While July trailer orders were 9 percent below June levels, the year-over-year figures were much more promising, and orders are typically low during this season

, said ACT Research Co.

In the latest release of its State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers, ACT said net orders for trailers were 10,688 in July, which turned out to be 74 percent above a very weak July 2009. Dry van trailers, the largest segment of commercial trailers, were up 134 percent year-over-year in July.

Despite the fact that orders fell from June to July, the most recent six months have seen the best six-month span for trailer orders since the period ending February 2008, ACT said. In addition, the backlog of orders for the industry was up from June to July, the first increase since 1998.

"While the decline from June to July may appear disappointing, the overall direction of the commercial trailer sector continues to improve," said Kenny Vieth, partner and senior analyst with ACT Research. "However, it should also be noted that these gains are coming off a very weak 2009 and, like the commercial truck sector, net orders have yet to reach normal replacement levels."

ACT publishes new and used commercial vehicle industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American market, as well as the China truck market.