U.S. Class 8 Fleet Rises 2.9% in First Quarter

he number of heavy-duty trucks in use in the United States increased 2.9%, or 90,000, in the first quarter of 2005, reflecting a surge in Class 8 truck registrations, according to data from research firm R.L. Polk & Co.

Large fleets also accounted for a greater share of new truck registrations in 2005’s first quarter, compared with last year, said Gary Meteer, director of the commercial vehicle group at Polk in Detroit.

“We continue to be in a good economic environment,” Meteer said. “Retail is strong. Construction is still booming. Freight carriers are adding trucks because they are seeing good business.”