The medium-duty market proved a big stronger than Class 8 space in September, as ACT Research Monday reported preliminary North America Classes 5-7 net orders of 20,200 units.
That is 27% better than September 2025, and 1,500 units higher than the Class 8 space.
ACT Research says the total was just above the long-term average, as the segment continues to rebound from a very weak 2025.
“Medium-duty’s recovery this year appears to be more of a reversion to the mean than robust growth, with dealer inventory stocking ahead of upcoming regulatory costs in 2027 likely behind some of the recent order strength,” says Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT Research. “The resilience of the U.S. economy and still-strong consumer spending, despite rising inflationary pressures, have also aided medium-duty demand in 2026.”
