Net orders and shipments of commercial trailers continued their robust performance during March, according to ACT Research. Net orders rose 21 percent from February levels, while shipments were more than 33 percent above the previous month.
ACT also noted that shipments for the first quarter of 2011 were up 109 percent compared to the same quarter last year.

The solid, broad-based industry performance was reported in ACT's latest "State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers," published April 27. While all trailer categories are showing substantial improvement compared to last year, the dry van segment continues to set the pace, with shipments up 198 percent year-to-date.

"Net orders have now grown for 18 consecutive months, as well as 19 of the past 20. Total trailer net orders are now 98 percent above the level at this time last year," said Frank Maly, director CV Transportation Analysis and Research with ACT Research. "Shipments, up 109 percent year-to-date, are growing at an even stronger pace. Additionally, backlogs continue to grow. The stage is set for solid industry performance for the remainder of 2011 and throughout 2012."

For more information: www.actresearch.net