Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

ELD Mandate Pushes Fleets to Order Record Number of Trailers

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.

by Staff
January 12, 2018
ELD Mandate Pushes Fleets to Order Record Number of Trailers

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 

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.”

More Equipment

PlusAI, Traton Group autonomous truck partnership.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 2, 2026

Traton, PlusAI Accelerate Factory-Built Autonomous Truck Launch in U.S. and Europe

The companies also said they plan to coordinate deployment planning across priority freight corridors and define routes and operational design domains for U.S. commercial service while laying the groundwork for expansion into key European markets.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
Volvo Trucks FH.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 29, 2026

Volvo Repeats as Europe’s Heavy-Truck Market Leader in 2025

Volvo Trucks held onto the top spot in Europe’s heavy-duty truck market for the second straight year.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Western Star's Star Nation 2025 in Bend, Oregon.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 24, 2026

Western Star Opens Entries for 2026 Star Nation Experience

Previous Star Nation events have included driver challenges, exclusive access to Daimler Truck North America facilities and hands-on experiences with the latest Western Star X-Series lineup.

Read More →
Volvo VNL tractor.
EquipmentJanuary 22, 2026

Europe’s HayWay Group Enters U.S. Market with Order for 80 Volvo VNLs

HayWay Group comprises 19 companies operating across Europe and the U.S. and is now bringing its international logistics experience to North America.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Safety, uptime, and insurance costs directly impact profitability. This eBook looks at how fleet software is evolving to deliver real ROI through proactive maintenance, AI-powered video telematics, and real-time driver coaching. Learn how fleets are reducing crashes, defending claims, and using integrated data to make smarter operational decisions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
PlusAI-T2 Japan autonomous partnership.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 16, 2026

PlusAI, T2 Partner to Bring Level 4 Autonomous Trucks to Japan

PlusAI is seeking to relieve Japan’s acute truck driver shortage by accelerating the adoption of autonomous trucks in the country.

Read More →
Three Freightliner fifth-generation Cascadia trucks are shown parked in a lineup, highlighting exterior design and aerodynamic styling.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 13, 2026

Freightliner Cascadia Receives Prestigious Design Award

Freightliner’s fifth-generation Cascadia earned a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for its aerodynamic design and functional updates developed through close collaboration between designers and engineers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 Mack Anthem.
EquipmentJanuary 13, 2026

Mack Begins Redesigned Anthem Production

Mack’s new Anthem Class 8 tractor targets regional-haul fleets with enhanced maneuverability and fuel economy gains.

Read More →