Demand for commercial vehicles was healthy in December as 65,700 total NA Classes 5-8 orders were booked, up 41% from a year ago, according to ACT Research. Over the past twelve months, NA Classes 5-8 net orders have totaled 602,300 units – an average of more than 50,000 orders per month.

“December’s 43,900 NA Class 8 net orders mark the fourth best month on record and bring the full year order total to just over 380,000 units,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “As has been the case throughout 2014, the strength in order activity is symptomatic of converging trends that are favorable to demand, including stronger economic activity, lingering pent-up demand, sizeable fuel economy gains, and rising carrier profitability.”

Vieth said that December’s preliminary 21,800 NA Classes 5-7 net orders was the second strongest order month cycle-to-date. “December’s medium duty orders rose 44% compared to last December. In 2014, Classes 5-7 net orders totaled 222,200 units, up 12% compared to 2013,” he added.

To view the full ACT Research report, click here.