North American truck orders were up 4% in August month-over-month (m/m) but down 14% year-over-year (y/y), marking the eighth straight month of annual decline, according to Bloomington, Indiana-based FTR.
By the numbers, preliminary net orders for North American (N.A.) Class 8 trucks and tractors totaled 13,000 units, which was well below the August 10-year average of 23,135 units.
Those results reflect continued fleet caution amid trade frictions, tariff volatility, and broader economic uncertainty weighing on freight demand, FTR said. As with all economic statistics, preliminary orders may be estimated and are subject to revision when FTR releases its final data mid-month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service.
For the 2025 order cycle (September 2024-August 2025), cumulative orders fell 15% y/y, signaling headwinds for OEM production planning and supplier networks. Absent a rebound in freight fundamentals, fleet order activity is expected to remain muted as the 2026 order boards open this month, limiting near-term capacity additions and delaying freight rate recovery.
“The N.A. Class 8 truck and tractor market faces growing pressure from tariffs, near-record inventory, regulatory uncertainty, and weak freight demand,” Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, said in a release.
Fluctuations in federal policy are also weighing down markets. “Tariff increases imposed on August 7 raised costs on vehicles, parts, and key inputs. A recent federal appeals court ruling casts doubt about the legality of country-specific ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, although those tariffs remain in place until at least October 14, pending U.S. Supreme Court review. By contrast, Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper are unaffected by that court ruling and may soon expand to trucks, components, and semiconductors, adding further risk,” Moyer said.
Another factor is uncertainty in the nation’s pollution standards. “Uncertainty over 2027 EPA NOx standards is already delaying some fleet purchases and softening near-term demand, while tariff pressures could further suppress 2026 order activity,” he said. “Fleets are extending truck lifespans and incurring higher maintenance costs. Suppliers are squeezed by input inflation and uneven demand. Dealers are leaning on used equipment and service. And OEMs face profitability pressure, volatile schedules, and greater supply chain exposure. Until tariff and regulatory paths are clarified, the outlook will remain unsettled.”
