For the month of April, 39,700 Class 5-8 vehicle orders were booked, down 6% compared to April 2014, according to preliminary research conducted by ACT Research Co.

“While the order volume represents a fairly sharp deceleration from the 50,000 units-plus order months experienced from October to February, the pullback is a reflection of already large backlogs as well as a paucity of build slots remaining in 2015,” Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst, said. “This month’s net orders were not a surprise, considering that the calendar is moving away from peak order season.”

North American Class 8 orders posted their lowest monthly net order volume since November 2013 at 22,400 units, down 10% year over year, according to the research firm.

“Rather than simply a harbinger of weakness, the slower order intake should be taken in a broader context,” Vieth said. “In addition to few build slots remaining open, there was some pulling forward of orders by truckers from October through February to ensure product and build timing availability.”

North American medium-duty orders fell to 17,300 units, down 21% year-over-year against a particularly tough comparison, ACT reported.

“This was the lowest order intake since last July, but not out of line with several other months in the interim,” Vieth said.

For more information, visit www.actresearch.net.