Class 8 Orders Hit 15-Year Low in June Amid Trade and Regulatory Uncertainty

Preliminary data from FTR shows a sharp decline in North American Class 8 truck orders for June, reflecting mounting pressure from tariffs, regulatory shifts, and record inventory levels. Net orders totaled just 8,900 units, a 25% drop from May and 36% below June 2024 levels.

This marks the lowest June tally since 2009, significantly under the 10-year June average of 19,213 units.

Uncertainty Disrupts Seasonal Patterns

Typically, June brings a modest rise in order activity. This year, however, fleets hesitated. FTR attributes the downturn to a combination of:

• Tariff volatility: The June 4 hike from 25% to 50% on steel, aluminum, and fabricated components drastically raised production costs.
• Freight market instability: Weak freight conditions continue to reduce equipment needs.
• Economic uncertainty: Mixed signals in the broader economy are leading fleets to delay capital investments.

Both Vocational and On-Highway Segments Affected

While both market segments saw reduced demand, the on-highway segment accounted for the bulk of the decline. Cumulatively, Class 8 net orders for the 2025 cycle (September 2024 through June 2025) are now down 15%. For the past 12 months, orders total 255,265 units.

Analyst Commentary: Tariffs and Regulations Cast a Shadow

Dan Moyer, FTR’s senior analyst for commercial vehicles, emphasized the breadth of uncertainty facing fleets:

“Market uncertainty is further heightened by the potential implementation of Section 232 tariffs on Class 8 trucks and their components along with anticipated revisions to EPA 2027 NOx emissions standards. As a result, many fleets are postponing equipment purchases. Record-high inventories are placing additional downward pressure on demand and production.”

What Comes Next?

Final order data will be released mid-month as part of FTR’s North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service. With additional regulatory decisions and global trade negotiations in flux, equipment buyers and manufacturers alike face a murky path forward.

Stay informed by downloading the latest order chart:
🔗 Class 8 Orders Chart – FTR

And for forward-looking insights, join FTR’s experts this September at the FTR Transportation Conference, where the first two days focus on truck equipment and freight market forecasts.

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