Big Rigs · Nationwide · November 5, 2026

Class 8 Truck Orders Drop 36% in October as EPA 2027 Uncertainty Leaves Truckers and Fleets Waiting on Prices

By Big Rig Daily Staff

North American Class 8 truck orders fell 36% from a year earlier in October, according to preliminary data from FTR Transportation Intelligence reported by FreightWaves and Trucks, Parts, Service. Class 8 is the heaviest group of trucks, including the tractors that pull most freight trailers.

The numbers

FTR says preliminary net orders for October were 15,600 units. That was:

• Down 36% from October a year earlier.
• Down 24% from September.
• Nearly 50% below the 10-year October average of 31,089 units.

Combined September and October orders totaled 36,002 units, down 20% from the same period last year. Year-to-date orders still sit at 278,201 units, up 74% from a year earlier, FTR says. Trucks, Parts, Service calls October a notably weaker-than-expected start to the 2027 order season.

Why fleets are holding back

The lack of a finalized Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2027 NOx rule has affected model year 2027 truck pricing and production schedules, according to Trucks, Parts, Service. Manufacturers have begun opening their 2027 order boards, but some may not yet be fully releasing build slots or finalizing prices.

FTR notes fleets may be delaying purchases while they wait for final rules and possibly better prices. Under the proposed framework, nonconformance penalties could add an estimated $6,000 to $7,000 per engine if passed on to buyers, compared with an estimated $8,000 to $12,000 premium for fully compliant engines. The trade publication stresses that actual costs will depend on the final rule and manufacturer pricing.

What the analyst says

Dan Moyer, FTR's senior analyst for commercial vehicles, said other factors may be contributing. "Fleet capital spending priorities may be shifting toward trailers rather than tractors in the near term," he said, as quoted by Trucks, Parts, Service. "Also, while freight rates are strong, so are costs for fuel, insurance and labor, pressuring margins and possibly limiting purchases for now."

Moyer also said the earlier wave of buying ahead of the 2027 emissions rules is now complete. "Weak October results suggest that some purchases may be deferred rather than canceled, potentially allowing orders to strengthen as emissions requirements, production schedules and equipment pricing become clearer," he said.

What it means for truckers

For owner-operators and small fleets weighing a new truck, the sources point to one open question: the final price of a 2027 model. FTR's figures are estimates under a proposed framework, not final prices. Big Rig Daily's earlier report on used Class 8 truck sales covers the used market.

Quick facts

• October Class 8 orders: 15,600 units (preliminary), per FTR.
• Change: down 36% year over year and 24% from September.
• Year to date: 278,201 units, up 74%.
• Open question: the final EPA 2027 rule and truck pricing.

FAQ

What is a Class 8 truck?

It is the heaviest truck class, which includes the semi tractors that haul most long-distance freight.

Why did orders fall?

FTR points to uncertainty over the EPA 2027 rule and pricing, along with fuel, insurance and labor costs and a possible shift in spending toward trailers.

Are these numbers final?

No. FTR calls them preliminary net orders.

A question for readers

Truckers and fleet owners, are you buying a 2027 model now, or waiting until the price is clear?

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