
Trailer orders in the U.S. hit are expected to hit an all-time high of 47,000 units to end the year, the highest total yet recorded by the analysts at FTR, who recently released the preliminary numbers for December.
Trailer orders in the U.S. are expected to hit an all-time high of 47,000 units for December 2017, pushed by tightening capacity that FTR attributes to the ELD mandate.

Tightening capacity, partially attributed to effects from the ELD Mandate, December 2017 was the best month for trailer orders ever, according to FTR. Photo: Stoughton

Trailer orders in the U.S. hit are expected to hit an all-time high of 47,000 units to end the year, the highest total yet recorded by the analysts at FTR, who recently released the preliminary numbers for December.
When December’s order numbers are finalized, the total is expected to exceed the previous high of 45,800 reached in October 2014. At 47,000 units, trailer orders are up 10% over November’s numbers and up 38% in year-over-year comparisons.
Fleets are ordering thousands of dry van trailers to deal with tightening trucking capacity that FTR attributes to the ELD mandate that went into effect last month. Freight has continued to grow without enough equipment to haul it, and carriers are resorting to more drop-and-hook to compensate for the lack of drivers, according to FTR. The extra trailers are needed to manage the increasing demand.
Economic growth has also kept trailer demand strong in other segments. Refrigerated freight has remained robust, while the flatbed market surged due to construction and manufacturing growth. Trank trailer demand has also increased with higher crude oil prices.
“December was just an awesome month for trailer orders,” said Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles. “We have seen pressure build on equipment markets for several months, and this shows Q1 is going to be hectic as fleets scramble to keep up with freight demand.”

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 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 →
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 →
New Haldex sensor technology from SAF-Holland integrates with telematics systems to give fleets continuous insight into air disc brake condition.
Read More →
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 Smart Trailer enhancements give fleets deeper operational insights from trailers -- even when another provider supplies basic GPS tracking.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
Peterson’s Genesis lighting system and repairable J560 connector target two persistent fleet problems: LED light failures and costly electrical connector downtime.
Read More →
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 →