Trailer maker Wabash National posted a net loss of $139 million during the first quarter, on net sales of $78.3 million.
This compares to net loss of $28.3 million in the year-ago quarter on net sales of $77.9 million.

However, the company managed to improve its operating loss, which was $11.2 million, up from an operating loss of $27.3 million in the first quarter of 2009. The company attributes the improvement to flat new trailer sales and improvements in production volumes, as well as lower raw material and component costs.

"While the first quarter is seasonally one of the weakest periods for our industry, we were pleased to deliver significant year-over-year improvement in our operating results and remain optimistic about the balance of the year," said Dick Giromini, president and CEO.

During the quarter, Prime and Swift Transportation placed large orders for new trailers.

"As evidenced by long-term agreements recently announced with Swift Transportation and Prime Inc., we are encouraged to see strength in quote and order activity and our backlog grow to $295 million as of March 31, up from $137 million at year-end, and $115 million as of a year ago," Giromini said. "Economic indicators continue to show stability and, in some areas, incrementally improve. Additionally, industry forecasters expect trailer demand to increase throughout 2010, with demand improving significantly in 2011 and 2012. We remain focused on execution and believe Wabash is well positioned to succeed as the industry and economy continue to recover."

First quarter new trailer sales totaled 2,600 units, a 100-unit decrease from the 2,700 units from the prior year period.