Orders of Class 5-7 trucks rose 5 percent in April as medium-duty truck sales showed continued strength in 2014 compared to 2013, according to ACT Research.

Approximately 17,800 Class 5-7 units were ordered during the month, a 5 percent increase from April of 2013. Net orders remained strong even though April fell 2 percent lower from February, said Kenny Vieth, ACT's president and senior analyst.

"Classes 5-7 saw strong orders continue through April," Vieth said. "Consistency continues to be a part of the medium-duty vehicle order story. Over the past three, six, and 12 months, orders have been booked at a 219,000 SAAR, a 209,000 SAAR and 209,000 units respectively."