Class 8 Truck Orders

Class 8 Truck Orders

May 2025 Update

As of April 2025, the Class 8 truck market continues to face headwinds, with order activity falling sharply amid deepening freight softness and elevated economic uncertainty. Fleets remain highly cautious on capital spending, influenced by persistent margin pressure, high inventories, and regulatory ambiguity around emissions standards.

A notable development this month was a continued rise in cancellations, reaching the highest level since mid-2023. While not yet at disruptive levels, this trend reflects growing concern about the second-half freight environment and macroeconomic visibility.

Vocational demand remains more stable but showed signs of slowing in April. Delays in federal infrastructure disbursements have introduced further hesitation in segments previously buoyed by policy support.

Class 8 Truck Orders Snapshot

Preliminary North American Class 8 net orders for April totaled approximately 8,200 units, down from March. On a seasonally adjusted basis, orders stood near 9,000 units. Cancellations rose again, hitting their highest point since mid-2023, amid softening demand signals.

Fleet ordering continues to prioritize equipment replacement and cost control. Tractor orders declined year-over-year, while vocational truck orders also weakened month-over-month. Build rates averaged 1,098 units per day, down from March, and backlogs declined to 117,500 units. With Q2 build slots largely full and Q3 capacity more available, the market remains in a holding pattern centered on preservation rather than expansion.

To learn more about the current dynamics in the commercial vehicle industry, check out the State of the Industry reports. And to see what ACT forecasts will happen in the Class 8 market over the next few years, check out the North America commercial vehicle forecast.