North American fleets sharply increased orders for new heavy-duty trucks in February, signaling strengthening demand across the freight market.

Preliminary data from FTR Transportation Intelligence shows Class 8 net orders totaled 47,200 units in February, up 47% from January and 159% year over year.

The figure represents the highest monthly order total since September 2022 and the third consecutive month of year-over-year growth above 20%, according to FTR’s monthly report.

The February total was also far above the 10-year February average of 24,991 units, reflecting a surge in both on-highway and vocational truck demand. Over the past 12 months, orders have totaled about 258,466 units, the FTR report said.

Analysts said the latest numbers suggest the truck equipment market may be entering the early stages of a recovery following a prolonged freight downturn.

“While a portion of demand still reflects previously deferred replacement purchases reentering the market, the consistency and breadth of recent order activity suggest momentum is now being driven more meaningfully by improving freight fundamentals,” said Dan Moyer, senior analyst for commercial vehicles at FTR, in a news release.

Moyer noted that rising freight volumes and stronger rate expectations are encouraging fleets to advance capital spending plans, while improved clarity around tariff-adjusted pricing and upcoming emissions regulations has reduced uncertainty around equipment purchases.