Trailer Orders Still Solid Despite Ups and Downs

There were more than 33,000 net trailer orders in October, down 7% from the previous month and down 30% vs. the same month a year ago, according to a report from ACT Research.

Despite the losses, ACT still considers it a "solid order season" due to the fact that last fall was a record-breaking season for equipment orders. Important factors, such as a growing backlog, indicate that the market is still healthy.

“The solid order season continued for U.S. trailers in October, although m/m and y/y comparisons were both in the red,” said Frank Maly, director– CV transportation analysis and research at ACT. “As we noted last month, there was little chance of solid y/y comparisons, given last year’s all-time record order volumes.”

An all-time monthly record for reefer orders drove the stronger market in October along with a jump in flatbed volume.

“The key is that orders were sufficiently strong to grow backlog, and indications are that more strength remains in the order pipeline,” said Maly. “This is the season when we would expect order volumes to generate backlog growth, and that occurred in five of the ten trailer categories in October.”