Preliminary North American Class 8 net orders for July remained robust year-over-year, despite typical seasonal slowdowns and constrained production schedules, according to newly released data from ACT Research and FTR Intel.

Both firms indicate manufacturers’ 2026 production schedules are essentially full, shifting industry focus toward 2027 engine technology and upcoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions regulations.

ACT records 68% order uptick

According to ACT’s count, Class 8 orders reached 22,100 units in July. The preliminary figure represents a 68% spike compared to July of last year—but a 30% month-over-month decrease on a seasonally adjusted basis.

“The sizable m/m decline doesn’t reflect a sudden drop in demand for new equipment but indicates a lack of 2026 build slots available as orders run up against full Class 8 backlogs, something we flagged as a possibility earlier this year,” Carter Vieth, ACT research analyst, said in a news release. “Lack of EPA clarity, at least until the end of August, may also be impacting orders, as OEMs and customers both await finality regarding regulations/penalties/pricing before 2027 order boards open.”

The momentum also was positive in the medium-duty sector, ACT indicated. Preliminary Classes 5-7 orders hit 18,300 units, a 41% jump year-over-year. “On a seasonally adjusted basis, medium-duty orders have remained north of 20,000-unit levels the past three months, a sizable improvement from the 16,000-unit level at the beginning of 2026,” Vieth added.

FTR notes 75% surge amid uncertainty

Echoing ACT’s findings, FTR reported North American Class 8 orders landed at 22,000 power units for the month, representing a 31% drop from June—but a substantial 75% gain year-over-year.