Preliminary numbers for U.S. net trailer orders are projected to be up in August after weak order numbers in July, according to ACT Research.
Trailer Orders Are Up but Still Below Last Year’s Levels
Preliminary numbers for U.S. net trailer orders are projected to be up in August after weak order numbers in July, according to ACT Research.

ACT is projecting trailer orders of 15,300 units, up from a dismal 10,147 orders in July. July was the weakest order month since January 2010 and was down nearly 25% from June.
“Volume rebounded in August after a dramatically weak July,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research. “While the 50% month-to-month gain for the industry was certainly welcome news, that progress is somewhat tempered by the year-over-year performance; net orders are down almost 38% versus August 2015.”
While August is typically a modest month for orders, the weak numbers so far compared with last year could indicate that fleets are cautious about committing to new trailer orders into next year.
“Year-over-year performance implies caution by fleets regarding their investment commitments, and likely sets the industry up for a restrained 2016/17 order season,” said Maly. “Initial reports also indicated higher cancellation activity in August, a further indication of shifting fleet intentions.”
Analysts at Stifel Transportation and Logistics expect September orders to increase over August but said they will still fall short of last year’s numbers. Manufacturers will more fully open their order books for 2017 in September to fleets.
More Equipment

FTR: Trailer Orders Jump in March, but Demand Still Lags
March trailer orders posted an unexpected monthly jump, but demand still trails historical norms as fleets prioritize power units over trailing equipment.
Read More →
Autonomous Start-Up Humble Announces Cabless Autonomous Electric Hauler
A new autonomous truck startup company is targeting yard, port, and short-haul freight with a lighter, fully autonomous platform designed for dock-to-dock moves.
Read More →
Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended
Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.
Read More →
Kenworth Announces Reinforced Front Frame Option for T880 and T880S Models
Kenworth has released a factory-installed reinforced front frame option for T880 models, designed to simplify upfits, cut costs, and speed time to service.
Read More →
Stoughton Rolls Out PureBlue Reefer Trailer, Raises Safety Bar With 40-mph Rear Impact Guard
Stoughton’s new refrigerated trailer platform delivers double-digit efficiency gains while a next-generation rear impact guard exceeds current crash standards.
Read More →New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]
Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.
Read More →
How Maxiloda’s Glide System Unlocks Hidden Trailer Capacity
By turning unused vertical space into usable capacity, Maxiloda’s Glide system helps fleets move more freight per trip while reducing loading risks and equipment damage.
Read More →
Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers
Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.
Read More →
Kenworth Revives Iconic 'TourAmerica' Paint Scheme
Kenworth’s new, limited-edition scheme celebrates trucking heritage while supporting a nationwide mobile museum tour.
Read More →
Ryder Joins International’s Autonomous Truck Pilot on Texas Freight Lane
Ryder and International take autonomous trucking out of the lab and onto a live, 600-mile Texas freight lane.
Read More →
