According to ACT Research, Class 8 net orders are expected at 27,400 units, a 24% increase over the same month the previous year, when actual data are released mid-month.

“Class 8 orders in March represented the lowest intake since November,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst, “but March was also the sixth best order month since early 2006, up 24% compared to a year ago. Typically a strong month, seasonal adjustment drops March orders to 26,100 units/314k SAAR. In Q1, Class 8 net orders were booked at a 353k SAAR.”

March NA Classes 5-7 net orders are expected at 17,600 units.

“Like Class 8, Classes 5-7 net orders rose compared to March 2013, but slipped sequentially. In March, NA Classes 5-7 net orders totaled 17,600 units. That volume represents a 7% decline from February’s cycle-to-date high, and a 15% improvement from last March. Consistency continues to be part of the MD vehicle order story: Over the past 3, 6 and 12 months, orders have been booked at a 209k SAAR, a 206k SAAR and 204k units, respectively,” said Vieth.