Core Insights - Heavy truck sales in the U.S. decreased by 20,000 units in August, translating to an annualized rate of only 422,000 units, marking the lowest level since January 2022 [1] - The three-month moving average has dropped to 438,000 units, the weakest level since the pandemic recession in 2020 [1] - Since May of last year, sales have decreased by 131,000 units, representing a decline of 24%, with four consecutive months of decline [1] Economic Indicators - Heavy truck sales are often viewed as a leading indicator of economic health, reflecting the purchasing behavior of freight operators and construction companies [1] - Companies tend to make aggressive purchases when they anticipate increased demand, but will slow down orders if they expect a weak outlook [1] - Current data indicates that businesses are leaning towards conservative spending, which aligns with the weakening momentum of economic growth [1]