Demand for commercial vehicles remained at healthy levels in June, according to ACT Research, as 41,300 total NA Classes 5-8 orders were booked. Since the start of the period of stronger orders last October, North American Classes 5-8 net orders have been booked at a 541,900 unit annual rate.

“With seasonal tendencies dampening expectations, North American Class 8 net orders surprised on the high side in June at 26,600 units,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “That volume marked an improvement of 2% from May and 41% compared to year-ago June. Seasonal adjustment boosts June’s Class 8 order total to 29,200 units. On that basis, June was the strongest order month since January. Since October, Class 8 orders have been booked at a 318,100 unit SAAR.”

After “best since early 2006” orders in April, Classes 5-7 have cooled over the past two months, said ACT. In June, net orders fell 9% from May and 1% from year-ago levels to 14,700 units.

“Given that June is typically a soft order month, seasonal adjustment boosts the month’s MD order intake to 15,600 units/187k SAAR, representing the weakest order intake (SA) since December,” said Vieth. “Over the past six months, Classes 5-7 net orders were booked at a 214,600 units SAAR. Over the past 12 months, actual orders have totaled 209,600 units.”