Manufacturers
Empowering Manufacturers with Data-Driven Insights
As the leading source for commercial vehicle market data and forecasts, ACT Research provides manufacturers with the intelligence they need to stay ahead of market trends, optimize production, and drive profitability. Our comprehensive data and insights empower manufacturers to make informed decisions at every stage of the production cycle, from supply chain planning to market entry strategies.
Get Transportation IntelligenceManufacturers across North America trust ACT Research for accurate, timely, and actionable insights. Our data-driven approach provides a clear view of market dynamics, helping you anticipate shifts and capitalize on opportunities. Here’s how we support your business:
- Forecasting Precision: Predict future demand with confidence using our industry-leading forecasts for Class 8 and medium-duty trucks, trailers, and more.
- Market Analysis: Stay informed with detailed analysis of industry trends, production schedules, and market fluctuations.
- Production Optimization: Leverage our insights to fine-tune manufacturing schedules and adjust inventory based on real-time demand data.
I would recommend ACT Research to anyone that’s looking for in-depth insight into what’s happening in the commercial vehicle markets. The expertise and knowledge that goes into the service they provide, there’s not a better solution, in my opinion, for commercial vehicle data than ACT Research.
Jeff Trent
Mahle
Solutions for Manufacturers
ACT Research is the trusted partner that helps you navigate the road ahead with clarity and confidence, no matter your unique challenges.
Production Planning & Forecasting
Stay ahead of market shifts with our robust forecasting tools. ACT Research delivers monthly updates and long-term projections that help manufacturers anticipate demand changes, optimize production cycles, and go-to-market strategies.
Supply Chain Insights
Access real-time data to identify bottlenecks, assess supplier risk, and adapt to disruptions. Our supply chain insights ensure your operations remain agile and responsive to market changes.
Market Entry Strategies
Make data-informed decisions on new product introductions and market expansions. Our comprehensive market reports offer a deep understanding of key segments, allowing you to evaluate the potential of emerging opportunities.
Benchmarking & Performance Analysis
Measure your performance against industry standards. Our reports offer benchmarks across various metrics, enabling you to identify areas for improvement and drive operational excellence.
Regulatory & Compliance Data
Navigate the complexities of regulations with access to data that helps you stay compliant with federal and state requirements. We provide updates on emission standards, safety regulations, and other critical compliance issues affecting the manufacturing landscape.
We Focus on 3 Things
Our transportation intelligence solutions give you actionable supply and demand insights to make better, smarter decisions for your business, not as a vendor or tool, but as a partner in your process.
- ACT Proprietary Data
- ACT Methodology
- ACT Human Intelligence
ACT Proprietary Data
It starts with an exclusive view of Class 8 trucks and tractor splits, providing clarity on the Class 8 tractor capacity. ACT Research is the only company receiving this information monthly directly from the North American truck OEMs (Daimler, PACCAR, Volvo, Navistar). Separating Class 8 straight trucks and Class 8 tractors gives us (and you) visibility into two important pieces of the supply of Class 8 equipment for the freight markets:
1) The number of new Class 8 Tractors Retail Sales, which means new tractors entering the fleet.
2) The change in the active population of the Class 8 Tractor, measuring the total working fleet.
ACT Methodology
ACT has been providing historically accurate Class 8 tractor forecasts, trusted for more than 35 years by Fortune 500 companies, Wall Street's largest investment firms, commercial vehicle equipment manufacturers and suppliers, rental and leasing firms, and others. Serving the commercial vehicle equipment market for decards, we bring this Class 8 tractor understanding to you, giving a supply and demand-focused, balanced, strong, and flexible foundation of analysis.
ACT Human Intelligence
Our team isn't just experienced; they're seen as the leaders in forecasting demand for commercial vehicles. We bring you insights from the only transportation intelligence company with more than 250 years of combined experience in forecasting Class 8 tractors. Because of our longstanding work in the market, we challenge traditional market views and offer different perspectives to help you see the market in new ways.
Solutions for the Road Ahead
North America Commercial Vehicle Outlook Plus
Comprehensive Decarbonization Insights for a Zero-Emission Future
What It Offers:
- NA Commercial Vehicle Outlook: Everything in the NA CV Outlook monthly update.
- ZEV Adoption Forecasts: Detailed, bottom-up forecasts for battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and natural gas vehicles, focusing on Class 4-8 trucks.
- Infrastructure Readiness Analysis: Coverage and analysis of EV charging and hydrogen refueling station development.
- Regulatory Compliance: Detailed timelines and insights into U.S. and Canadian emissions regulations (CARB, EPA), helping you stay ahead of upcoming mandates.
