Class 8 Truck Orders Drop 44% as Tariffs Hit Fleets

North American Class 8 truck orders fell sharply in September as tariffs and weak freight rates continued to weigh on demand. American companies that manufacture Class 8 trucks include Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, and Western Star. ACT Research reported preliminary orders at 20,800 units, down 44% from a year ago but up 58% from August. Adjusted for seasonality, orders totaled 18,800. 

“The longest for-hire downturn in history continues to weigh on tractor demand,” said ACT analyst Carter Vieth, noting that inflation and trade uncertainty are keeping fleets on the sidelines. The industry is also awaiting clarity on upcoming EPA emission rules and pending Supreme Court review of tariff powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. 

Volvo Trucks’ Magnus Koeck said fleets are allowing trucks to age while watching inflation and regulatory changes. “The sleeper segment is significantly weaker than in previous years,” he said. 

FTR Transportation Intelligence recorded a similar 41% decline, citing President Trump’s planned 25% tariff on imported heavy-duty trucks. Analyst Dan Moyer warned that higher prices and supply chain disruptions could push more fleets toward used equipment. 

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