March net U.S. trailer orders of 29,910 units grew more than 13% from the previous month and rose more than 252% compared with March of 2020, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailer Report. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 33,400 units were up 18% versus February and 136% better than last March.

“After a bit of a pause in February, orders bounced back solidly in March,” Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research, said. In considering longer-term comparisons, though, he cautioned, “We’re now beginning to enter a period where, because of the unprecedented COVID-related impact in 2020, year-over-year comparisons will become much less valuable in determining the strength of the market.

“While one OEM has publicly stated it is ‘pausing’ order acceptance until the company can better determine longer-term materials costs, others continue to negotiate and book orders. With many large fleets already on the orderboard, perhaps the next few months will result in a bit more stable order placement until OEMs generate further production rate improvements.”