Spring opens with 20% class 8 growth, m-m

NASHVILLE, Ind. — March Class 8 truck net orders for North American OEMs totaled 28,871, a 20 percent increase over February  and an impressive 155-percent hike over the same period in 2010.

The March results are a continuation of the strong trend from previous months, reports FTR Associates.

"FTR recently increased our 2011 projections for Class 8 truck sales and the strong order activity in March 2011 supports that decision," said Eric Starks, president of FTR. "The first quarter has been very positive for incoming orders with fleets placing orders primarily for replacement units due to aged equipment.

Orders for added capacity, though, are few with some fleets still looking for good drivers to fill current seats, adds Starks.

"Even in face of growing truck freight, driver supply constraints will continue to restrain plans to add capacity."

Final data for March will be available from FTR later in the month.