ACT Research’s preliminary estimate for July net trailer orders is 14,450 units. Final July volume will be available later this month. ACT’s methodology allows it to generate a preliminary estimate of the market that should be within +/- 3% of the final order tally.

“We saw continued strong year-over-year net order performance last month. As has been the pattern, solid dry van commitments helped lead the total industry, with significant year-over-year gains in flatbed trailers occurring as well,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s director of CV Transportation Analysis and Research. “July is historically the weakest order month of the year, as fleets pause to reassess their equipment needs for the remainder of the year. The 30% decline from June is directionally correct, but a bit more than we might have expected. However, when seasonally adjusted, July volume was more than 20,500 units, which approaches a 250,000-annual rate, both very strong results.”

So far this year, the industry has booked more than 153,000 net orders, a 43% improvement.

“Another positive for the industry is that cancellations remain low,” Maly said. “Fleets are obviously standing firm with their order commitments, an indication of fleet confidence in the near-to-medium term outlook.”