ACT’s outlook for real GDP in 2011 about 3 percent growth, year to year.

"While this is slightly less than previously thought, it is in line with most forecasters," he said.