August Class 8 Orders Rise 31% Annually Amid Soft Year-Ago Comparisons

North American Class 8 truck orders rose 31% annually in August to 16,800 units, according to ACT Research, but fell 25.5% from July due to normal seasonality. FTR Transportation Intelligence estimated 18,200 orders, up 42% annually and down 19% monthly. Year-to-date orders climbed 111% above the same period in 2025. The increase in orders comes as the industry prepares for the opening of model year 2027 ordering in September, following the EPA’s proposed compliance changes and the end of the pre-buy period. ACT Research analyst Carter Vieth noted that demand for new equipment remains strong, supported by improved freight rates, despite freight volume headwinds. FTR’s Dan Moyer stated that the main issue now is incremental cost, as OEM strategies diverge on EPA 2027-compliant engines and nonconformance penalties.