Preliminary information from ACT Research shows U.S. Trailer net orders jumped almost 50% from July to August.

Before accounting for cancellations, new orders approached the 29,000 mark. Both new and net orders were the top performers in their respective categories since last October. The final volume will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate should be within 3% of the final order tally.

ACT Research’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. It is accompanied by a database that gives historical information from 1996 to the present, as well as a graph packet.

“The industry continues to improve from meager COVID-induced Q2 volumes. Discussions indicate that large fleet orders are the driving factor in recent market improvements. After very weak expectations in late spring, fleets have switched to a much more optimistic tone, supported by both improved freight volumes and rates,” Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research, said. “OEMs have adjusted their operations in response. As a result, some fleets could be becoming concerned about the timing and availability of trailers in the new year, making CAPEX commitments as a result. At current production rates, the industry orderboard extends into the middle of Q1/21.”