According to preliminary data from ACT Research, North American Class 8 net orders in February reached 21,000 units, while North American Classes 5-7 net orders reached 18,300 units.

Complete industry data for February, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research later this month.

“Constrained production capabilities and long backlogs continue to impede new order activity. Based on preliminary February inputs, North American Classes 5-8 net orders were essentially flat compared to January,” Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst of ACT Research, said. “While order weakness is attributable to supply constraints, the ground rules of data collection play a part: The OEMs only report orders that are scheduled to be built within 12 months. With backlogs effectively stretching 12 months, and with limited forward visibility, order volumes have largely been mirroring production activity.

“As has been the case for months, we reiterate that with critical industry demand drivers at or near record levels, industry strength should be measured with long backlog lead-times, rather than in tepid new order activity.”