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“April was the lowest industry order intake for a single month we have seen since May of 2020,” Koeck said. (Justin Ide/Bloomberg)

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North American Class 8 truck orders came in below prior-year comparisons again amid increased market uncertainty, .

Preliminary data showed orders decreased 52.1% year over year to 7,600 units from 15,850. They also fell 53.9% sequentially when compared to the 16,500 units in March. Orders have trended below the previous year for about an entire year with few exceptions.

“Between the end of the industry’s annual ‘order season’ and the uncertainty surrounding the impact of U.S. economic policy that peaked at the start of the month on ‘Liberation Day,’ April delivered the weakest cumulative MD and HD order tally since the beginning of the pandemic when markets were comparably unsettled,” said Ken Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research.

Vieth also highlighted that medium-duty orders continued to deflate. The preliminary data for the month puts North American Classes 5-7 truck orders at 11,600. This marks a 41% decline from the same point last year.

“With all the uncertainty around pricing, tariffs, lead times and production lines, our customers are sitting on their hands regarding new truck orders,” Kenworth Sales Co. President Kyle Treadway said. “A few of the larger carriers are placing token orders, but most are waiting for all the commotion to calm down before they plan their next strategic move.”

FTR Transportation Intelligence reported Class 8 preliminary net orders for April decreased 54% year over year to 7,400 units. The sequential decline matched the year-over-year drop. This was the lowest order total since May 2020, when activity cratered due to coronavirus pandemic shutdowns. The report noted that the announcement of reciprocal U.S. tariffs in early April further intensified the challenges posed by tariffs that had already been announced.

“New and pending U.S. tariffs and retaliatory tariffs will significantly increase costs for Class 8 trucks, tractors and related components,” said Dan Moyer, senior analyst of commercial vehicles at FTR. “In addition to slowing economic and truck freight market growth, prolonged tariff-driven cost increases and, potentially, regulatory changes could further suppress near-term demand within the Class 8 segment.”

Moyer warns that such an outcome will likely reduce industry volumes, complicate production planning and negatively affect profitability and stability for truck manufacturers and suppliers in the North American Class 8 truck market. He also pointed out that this already challenging environment is further complicated by anticipated revisions to truck emissions rules in 2027.

“The significant year-over-year decline for Class 8 orders in April is indicative of the current market challenges,” said Magnus Koeck, vice president of strategy, marketing and brand management for Volvo Trucks North America. “April was the lowest industry order intake for a single month we have seen since May of 2020, which was in the midst of COVID.”

Koeck added that low contract and spot rates have contributed to decreased carrier profitability. This reduced profitability, he points out, significantly deters investment in new trucks. These challenges compound the broader market uncertainty carriers currently face.

“Fleets of all sizes are also cautious about investments in new trucks due to the uncertainty currently presented by tariffs and ongoing regulatory discussions around emissions,” Koeck said. “As always, we are closely monitoring these developments to support our dealers and customers in navigating this complex and challenging landscape.”