Fewer fleets say they're planning to place equipment orders in the coming quarter, but the average size of the order is the highest since the fourth quarter of 2008, according to CK Commercial Vehicle Research's most recent Fleet Sentiment Report.

Uncertainty about engine technology is still a factor for some, and the driver shortage is already affecting carriers' ability to grow their fleets, say researchers.

The CK Commercial Vehicle Research FSR Buying Index dropped to 90.5, down from the first-qurater high of 102.3, but still reflecting strong demand for new equipment. For power units especially, the size of this group's planned orders is significantly higher than the recent past, with more larger fleets planning orders.

Orders are being driven by increases in freight volume, replacement of aging equipment, ordering units for evaluation of new engine technology. Some fleets are still buying used equipment as an option, especially if they are concerned about new engine technology, with 12 percent of fleets planning to buy 70 to 80 used units.

More of the orders being placed now (vs. last quarter) are for immediate (or as soon as built) delivery.

A rising percentage of fleets are buying equipment in order to add capacity, with 50 percent of the respondents adding capacity with this order, up from 27.5 percent in the first quarter. A little over a fourth of the orders are designed for added capacity, up from 18 percent last quarter. It's not the largest fleets adding capacity, but small and mid-size fleets, primarily in food, aggregates, building products, and petroleum.

The largest increased capacity plans coming from some of the smallest fleets in the survey, note the researchers. One is buying one new truck for added capacity. They operate a total of 10 power units-so this a 10 percent order that's 100 percent for added capacity. "But although the number isn't large, this is a good sign, as this company had been struggling during the recession -- and now they are buying a new unit to grow."

On the trailer side, as with power units, fewer fleets plan to place new orders for trailers this quarter -- but the overall projected volume of those orders is better. Nearly three quarters of planned orders for trailers are coming from fleets operating in excess of 1000 total medium and heavy duty units (power and trailer).

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