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Class 8 Orders Surge 241% as Fleets Lock in 2026 Production

Class 8 truck orders jumped 241% year-over-year in June, reaching 30,500 units. Carriers moved quickly to claim remaining 2026 manufacturing slots. The June total represented the second-highest volume for that month on record and ran 68% above the 10-year average. Orders climbed 16% from May alone. Year-to-date Class 8 orders are tracking 125% ahead of 2025 levels, with the current ordering season up 36% versus the prior period. Cumulative orders over the past 12 months reached 334,160 units. Industry observers expect remaining 2026 production capacity to be fully committed during July. Demand drivers include healthy replacement cycles, stronger freight rates, improved carrier utilization and regulatory concerns ahead of 2027 emissions standards. The used Class 8 market showed resilience despite softer May retail sales, with year-over-year volumes up 11% and prices increasing 5%.