ACT Research: Class 8 orders strong, particularly in Mexico

According to ACT Research, November Class 8 net orders, at 41,732 units, were up 28% year-over-year, with tractor orders up 20% and vocational equipment orders up 60% on ongoing pent-up demand. ACT notes that much of this demand has been coming from Mexico.

“There may be some pent-up demand remaining for tractors. If so, and given freight rates, it remains largely with private fleets,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “An increasingly important contributor to strong order numbers is vehicle demand coming out of Mexico, where tractor orders were up over 150% y/y. Truck demand remains red hot, as vocational markets have been underserved the past few years.”

“Despite two fewer days in November, Class 8 build increased 4% y/y to 28,400 units,” he added. “Classes 5-7 production benefitted from some make-up activity following October’s strike-constrained output, rising 11% m/m to 24,200 units.”

Vieth concluded, “Class 8 inventory levels remained in a very narrow band for about half of 2023 but have risen in each of the past five months. Totaling 67,209 units, inventory was up 12% y/y. The increased inventory tracks with lower tractor retail sales, particularly in the U.S. market where weak freight volumes have started to constrain for-hire fleet demand. Classes 5-7 inventories remain highly elevated at 82,969 units, as MD bodybuilder labor challenges persist.”

Fontaine Specialized announced the new Magnitude 75 lowbed trailer. This 3+3+2 modular multi-purpose trailer is designed to transport a diverse range of loads, according to Fontaine, who adds that the Magnitude 75 comes in three distinct deck options: flat (MFLD), drop side rail (MDSR), and beam (MBMD)."The Magnitude 75 epitomizes versatility in heavy-haul lowbeds. It accommodates loads of up to 75 tons in 16 feet as a 3+2 or with five close coupled axles," said Heather Gilmer, vice president of sales. "Furthermore, it adeptly handles 70 tons in just 12 feet configured with the tandem axle EQ2 spreader. This adaptable trailer features a hydraulic detachable gooseneck and a tridem axle bogie, each providing seven ride height positions. This enhanced flexibility is invaluable for operators maneuvering heavy loads across obstacles or beneath bridges.”Fontaine says the Magnitude 75 was made with 100,000-lb. minimum yield steel main beam flanges; and the flat and beam decks boast a 24-in. loaded deck height, while the drop side rail deck reduces it to 15-in. At full load, all modular decks offer 6-in. of ground clearance.