
Setting new records in a variety of different categories allowed trailer manufacturer Wabash National Corp. (NYSE:WNC) to report on Tuesday it more than doubled its first quarter profit compared to a year ago.
Setting new records in a variety of different categories allowed trailer manufacturer Wabash National Corp. to report more than doubled first quarter profit over a year ago.

Photo: Wabash National

Setting new records in a variety of different categories allowed trailer manufacturer Wabash National Corp. (NYSE:WNC) to report on Tuesday it more than doubled its first quarter profit compared to a year ago.
Net income totaled $27.5 million, or 42 cents per share, compared to $10.5 million, or 15 cents per share, a year earlier, as net sales increased 2% to $448 million.
According to the Indiana-based company, the year-over-year improvement in operating performance is due to the successful execution of its growth and diversification strategies, a strong pricing environment in its commercial trailer products segment, and operational improvements across its manufacturing facilities.
“First quarter results represent the best in our company’s history as we set first quarter records for sales, gross profit, income from operations and operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA),” said Dick Giromini, president and CEO. “Furthermore, we established new records for gross profit margin and operating income margin of 17.8% and 10.8%, respectively.”
These figures compare to a gross profit margin of 13.8% and operating income margin of 6.2% in the first quarter of last year
Wabash reported new trailer shipments for the first quarter were approximately 14,500, exceeding its previous guidance of 13,000 to 14,000 trailers, which it says was driven by strong customer pick-ups and favorable weather conditions.
“A robust backlog of $1.1 billion, overall trailer market projections by ACT Research and FTR, customer commentary, and outstanding operational execution across the business, have put us on pace to deliver another record year in 2016, our fifth consecutive year of record performance,” Giromini said. “As such, we are increasing our full-year adjusted earnings guidance to $1.65 to $1.75 per diluted share.
Wabash’s commercial trailer products’ net sales increased $40 million, or 12.8% from a year earlier, allowing gross profit to increase $30 million while operating income increased $29.3 million, or 128.6%.
Sales in the company’s diversified products business fell 23.6%, primarily to due lower tank trailer shipments, according to Wabash. Retail’s net sales of $34 million decreased 21.1%, primarily due to lower shipments of new trailers.

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.
Read More →
Kenworth’s new, limited-edition scheme celebrates trucking heritage while supporting a nationwide mobile museum tour.
Read More →
Ryder and International take autonomous trucking out of the lab and onto a live, 600-mile Texas freight lane.
Read More →
Fuel prices aside, Class 8 demand remains elevated as freight fundamentals improve and fleets regain confidence in long-term investments.
Read More →
Fontaine is broadening its flatbed lineup with new models aimed at fleets, including a lightweight aluminum trailer expected in 2027 that emphasizes durability, repairability, and lower cost.
Read More →A new prototype from Fontaine Trailer focuses on what fleets say they need most: easier repairs, lower maintenance costs, and practical, service-friendly design.
Read More →
As warehouse networks expand, predictable regional routes are replacing long-haul runs—reshaping how fleets spec, operate, and resell day cabs.
Read More →
The new Hyundai Translead production sites will improve trailer and body delivery to customers by reducing lead times and leveraging a growing dealer network.
Read More →
Heavy Duty Trucking's Top 20 Products awards recognize the best new products and technologies. Check out the award presentations at the 2026 Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting.
Read More →
The Detroit® Gen 6 engine platform proves that real progress doesn’t require a complete redesign. Built on 20 years of trusted technology, these engines are designed for efficiency, stronger performance, and greater reliability than before. And they do it all while complying with 2027 EPA standards on every mile.
Read More →