Last year was the trailer industry’s best shipment year in history, edging out the previous record set in 1999, according to an ACT Research report.

Despite slower trailer orders in December, which fell 31% month-to-month and 38% year-over-year, ACT also believes the solid trailer-order trend will continue, though volume may not reach last year’s levels.

“We start 2016 with the best orderboard in more than 20 years,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research at ACT.

“While the remaining months of the 2015-16 order season may be somewhat lackluster on a year-over-year basis," he continued, "there is still enough momentum for 2016 to be a solid year for industry shipments.”

December’s lull was attributed to front-loading of the order season as well unfavorable freight rates and volumes, according to ACT.

“Softness in dry vans and refers were responsible for the poor order comparisons, as large fleets took an early orderboard position, so December was not that surprising,” said Maly.