Trailer orders in January increased 92% compared to the same month of 2016 but were down slightly from December's numbers, according to ACT Research.

Total net orders approached 33,000 units, the best order month in over 15 months when seasonally adjusted.  

“While 2017 order season timing has lagged, recent order activity indicates a substantive, positive change in fleet confidence,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research at ACT.

“Later trailer order commitments may portend somewhat later delivery dates, more in line with reports of a backloading of available 2017 C8 build slots," he added.

Dry van trailer made up the bulk of trailer orders in the month, with 25,500 units moved. With seasonal adjustment, January was the best month for dry van trailer orders since Sept. 2015.

“Using seasonal adjustment, dry van orders the past three months have been booked at a 237,000-unit annualized rate, more than double the 114,000-unit rate experienced the preceding three months,” said Maly. “Moving in the opposite direction, reefer van orders moderated following robust order activity through Q4.”