Class 8 trucks totaled 24,600 net new orders in July, while Classes 5-7 posted 15,900 net orders, according to the latest report by ACT Research.

Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst, noted that, at the midway point of Q3/15, the economy and freight markets are being buffeted by cross-currents, which is generating mixed signals.

“In July, Class 8 orders broke to the high side of expectations for the first time since February, producing seasonally adjusted net orders to 29,600,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Helping drive the high-side outcome in July was a large press-release worthy 9,000 unit, multi-year order, but even if this is excluded July’s orders were well ahead of expectations.”

Vieth also noted that the medium duty market improved thanks to the performance of Classes 6-7.

“On balance, the Classes 5-7 market saw orders improve from June to July, with broad-based strength in Classes 6-7 orders (up 7% y/y) offsetting weakness in Class 5 orders, which were down 12% y/y,” said Vieth. “The improvement in Classes 6-7 orders would have been stronger but for a sharp drop in step van orders versus a one-off order last July.”