According to ACT Research, following historically strong net order volumes in 2017’s final two months, January U.S. trailer net orders continued the pattern, booking the fifth-best order month in history.

“Reefers led the way booking that product’s strongest month in history, while total net orders were up 24% [year-over-year],” said Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research. “Reefers, liquid tanks and bulk tanks all posted [year-over-year] gains greater than 200% in January, and we believe this surge is a result of combined strong freight demand, solid rates, tight capacity and lengthening backlogs.”

Production volumes recovered from December’s holiday-induced doldrums.

“Volume of 23,300 NSA units was up 20% sequentially and 14% [year-over-year]. Six of 10 trailer categories were up [month-over-month], while eight were up [year-over-year],” Maly said. “In addition to production returning to more normal levels, January’s daily build rate rose 15% [month-over-month], resulting in a 7.5-month backlog-to-build ratio. On average, this means the industry is committed past Labor Day.”