Class 8 orders 29 percent higher than May 2012

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Updated Jun 6, 2013

Preliminary data released this week by FTR Associates shows Class 8 net orders totaled 22,541, the sixth consecutive month that orders topped the 20,000 mark.

May’s total was a 2 percent drop from the previous month, but the number is 29 percent higher than May 2012’s order total.

May’s order activity annualizes to 270,500 units, FTR said.

“Order activity for May was stable with only a small drop from April. This is a positive sign for this time of year as we tend to see orders drop heading into the summer months,” said FTR’s President Eric Starks. “Despite the strength in activity we do not see it adding to upside potential for production during 2013. When the final order data is available mid-month we will be looking at when those orders are expected for delivery. That will help us determine the strength of near-term activity. If orders are for late 2013 or 2014 delivery then we will know that truckers are still hesitant about 2013.”