Too Much Noise. Not Enough Clarity.

1. Weekly and monthly data streams offer mixed signals.

Fleets, OEMs, and suppliers must respond to shifting conditions — but cycle turns are often hidden inside noise.

2. Internal dashboards miss crucial cross-market context.

Understanding one segment (Class 8 tractors, for example) isn’t enough. Every commercial vehicle class influences the others.

3. OEM planning moves faster than most stakeholders realize.

Build plans, backlog positions, and cancellation rates change quickly

4. Inventory and backlog ratios are leading indicators — if you know how to read them.

BL/BU and IN/RS ratios signal cycle direction months in advance.

5. Stakeholders need a consistent, independent benchmark they can trust.

OEMs need one set of facts. Dealers need another. Suppliers need visibility across all classes.
Everyone needs a neutral source — not internal assumptions.

ACT’s State of the Industry (SOI) Report

Your comprehensive, data-rich monthly assessment of the North American Classes 5–8 commercial vehicle market.

Updated every month, the report provides:

✔ Market-Wide Summary Analysis

A synthesized, executive-level readout of key trends across all vehicle classes, including:

• Demand momentum

• Order strength

• Inventory conditions

• OEM build behavior

• Freight and macroeconomic context

✔ Complete Classes 5–8 Statistical Dataset

Including month, 3-month, and year-to-date comparisons of:

• Backlog

• Build (units + units per day)

• Inventory

• New orders and net orders

• Cancellation rates

• Retail sales

• BL/BU and IN/RS ratios

✔ Backlog & Build Plan Timing (OEM-by-OEM Insight)

A forward view into how OEMs are filling near-term production schedules, including:

• Backlog distribution by build month

• Open slots

• Build plan fill rates

• Production day alignment

✔ Price & Commodity Monitoring (Fuel, Diesel, Crude)

Monthly tracking of diesel and crude price trends and their implications for freight and carrier profitability.

✔ Class 5 Detail

Charts and commentary on:

• Net orders

• Backlog trends

• BL/BU ratios

• Inventory and retail sales ratios

✔ Class 6–7 Detail

Monthly and historical reads on:

• Orders

• Backlog

• BL/BU

• Inventories

• IN/RS ratios

✔ Class 8 Deep Dive

The most comprehensive Class 8 coverage in the industry:

• Net orders & cancellations

• Build plans

• Backlog duration & BL/BU

• Retail sales

• Inventory levels

• Slot fill rates

• Build per day

• Tractor vs vocational segmentation

WHY ACT: THE INDUSTRY’S SOURCE OF TRUTH

Independent, Unbiased Data

ACT provides neutral analysis trusted across OEMs, fleets, suppliers, and financial institutions.

Accurate, Timely, Deeply Segmented

The SOI is not a high-level summary — it’s the industry’s most granular monthly dataset.

Proven Methodology

ACT’s monthly cycle tracking has earned recognition from the Blue Chip Economic Indicators and WSJ Economic Forecast Panel.
(Noted on page 1 of the SOI.)

Clear, Accessible Voice

Aligned with ACT’s Source-brand identity: knowledgeable, dependable, and accessible.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE EVERY MONTH

1. Executive summary narrative

Cycle interpretation and actionable insights.

2. Full Classes 5–8 data tables

All key indicators tracked and compared across time horizons.

3. Multi-year charts & visualizations

Order cycles, backlog ratios, inventory trends, build activity, and more.

4. OEM build plan insights

Forward visibility into planned production and backlog allocation.

5. Commodity & pricing trends

Fuel price movements and economic indicators.

6. Appendices & supplemental tables

Detailed segmentation for truck, bus, and RV markets.

WHO USES THE SOI REPORT — AND WHY

OEMs (Trucks, Bus, RV, Vocational)

• Benchmark market health

• Adjust build plans

• Manage inventory strategies

Suppliers & Tier-1/Tier-2 Manufacturers

• Forecast component demand

• Plan production and staffing

• Align capacity with OEM build cycles

Fleets & Dealers

• Time purchases and disposals

• Understand OEM slot availability

• Track competitive market behavior

Financial Institutions & Investors

• Assess risk exposure

• Model asset values

• Identify cycle inflection points

Logistics & Transportation Executives

• Monitor driver market and equipment trends

• Track freight-related demand signals