According to preliminary data from ACT Research, North American Class 8 net orders totaled 21,300 units in January, while Classes 5-7 net orders dropped to 16,500 units. Complete industry data for January, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research later this month.

“Constrained production capabilities and long backlogs continue to hamper new order activity. Order weakness continues to be primarily, if not entirely, due to supply-side shortages that continue to restrict production,” Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research, said. “As has been the case for months, we reiterate that with critical economic and industry demand drivers at, or near, record levels, industry strength should be measured by long backlog lead times rather than tepid new order activity.

“For Class 8, with backlogs stretching through 2022 and still no clear visibility on the easing of the everything shortage, January’s net order haul reflects the ongoing conservative approach by OEMs looking to limit the risk of overbooking and underbuilding that plagued the industry in 2021.”