North American Class 8 orders in May fell below 7,000, ACT Research reported, an uptick from April’s historic low as industry analysts said progress will be slow as long as COVID-19 remains a major concern.

Class 8 orders dropped to 14,100 in February, ACT Research reported, citing preliminary results. In what typically is a weak month, fleets remained cautious amid challenging freight levels, overcapacity and the spreading coronavirus as a backdrop.

Class 8 U.S. retail sales in January dropped below 16,000 for the first time since January 2018, WardsAuto .com reported, as a cautious industry waited to see what changes in the freight environment.

North American Class 8 orders in September cleared 12,000 units, ACT Research reported, citing preliminary data, but the volume remained just a faint shadow of what occurred a year earlier.

Sales of used Class 8 trucks under $50,000 continued to fall during July, which helped drive up the average sales price, but at the same time underscored certain buyers have exited the market, according to ACT Research.

U.S. Class 8 retail sales in June improved to climb above 23,000 units, WardsAuto.com reported. They landed against the backdrop of a freight environment that is weakening this year and already is served by too many trucks, other analysts said.

U.S. retail sales of heavy-duty trucks kept up momentum in May, pushing into the 20,000-plus territory for the 10th time over the past year, WardsAutomotive.com reported.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on a potential pilot program that would allow drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 to operate trucks interstate.

The market for used Class 8s in March continued to butt heads with a lack of inventory amid still-strong demand. Sales slipped, and prices rose.

All major truck builders and several startups are preparing to develop, test and market either battery-electric vehicles or fuel-cell/battery models in the very near term. Replacing diesel-powered Class 8 trucks, though, will present numerous challenges to an industry accustomed to proven and reliable diesel-­engine technology.