en.Wedoany.com Reported - U.S. truck dealers have raised their sales forecasts for Class 8 trucks and tractors for 2026 and 2027, citing easing economic uncertainty and carrier fleet renewal needs. Patrick Manzi, chief economist of the American Truck Dealers (ATD), said the association has increased its 2026 Class 8 truck sales forecast from 210,000 units at the start of the year to 227,000 units, a 7.5% increase. Manzi also noted that the 2027 sales forecast has now reached 250,000 units, up 12% from the 220,000 units projected in early 2026. ATD is an affiliate of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).
Manzi stated that the business community has recognized that uncertainties such as tariffs and wars have become the new normal, and must be accepted and moved forward with, even if it means taking greater risks than usual, including purchasing new equipment. Sales growth was initially expected in 2025, but tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, including those on medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks and components, caused carriers to pause investments due to macroeconomic uncertainty. These trade policy measures also delayed the freight market rebound, prolonging the longest downturn in industry memory. Speaking after a presentation to ATD members in Washington, Manzi said that unless there is another major policy shift causing weekly upheaval, the industry will continue to advance capital investments and purchase trucks. The event was part of the association's annual "Fly-In" visits with congressional delegations.
The above forecasts do not yet account for increased purchases by carriers rushing to beat stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nitrogen oxide emission standards (commonly known as "pre-buying"). Data shows that Class 8 truck orders in May rose year-over-year for the sixth consecutive month, totaling 26,500 units, surging 103% from May 2025, marking the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year growth at or above 100%. According to FTR Transportation Intelligence, May orders were 56% higher than the 10-year monthly average of 17,046 units. However, Omdia Automotive data shows that in the first five months of 2026, Class 8 truck sales totaled 73,419 units, down 16% from 87,447 units in the same period last year. Due to dismal orders in 2025, which led to production line shutdowns in the first quarter of this year, including at Volvo Trucks North America's flagship plant in Dublin, Virginia, truck manufacturers are now playing catch-up.
Dealers are also seeing increased market demand. Korey Neal, CEO of K. Neal Truck and Bus Center in Hyattsville, Maryland, said that even with market instability, carrier demand is growing, and the trend line is moving in the right direction. His dealership sells International Motors, Hino, and Iveco vehicles. Neal believes that last year's uncertainty made it difficult for the industry to make decisions, but now that tariffs are a given, companies can execute plans accordingly. The 2026 State of Logistics Report, released by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, found that uncertainty has become the norm in 2026 and may persist for several years. Carriers are adapting to changes, including supply-driven capacity reductions significantly pushing up freight rates for the first time in four years, and expectations of a continued recovery in the freight market.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
