Class 8 net truck orders rose to a three-month high of 14,200 in August, the best showing since March, according to data from ACT Research Co. This was aided in part by cancellations, which fell to a 33-month low. Medium-duty net orders were up month-over-month, totaling 17,100 units, in-line with the order trend in place since April.

“While down in August against traditional comparisons, Mexico remains the bright spot in the market as freight generation continues to benefit from peso weakness,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “A proposed emissions mandate at the start of 2018 is likely adding to market strength as truckers think strategically.”

Speaking on Classes 5–7, Vieth continued, “With the consumer economy hitting on most cylinders, and without any irrational demand activity cycle-to-date—aside from maybe a few months of peakiness early in the year as new products were ramped up—there is good consistency in medium-duty demand, and steady-as-she-goes expectations remain in place.”