Preliminary net trailer orders in October were 5,700 units higher than September’s 11,300 level, a 51% month over month increase, according to ACT Research. At 17,100 units booked in October, order intake was 3% above last October’s level. Seasonal adjustment at this point in the annual order cycle lowers the monthly tally to about 12,600 units. Final October results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate is typically within ±5% of the final order tally.
“Sequentially, October’s higher net order intake was expected, as it is usually one of the strongest order months in the annual cycle initiated at the end of Q3 when the industry begins opening next year’s orderboards. October’s tally brings the year-to-date net order total to 138.3k units, or 17% more net orders than were accepted through year-to-date October 2024,” Jennifer McNealy, director – CV market research and publications at ACT Research, said. “Looking forward, concern continues that moderating economic activity, ongoing weak for-hire carrier profitability, and ambiguous governmental policy, especially around the EPA low-NOx rule, remain as challenges to stronger trailer demand. However, pent-up demand is building and fleets eventually will need to divert capex to trailing equipment purchases deferred over the past few years.”
