FTR reported Class 8 preliminary net orders for November came in at 36,750 units, which was 32% higher than October and up 2% y/y. Those comparisons fell within expectations given seasonal tendencies and the considerable y/y decrease during October. Total Class 8 orders for the previous 12 months have equaled 255,500 units.

Build slots continue to be filled at a healthy rate. The slight y/y increase in orders in November shows a market that is still performing at a high level historically.

Eric Starks, chairman of the board, commented, “We also saw a more cohesive market for OEMs versus October with the majority seeing increases in orders. Despite prolonged weakness in the overall freight market, fleets continue to be willing to order new equipment. Order levels were above the historical average but continue to follow seasonal trends, stabilizing our expectations for replacement demand in 2024.”

Preliminary orders may be estimated and are subject to revision when FTR releases final data mid-month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service.