ACT Research reports that final North American Class 8 net orders totaled 38,050 units in March. That's a 131% increase year over year.
"Despite the U.S.'s war with Iran sending WTI oil prices up as much as 70% since the start of the conflict, Class 8 order strength continued in March," says Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT. "Industry observers worry that elevated fuel costs could reverse recent rate gains, derailing the nascent for-hire recovery, but a driver shortage beginning recently has likely insulated spot rates from fuel headwinds, as immigration enforcement and new FMCSA rules are now beginning to lower the driver population.
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"While recent spot and contract rate improvements have been the primary driver of Class 8 orders, regulatory burdens associated with higher equipment costs in 2027, have helped spur greater order activity, too," Vieth added.
Medium-duty orders rose 12% year over year to 20,693 units.
"After gradually slowing through 2025 on tariffs and sagging consumer sentiment, the recent improvement likely reflects resilient consumer spending and some regulation-driven dealer stocking," Vieth says.
