Class 8 orders closing summer on a high

NASHVILLE, Ind. — Net orders for North American Class 8 trucks jumped 8.3 percent in August.

FTR Associates has released preliminary data showing

North American OEMs received orders for 12,337 units last month, an 8.3 percent increase over July’s numbers and 16.8 percent better than August 2009.

August order activity sits near the monthly average seen over the last six months of 13,000 units. The figure includes U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports.

FTR president Eric Starks said the orders for the balance of the year are expected to continue to be received at comparable levels.

"Going forward, a critical point to watch is order activity in October and November which typically sees a seasonal spike in activity,” he said. “These months will set the stage for demand in 2011."

FTR Associates collects and analyzes data likely to impact freight movement.

Its U.S. Freight Model is based on specific characteristics for over 200 commodity groups. Forecast reports cover trucking and rail transportation, and include demand analysis for commercial vehicle as well as railcar.