Class 8 truck demand stays hot ahead of costly 2027 transition
Class 8 orders remained well above year-ago levels in August, while FTR estimates 2027 engine changes could add $6,000 to $12,000 to fleet costs. The post Class 8 truck demand stays hot ahead of costly 2027 transition appeared first on FreightWaves .
In August, North American Class 8 truck orders remained strong, with fleets continuing to purchase new equipment ahead of upcoming emissions changes, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence. The preliminary Class 8 net orders for August totaled 18,200 units, a 19% decrease from July but a 42% increase compared to August 2025.
This follows a year of exceptionally high heavy-duty truck orders, with August orders reaching 111% above the same period in 2025 and a 39% increase for the full 2026 order season. The decline in August orders is largely attributed to normal summer seasonality and the end of the 2026 order season, as well as a tail-end pre-buy for the EPA's 2027 nitrogen oxide emissions requirements.
Fleet purchasing decisions will become more influenced by engine choices, pricing, and build timing as manufacturers begin opening 2027 order books. Meanwhile, the used-truck market showed signs of cooling in July, with same-dealer sales declining 2.5% from June, but still remaining 45% higher than July 2025. Prices for used Class 8 trucks also fell 4% to an average of $60,986.
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