Class 8 truck orders finished 2013 up 17% compared to 2012, while medium-duty orders were up 10%.
The year was closed out on a high note, with December Class 8 orders up 50%, representing the strongest month for orders since March 2006.
"The US and Canada did the heavy lifting for Class 8 orders in December, while Mexico and non-NAFTA orders moved sideways at low levels," said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research. "Strengthening domestic demand has been supported in the second half of the year by improving economic activity that has translated into improved profits for truckers. The softness in December's Classes 5-7 orders is viewed as a temporary pause following two very strong order months for medium duty."
December saw medium-duty truck orders fall month-over-month, but for the full year Classes 6-7 truck orders were up 20% compared to 2012 and Class 5 orders down 16%.
