According to CK Marketing & Communications, 70% of the fleets polled in October indicated that they plan to purchase trailers some time in the next six months,
for both replacement (57%) and added capacity (43%).
This is significantly up from the 48% reported in July and includes a strong demand for refrigerated units. The poll is conducted quarterly with both private and for-hire fleets for The Fleet Sentiment Report published by CK Marketing & Communications.
The fleets responding to the 4th quarter survey operate an average of 1,800 total units.
Of those polled, 67% are planning purchases of power units over the same period, with the majority (72%) of those trucks being designated as replacement vehicles.
In response to a question regarding planned purchases surrounding the 2007 emissions mandate, a high percentage (65%) are taking a wait and see attitude and are undecided at this time as to whether they will avoid purchasing the first of these vehicles.
Included in orders for this new equipment are additional features such as tire pressure/inflation systems, on-board scales, air-ride suspensions, automatic transmissions with retarders, road surface temperature gauges and auxiliary HVAC systems.
CK Marketing & Communications is a heavy-duty industry research and press relations firm located in Columbus, Ohio. For more details about The Fleet Sentiment Report, contact chris@ckkemmercomm.com or visit www.ckkemmercomm.com.