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U.S. Class 8 orders in May fell to 10,800, the lowest point in nearly three years, ACT Research reported, and once-scarce 2019 production slots opened.

North American Class 8 orders in March fell sharply compared with a year earlier amid continuing, but slower, economic and freight growth, and a heavy backlog, analysts said.

Class 8 orders for February trickled in to reach 16,900, down 58% compared with a year earlier, reflecting a backlog already swollen by record demand in 2018, reports ACT Research Co.

Class 8 orders for January fell to 15,800 as backlogs already stretch out through the end of the year, according to ACT Research Co.

Orders for Class 8 trucks in August shattered the previous record for the month, surpassing 53,000 for the highest tally of the year and for the second consecutive month setting a record in a surprisingly active summer.

Surging Class 8 orders in June rushed past 42,000 units as fleets and dealers scrambled to get in line for 2019 production since clogged backlogs and supply chain disruptions have largely choked off the chance of getting a new truck this year.

North American Class 8 truck orders erupted in March to surpass 46,000. That was more than double the volume compared with a year earlier, and remaining production slots for later this year are fast disappearing, ACT Research Co. reported.

Orders for Class 8 vehicles kept accelerating in February, passing 40,000 for only the ninth time, analysts said.

North American Class 8 orders in January unexpectedly surged to the second-highest total amid new tax breaks, strong freight rates, dwindling production slots and efficient vertically integrated powertrains, analysts reported.

North American Class 8 orders in November reached nearly 33,000 for a 69% year-over-year gain, ACT Research Co. reported.