Preliminary net trailer orders dropped about 3,100 units from December 2024 to January 2025, but at 21,300 units, were higher compared to January 2024, up more than 51% Y/Y, according to ACT Research. Seasonal adjustment at this point in the annual order cycle lowers January’s tally to 19,300 units, but that’s about 10% above December’s seasonally adjusted intake. Final January results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate is typically within ±5% of the final order tally.
“Though past the traditional peak, we’re still in a period of ‘strong order’ intake. This month’s pattern of lower than December but still above average demand was expected. It’s also no surprise that the data are higher than the January 2024 intake, given the slowing demand that marked 2023 and led into the subdued market reported throughout most of 2024,” Jennifer McNealy, director – CV market research and publications at ACT Research, said. “Notwithstanding the improvement thus far in the 2025 order cycle, ACT’s expectations for weak trailer demand relative to recent performance remain, as continuing weak for-hire truck market fundamentals, low used equipment valuations, relatively full dealer inventories and high interest rates impede stronger activity in the near term. An order uptick showcasing demand, or the lack thereof, depends not just on the first few months of the new order cycle, but on order volumes through Q1/25 and beyond.”
