Trailer orders are expected to hit 32,000 units in February, a number that, if it holds true, would be a record for that month, according to preliminary reports from FTR.

While down 20% compared to January’s trailer orders, it was the fifth consecutive month that trailer orders broke the 30,000 unit mark. Orders have fallen from the high volumes of the past three months but are still historically high, according to FTR.

“The trailer market remains red-hot," said Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles. “Fleets are scrambling to add capacity and are ordering large numbers of trucks and trailers.”

Backlogs for trailer production are expected to rise above 170,000 units for the first time since 2016.

“Most of these orders are for the second half of the year," Ake added. "This is good news for the economy and the industry in that carriers expect the solid freight demand to last throughout 2018. The economy is vibrant and producing freight growth across all sectors, which is boosting all segments of trailers and resulting in record order months.”