The final numbers for December trailer orders are in, and FTR reports that net orders totaled 45,500 trailers for the month, just 1.5% below October’s record level. Trailer orders for the year totaled over 360,000 units, the best order year ever, says FTR.

Dry van orders set an all-time record as well. FTR attributes the boost to OEMs aggressively seeking orders to book into the third and fourth quarters. Refrigerated vans also moved an a high pace, according to FTR. 

Once again, much of the action late in December was due to fleets locking up future build slots in anticipation of a strong freight environment in 2015.

“Fleets are placing orders for vans and flatbeds out through the end of the year,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles at FTR. “Manufacturing capacity is still tight, however several OEMs have plans to increase build rates during the year.”