School bus sales up 10%
SBF finds that North American school bus sales rose from 29,060 units in 2011 to 32,034 units in 2012. The increase comes after five straight years of declining school bus sales.
North American school bus sales rose from 29,060 units in 2011 to 32,034 units in 2012.
After declining for five years in a row, North American school bus sales rose more than 10% in 2012.
SBF research found that in the 2012 sales year (Nov. 1, 2011, to Oct. 31, 2012) school bus sales grew from 29,060 units in 2011 to 32,034 units in 2012 — an increase of 10.2%.
The positive turn comes after school bus sales dropped for five straight years, from 47,614 units in 2006 to 29,060 units in 2011.
In 2012, there were large increases in Type C and D school bus sales. Type Cs (conventionals) went from 20,146 units in 2011 to 21,447 units in 2012 — up 6.6%.
Type D (transit-style) school buses went from 2,507 units in 2011 to 4,109 in 2012 — up 63.9%.
SBF compiles the sales data each year from the U.S. and Canadian school bus manufacturers.
More details on the 2012 North American school bus sales are in SBF’s forthcoming 2013 Fact Book. SBF premium members can download the sales report now in our research center.
More Management
'Our Routes Looked Like Spaghetti': Survey Reveals School Bus Routing Struggles
Transfinder's new data reveals how driver shortages, bell schedules, and community demands are limiting school bus routing efficiency nationwide — and what districts are doing.
Read More →
Not Just ‘Trust Us’ Anymore: Zonar Achieves SOC 2 Certification for Data Protection
The independent validation means that Zonar meets high cybersecurity standards to protect customer data across its fleet management platform.
Read More →
The 20 Largest School Bus Contractors in 2026
See which private school transportation providers made the list of the largest contractors in 2026, with location, fleet sizes, district contracts, and number of students served.
Read More →
School Bus Contracting in 2026: Fleet, Fuel, and Workforce Trends
Shifting fuel strategies, evolving workforce pressures, rising costs, and growing technology adoption define today’s transportation providers. Here’s what the data reveals about key issues shaping the contractor industry.
Read More →
Thomas Built Buses Names Carolina Thomas 2025 Dealer of the Year
The North Carolina-based Thomas dealership is recognized for the second time for its customer support, operational excellence, and industry commitment, as other top-performing dealers were celebrated.
Read More →
96 Teamsters Locals Ratify Five-Year National Contract with First Student
The agreement covers more than 22,000 school bus workers nationwide, delivering stronger retirement benefits, expanded leave protections, and new safeguards for onboard bus surveillance technology.
Read More →
The Essential Handbook for Safe Alternative Student Transportation
Your district's "exception riders" — students with IEPs, those experiencing homelessness, foster care youth — deserve more than a middleman solution. This handbook breaks down exactly what to look for in a supplemental transportation partner: from driver vetting and regulatory compliance to proactive safety technology. Because getting a ride isn't the same as getting a safe one.
Read More →
How Does Military Logistics Experience Help Keep Students Moving Safely?
See how Army veteran Tracy Voigt went from coordinating construction and logistics in Afghanistan to leading school transportation operations in Minnesota in this National Military Appreciation Month profile.
Read More →
New York School Bus Contractors Association Announces 50th Roadeo Winners
Winners, photos, and highlights from the 2026 NYSBCA School Bus Driver Safety Competition, where drivers across the Empire State showcased safety skills and precision behind the wheel.
Read More →
The BUILD America 250 Act Has Big Implications for School Buses, Too
Buried within a sweeping federal transportation bill are provisions that could affect school bus driver requirements, illegal passing enforcement, and even the future role of autonomous technology in pupil transportation.
Read More →