The final numbers on August net trailer orders show a significant increase over the previous month that still fell slightly below expectations.
August Sees Boost in Trailer Orders
The final numbers on August net trailer orders show a significant increase over the previous month that still fell slightly below expectations.

Transportation industry analyst FTR reported a total of 14,000 units ordered for the month which was up 48% from July. However, July was a terrible month for orders and compared to August 2015, orders were actually down 48%.
“Overall, it was not too bad for a month of August for the trailer industry,” said Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles. “New orders were at the highest level in six months.”
New orders were at the highest level of the past six months however, the impact was mitigated by a high number of cancellations as OEMs clean placeholder orders out of the backlog.
While fleets were expected to start placing orders for 2017 in August, lower than expected numbers seem to indicate that next year will be slow. In its own analysis of August’s trailer orders, ACT Research remarked that there seemed to be a lack of enthusiasm for new orders than previously expected.
“Overcapacity, lackluster year-over-year fleet financials for Q2, and minimal expectations for improvement in freight rates are generating investment plan headwinds,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research at ACT Research. “After several years of solid and ever-earlier order placement, expect this order cycle to be less robust and straggling.”
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 →
