COLUMBUS, Ind. — Net U.S. trailer orders of 51,208 units during September showed a significant improvement from August (up 82%), and were 174% above September 2019. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 52,000 units were up 77% compared to August and were 140% better year over year, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailer Report.
“The confluence of several factors is evident in September’s third-highest monthly net volume in history,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research for ACT.”
“Pent-up demand is one factor, as we’re now seeing capex release that was curtailed earlier this year by COVID-driven uncertainty,” he continued. “Another factor is lower build rates, pushing fleets to quickly submit their orders, rather than take a chance that new units might not be delivered until well into next year.”
ACT’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current U.S. trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders and factory shipments.
“In addition to fleets, dealers could also be worrying about the timing of stocking orders; conversations have included mention of dealers entering the fray in preparation for next year. Further solid numbers are likely in the near-term, as the industry enters what has normally been its usual ‘order season’,” Maly concluded.
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