Preliminary net trailer orders rose sharply in March, increasing 21% from February and jumping 63% compared to the same month last year, according to ACT Research.
The estimated total reached 22,100 units, with seasonally adjusted figures pushing the number to 23,100—34% higher than February’s adjusted total. Final figures are expected later this month. Preliminary results are typically accurate within a 5% margin.
“Given that March marks the cyclical beginning of the weaker order months of the year, this month’s data certainly were a high-side surprise,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of CV market research and publications at ACT Research.
McNealy added that broader market conditions remain challenging, citing weak truck freight fundamentals, low used equipment values, high interest rates, and policy uncertainty. ACT still expects lower build and order levels through 2025.
She suggested the spike may reflect a pull-forward of orders ahead of potential tariff-related cost increases.
“While good news for this month, pull-forward, if that is the case, means orders placed now will not need to be placed at a later date,” McNealy said.
ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides monthly data and analysis on trailer production, inventory, orders and backlogs across all major trailer types. The report includes historical data going back to 1996 and supports market forecasting for manufacturers, suppliers and investors.
