According to ACT Research, there were 16,100 Class 8 net orders in September, signaling that the historically weak season is coming to an end. Seasonally adjusted, September’s orders were at 16,100 units.

“October kicks off the traditional high volume fourth quarter, when fleets and OEMs nail down commitments for the upcoming model year,” said Jim Meil, ACT Research principal and industry analyst.

Standing out among the other heavy duty segments again was Mexico, buoyed in part by a weak Peso.

“A proposed emissions mandate at the start of 2018 contributes to market strength. We believe truckers are taking the long view and positioning strategically,” Meil said. “For other segments the status is the same – U.S. tractors, Canada and export markets across-the-board are lackluster.”

Speaking about the medium duty segment, Meil said, “With the strength of the economy coming from consumers, and much of MD demand linked to consumer expenditures, there is a happy confluence of solid MD demand and household activity.”

September Classes 5-7 net orders were 20,487 (19,500 seasonally-adjusted).