November trailer orders in the U.S. hit 39,356, the second-highest month ever behind October of this year, according to a report from FTR. Last week, ACT Research released a similar report, noting that the past three months of 2014 have all seen record growth.
2015 Trailer Orders Boost November Numbers
November trailer orders in the U.S. hit 39,356, the second highest month ever behind October of this year, according to a report from FTR.

Photo via Carrier Transicold.
The growth in trailer orders in the last quarter of 2014 can be partially attributed to fleets planning ahead for 2015 when production slots are expected to be scarce. In the past 12 months, there have been a total of 342,000 trailer orders.
“The trailer market is showing continued power and this momentum is now expected to flow into the second half of 2015,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles at FTR. “Backlogs are now tremendously high, so build rates are going to remain robust for several quarters.”
The environment for fleets is positive right now with plenty of freight, tight capacities, lower diesel prices and increased profits all driving orders, Ake added. All trailer segments remain strong, especially for flatbeds which saw an all-time record for orders in November.
More Equipment

SAF-Holland Redesigns Suspension Slider to Save Weight in On-Highway Trailers
SAF-Holland reengineered the UltraLite40 Slider for the ULX40 Mechanical Sliding Suspension and Axle System to reduce weight, improve durability, extend trailer life, and increase payload efficiency.
Read More →
Volvo Teases Next-Gen VNX as Platform Expansion Continues at TMC
Volvo Trucks North America highlighted new connectivity, safety tech and production investments at TMC. The OEM also signaled that a new heavy-haul flagship tractor is coming soon.
Read More →
SAF-Holland Introduces SmartSto System for Safer Tractor-Trailer Uncoupling
The system combines a fifth-wheel air release with stowage for air and electrical connections, helping prevent damage and reducing driver injury risk.
Read More →
SAF-Holland’s BrakeSight Aims to Take the Guesswork Out of Air Disc Brake Maintenance
New Haldex sensor technology from SAF-Holland integrates with telematics systems to give fleets continuous insight into air disc brake condition.
Read More →
Vanair Introduces Solar, Battery Power Ecosystem for Class 8 Trucks
The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.
Read More →
Phillips Connect Expands Smart Trailer Platform with New Safety, Cargo and Equipment Intelligence
Phillips Connect Smart Trailer enhancements give fleets deeper operational insights from trailers -- even when another provider supplies basic GPS tracking.
Read More →
Accuride Unveils ProShield XGT Aluminum Wheel Coating at TMC
Accuride’s patent-pending surface-coating technology targets filiform corrosion and promises easier cleaning, longer-lasting gloss, and greater durability for aluminum truck wheels.
Read More →
Valvoline, Cummins Extend X15 Oil Drain Intervals to 100,000 Miles
New approval for Valvoline Premium Blue One Solution Gen2 allows fleets running Cummins X15 engines to extend oil drain intervals by up to 25,000 miles -- reaching intervals as high as 100,000 miles.
Read More →
A New Approach to Lighting Reliability
Peterson’s Genesis lighting system and repairable J560 connector target two persistent fleet problems: LED light failures and costly electrical connector downtime.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Delaying Truck Replacement
Many fleets extended truck replacement cycles during recent market disruptions. But holding equipment too long can lead to higher repair costs, longer downtime, and new operational risks.
Read More →
