ACT Research estimated roughly 46,200 Class 8 units ordered, up 156% year over year. FTR Transportation Intelligence counted about 47,200 units, up 47% month over month and 159% year over year.
The strongest in a long time: According to FTR, February had the highest order total since September 2022. The month's total was also well above the 10-year average order count for February, which is 24,991 units.
Late-season boom: The December, January, and February orders more than made up for the pitiful double-digit order declines in September, October, and November. According to FTR, the 2026 order season (September 2025 to February 2026) is now up slightly at 4% year-over-year.
Regulatory clarity: Both FTR and ACT Research noted that much of the Class 8 orders are a reflection of both previously-deferred replacement purchases and EPA27 prebuys. While some carriers are ordering replacements that they hadn't in September through November, other fleets are now ordering replacements before EPA's NOx regulations begin to affect engine manufacturers.
Hints of an upturn: Both firms also noted that the series of strong months could be a reflection of heightened spot rates that have persisted since November.
"Arguably, the most important factor to the order turnaround has been the sustained run-up in spot rates that started in late November," said Carter Vieth, research analyst for ACT Research.
According to FTR's Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles:
"February’s very solid year-over-year increase in net orders extended the firmer tone that has been building since late last year. While a portion of demand still reflects previously deferred replacement purchases reentering the market, the consistency and breadth of recent order activity suggest momentum is now being driven more meaningfully by improving freight fundamentals. Freight volumes and utilization are trending higher, and FTR’s rate forecasts have strengthened."
