Two new reports from ACT Research indicate that trailer shipments were strong in August (although increasing cancellations are a concern), while the used truck market is challenged by a lack of inventory.


The trailer industry posted the strongest monthly shipment volume in August since June 2007. Shipments were up 14% month over month and 62% year over year, against easy comparisons. Cancellations continued to float upward, causing the cancellation rate to increase for the third consecutive month. Backlogs continued to decline as orders slowed. This update on industry performance was reported in the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co. on Monday.

"While the slowing in order activity is following season norms, the gradual upward path of cancellations bears watching," said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research with ACT. "The extremely strong quotations and order activity that began in the fall of 2010 have now plateaued. Concern over economic uncertainties is a factor in the short to medium term. Cancellation levels, in combination with order activity, will be the determining factors driving the path of the trailer industry in coming months," he added.

Meanwhile, sales of used Class 3-8 trucks extended their summer slump in August, ACT reports, falling 3% from July. Volumes were mixed on a channel by channel basis, falling in the auction and wholesales markets, but gaining ground in the retail market. YTD volumes for Class 8 used trucks are down 7.4% from the same time period last year.

The update on the used market was reported in the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research.

"Part of the softness can be attributed to vacation malaise," said Steve Tam, vice president-commercial vehicle sector with ACT. "However, the industry continues to be challenged by lack of inventory, particularly with respect to late model, low-mileage units."