Preliminary data shows slight month-over-month improvements in orders of Class 8 trucks for July, and substantial improvements over last year.

According to preliminary data from FTR, Class 8 net orders for July at 18,300 units, a month-over-month improvement of 5% and 79% better than a year ago.

“This is a great sign to see orders rising, even slightly, in mid-summer,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles at FTR. “This is the beginning of a positive trend that we expect to continue the rest of this year, right into 2018. The Class 8 market is starting to move upward and orders are forecasted to accelerate in the fall. Freight is on the upswing and industry capacity is tightening. The equipment markets, both Class 8 and trailers, are starting to respond to this environment.”

ACT Research Co.’s preliminary numbers showed Class 8 net orders rising 4% from June and up 81% compared to last year.

“While down on a nominal basis from the 2017 order trend, seasonal adjustment brings July’s order intake in line with recent activity,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research. “Over the past six months, Class 8 net orders, seasonally adjusted, have averaged 21,900 units per month.”

ACT’s numbers also showed a downturn for medium-duty orders in July, with Class 5-7 orders declining 26% from June and hitting a 13-month low.

Overall, ACT’s preliminary data showed North American Classes 5-8 net orders down 12% month-over-month in July, but up 33% over last year.

“Adjusting for seasonality, NA Classes 5-8 net orders rise to 41,400 units in July,” Vieth said. “Compared to year-ago levels, total Classes 5-8 net orders were up over 36% from a seasonally adjusted 30,500 unit tally.”