Preliminary data show September Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEM’s rose for the second consecutive month, according to FTR Associates and ACT Research Co.

Both firms estimated the total at around 23,500 units. Preliminary September orders increased 12 percent over August and 56 percent compared with the same month a year earlier, FTR reported.

Eric Starks, president of FTR, said, “The orders were at the high end of expectations. Given the level of order activity, it appears that truckers are not very concerned about a slowing economy. This is a good sign that things are not falling apart. The next three months will set the stage for 2012 as we will be entering traditionally strong order months.”

Also, Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst, said, “The strength in orders is indicative of healthy underlying fundamentals in the heavy truck market. Fleet equipment is old, trucker profitability is good, and used truck values are strong; barring an economic collapse, these factors should support continued strength in Class 8 orders.”