Class 8 truck sales outlook improves for 2027

The Class 8 truck sales outlook for 2027 is improving as freight rates strengthen, capacity tightens and fleets prepare for EPA 2027 emissions rules.

Class 8 demand is strengthening, led by tractor orders, according to a release today by transportation research firm ACT Research. North American Class 8 orders rose sharply year over year in May, while backlogs reached a 36-month high and build plans increased for the second half of 2026.

The improving market signals suggest the Class 8 truck market has moved past the bottom of the 2024-25 downturn. However, fleet buyers remain disciplined, with 2027 demand expected to be driven by replacement cycles, regulatory timing and measured prebuy activity rather than broad fleet expansion.

EPA 2027 remains a key factor for fleets, dealers, lenders, leasing companies and manufacturers, according to the release. Higher expected truck costs could pull some purchases forward, but financing, insurance, maintenance and compliance expenses as well as still-recovering carrier profitability are likely to limit aggressive buying.

Used Class 8 truck values also are improving, with ACT’s June Used Trucks report showing May same-dealer used Class 8 retail sales up year over year, while average retail pricing also rose, according to the release. Stronger used truck values could support trade economics, residual value assumptions, leasing decisions and collateral visibility.

For equipment finance providers and other market participants, the 2027 Class 8 outlook points to measured improvement, according to the release. Stronger freight rates and tighter capacity support replacement demand, but fleets expect to focus on compliance, essential replacement and financial health over growth.