Who Benefits?
- Fleet managers and CFOs planning for ZEV adoption and infrastructure investments.
- OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers focusing on new propulsion systems and regulatory alignment.
- Shippers and logistics providers seeking to meet sustainability targets while maintaining operations.
North America Commercial Vehicle Outlook
Industry-Leading Forecasts to Support Strategic Decisions
What It Offers:
- Class 4-8 Vehicle Forecasts: Get a comprehensive view of vehicle demand trends across trucks and trailers over the next 1, 5, and 10 years.
- Economic and Industry Drivers: Analyze key economic factors driving the commercial vehicle industry.
- Population Composition and Demand Trends: Insights into population models, active fleet, and age.
Who Benefits?
- OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers aligning production capacity with market demand.
- Financial and investment firms tracking industry performance.
- Fleet managers and CFOs optimizing vehicle acquisition strategies.
Freight & Transportation Forecast
TL, LTL, & Intermodal Rate & Volume Forecast
What If Offers:
1. TL Contract & Spot Rate Forecasts: Broken down by Reefer, Flatbed, & Dry Van
2. Cass Shipments & Truckload Linehaul® Indexes Forecasts: Since 2019 Cass & ACT has partnered to provide deeper insights into the TL volumes.
3. ACT Freight Composite Index Forecast: A freight-weighted GDP measure of the economic activity generating freight.
4. LTL & Intermodal Rate and Volume Forecasts: Coverage of and forecasts of the LTL and Intermodal sectors of the market that move freight.
5. ACT For-Hire Survey Indexes: A look at life from the perspective of truckers with our For-Hire Survey Indexes covering topics from rates to drivers to equipment.
Who Benefits?
- Fleet Managers and Operations Directors managing capacity and pricing strategies in response to market shifts and freight rate fluctuations.
- CFOs and Financial Analysts optimizing budgets and planning for capital investments based on demand forecasts and freight trends.
- OEMs and Tier 1 Suppliers developing products and forecasts aligned with freight demand and industry cycles.
- Shippers and Logistics Providers aiming to balance cost efficiency with timely delivery in an unpredictable market.
- Investment Analysts and Market Researchers assessing freight sector health and guiding strategic investments for stakeholders.
- Freight Brokers and Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers adjusting pricing models and service offerings in line with freight rate trends and capacity indicators.
Engine Forecast
Comprehensive Engine Production Forecast for Strategic Planning
What It Offers:
- NA Commercial Vehicle Outlook Integration: Includes all insights from the NA CV Outlook monthly update, ensuring users have a cohesive view of vehicle market trends.
- Engine Production Forecasts: In-depth, bottom-up forecasts for North American engine demand across Class 4-8 trucks, including segmentation by fuel types and powertrains.
- Market Trend Analysis: Detailed analysis of market dynamics impacting engine production, from regulatory impacts to shifts in fuel preferences.
- Emission Standards Insight: Timelines and analysis of U.S. and Canadian emissions regulations, providing foresight into compliance and future requirements.
Who Benefits?
- Engine Manufacturers and Tier 1 Suppliers planning production cycles and R&D investments to align with forecasted demand and regulatory changes.
- Fleet Managers and CFOs strategizing around fleet composition and future equipment needs based on powertrain trends.
- Policy Makers and Regulators assessing future engine production to support emissions reduction goals and compliance initiatives.
- Investment Analysts and Market Researchers evaluating the engine sector’s health and trends to guide strategic investments in the commercial vehicle market.
5 Reasons You Should Choose ACT Research
Choosing ACT Research for your market insights and forecasting means partnering with industry leaders renowned for their precision and insight. Our forecasting solutions are built on unparalleled data accuracy and deep market analysis, providing you with the tools to stay ahead of market trends.
- Proprietary Data
- Methodology
- Human Intelligence
- Track Record of Success
- Trusted by Industry Leaders
Market Guidance for Dealers & Leasing Companies
Unlock the power to predict and prosper. ACT's precision analytics arm companies like yours with unparalleled foresight into market trends, enabling you to master market swings, navigate demand changes, manage inventory risk, and boost profitability . Get ahead, stay ahead, and turn market volatility into your competitive edge.
Drive Your Company To Success with ACT Research's Premium Market Insights
By partnering with ACT Research, dealers and leasing firms gain the advantage of data-driven insights to support effective risk management, uncover new opportunities, and confidently navigate the complexities of the transportation market. Our market intelligence services not only aligns with the fluctuating needs of the industry but also provides a cost-effective solution for accessing industry expertise and insights, empowering dealers and leasing companies to make strategic decisions that drive growth and profitability.