Preliminary North America Class 8 net orders in September totaled 18,700 units, down 9.5% year-over-year, according to ACT Research. The softer order intake likely reflects ongoing regulatory uncertainty among fleets, as the EPA has yet to finalize 2027 NOx rules. September typically marks the start of “order season,” but with some OEMs not fully opening their 2027 orderboards, normal seasonal patterns have been disrupted.
“The 2027 regulatory engine transition is clearly impacting order seasonality this year, but the underlying demand for new equipment remains robust, supported by strong spot rate momentum,” Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT Research, said. “Fleets are eager to replace aging equipment and prepare for cost increases on the horizon, but the lack of regulatory clarity is making it difficult for them to plan effectively.”
Based on preliminary September orders and recent OEM build plans, ACT Research expects the Class 8 backlog to decline from August’s level when full September data are released in mid-October.
