Fleets lift Class 8 truck orders 18% in September as they shift to 2027 models
North American Class 8 truck orders rose to 21,300 units in September, an 18% increase from August and 3% higher than September 2025, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence. Year-to-date orders reached 263,499 units through September, up 95% from the same period in 2025, while orders over the past 12 months totaled 351,244 units.
Fleets are moving their order books toward model-year 2027 equipment as manufacturers close 2026 slots and open books for the newer models. The EPA 2027 nitrogen oxide emissions-related pre-buy has ended and surcharge‑free 2026 engine production slots are essentially sold out, according to FTR. Truck and engine manufacturers are pursuing different compliance paths, with some considering nonconformance penalties (NCPs) that could add $6,000‑$7,000 per truck, versus $8,000‑$12,000 for fully compliant engines. Dan Moyer, FTR senior analyst for commercial vehicles, said the uncertainty over EPA rules and NCP levels could affect engine availability, fleet acquisition costs and the technology mix chosen for 2027 trucks. Pricing remains another question for the market, as manufacturers are opening model-year 2027 order books before the EPA’s 2027 NOx regulation is finalized, meaning truck prices could change once the final rule is issued. FTR said orders during the next month or two could remain near year-ago levels until fleets receive greater clarity on regulations and costs.
“NCPs could result in an estimated $6,000 to $7,000 pass-through cost to fleets for a Class 8 truck, compared with an estimated $8,000 to $12,000 upcharge for an engine that fully complies with the new emissions requirements,” Dan Moyer, FTR senior analyst for commercial vehicles said.
“Truck and engine manufacturers have announced varying strategies for handling the emissions transition, and some have not yet made their plans clear,” Dan Moyer, FTR senior analyst for commercial vehicles said.
While the month-over-month increase was smaller than the seasonal gain
What we know
Preliminary Class 8 net orders totaled 21,300 units in September, an 18% increase from August and 3% higher than the same month last year, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence.
Year-to-date Class 8 orders totaled 263,499 units through September, up 95% compared with the same period in 2025.
Orders over the past 12 months totaled 351,244 units.