Class 8 truck orders in North America surged in December, reaching highest levels in three years as fleets sought to secure equipment amid regulatory clarity. Preliminary orders totaled 42,200 units, up 108% from November and 21% from last year. Despite the strong finish, the market remains under pressure, with 2026 orders down 22%.

The spike in orders was attributed to improved policy clarity on tariffs and emissions rules, with Section 232 tariffs proving less severe and expectations of EPA revisions reducing uncertainty. FTR analysts caution that the rebound does not signal a full demand recovery, as freight demand remains soft and fleet profitability constrained. A sustained economic improvement is needed for a durable recovery.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Class 8 truck orders roar back, but market recovery questions remain