Class 8 Truck Orders Climb 18% in September as Fleets Shift to 2027 Models

North American Class 8 truck net orders rose 18% month-over-month to 21,300 units in September, up 3% year-over-year, as fleets began ordering model-year 2027 equipment amid unresolved EPA emissions rules, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence. Year-to-date orders reached 263,499 units through September, up 95% from the same period in 2025. Orders over the trailing 12 months totaled 351,244 units. September marked a transition as the EPA 2027 nitrogen oxide pre-buy ended and surcharge-free 2026 engine slots sold out. Manufacturers are diverging on compliance strategies, including whether to use nonconformance penalties. FTR estimates NCPs could add $6,000 to $7,000 per truck versus $8,000 to $12,000 for fully compliant engines. FTR said orders could stay near year-ago levels until fleets gain clarity on regulations and costs.