Net trailer orders in November posted solid monthly and yearly gains on the strength of the dry van trailer market, according to ACT Research.

Trailer orders gained 18% over October and were 10% better than November 2014 continuing a streak of growth in the past 13 months. Six of the top 10 best months for trailer orders have occurred since October 2014. However, a growing disparity between truck orders and trailer orders is a cause for concern, ACT said.

“Although the trailer market continues at a solid pace, the tractor market has registered a noticeable slowdown in orders, and considered in tandem, this disconnect is somewhat disconcerting,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research at ACT.

The best segment for trailer orders has come from dry vans, which were up 47% over October and 33% year-over-year. Orders have been solid enough to generate growth in backlogged orders, which is seen as another indicator of trailer industry strength, according to Maly.

“Large fleets continue to drive the trailer market, while vocational segments continue to be challenged,” said Maly. “The total trailer market is on target to post one of its best years in history.”

For more information on trailer orders read State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research.

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