According to ACT Research, U.S. trailer orders in June totaled 13,441 units, a more than 300% jump from May’s total of a little more than 3,100 trailers and 112% higher than June 2019’s level of around 6,200 units.

Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 16,000 units were up 117% versus May and 41% better year-over-year, according ACT’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailer Report.

“It is important to remember that those comparisons are to exceedingly low orders during the first part of this quarter, when widespread COVID lockdowns were in place,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research at ACT Research. “That said, the improved sequential comparisons do indicate some fleets, after assessing current market conditions, are beginning to cautiously commit to capital expenditures.”

Maly also indicated that large fleet orders helped bump up June’s numbers, which means the improvement is probably not equally shared across all trailers manufacturers. That irregularity could continue as the industry moves through the summer.

“OEMs continue to seek order/build equilibrium, and while some fleets are willing to make investment commitments, most continue to remain on the sidelines, despite some negotiations occurring to help generate order volume,” added Maly.