According to ACT Research, North American MD and HD Classes 5-8 net orders declined in August, dropping 1,400 units from last month, while rising 28% year over year.

“Seasonally adjusted, orders rose 1.8% to 42,700 units,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. “On that basis, Classes 5-8 orders have ranged from 41,400 units to 42,700 units since April.”

ACT noted that these numbers are preliminary and that complete industry data for August, to include final order results, will be available in mid-September.

Preliminary North American Class 8 net orders improved on both an actual and seasonally-adjusted basis in August.

“For the month, orders rose 49% from easy year-ago comps,” Tam said. “Seasonal adjustment boosts August’s order performance to their highest level since April at 23,800 units, a sequential gain of 21%.”

Following robust performance through the first half of the year, NA Classes 5-7 net orders have moderated the past two months.

“Preliminary, medium duty orders rebounded from a soft July, rising to 18,800 units,” Tam said. “Despite the relative softness, August’s intake was up 10% year over year.”