ACT Research’s preliminary reports show that net trailer orders in April were 16,100 units, down almost 60% from the previous month and up slightly from the same month last year. Final April results will be available later this month.

“While seasonal patterns call for a sequential decline in net orders in April, preliminary reports indicate that volumes fell more than might have been expected. Just as dry vans provided solid support in March, they were responsible for the dramatically lower April bookings,” Frank Maly, director CV transportation analysis and research, ACT Research, said.

“While some may think recent economic challenges could be a contributing factor to the sequential decline,” Maly said, “It’s more likely that a reluctance to push the order board horizon into next year is responsible, as OEMs continue to closely control order acceptance. Final reporting will likely show that these lower order levels will still result in an average backlog-to-build ratio of just over eight months for the total industry. That will stretch through the end of the year at current production levels. Our discussions indicate active negotiations between OEMs and fleets continue, as fleets prepare to make commitments for 2023 production, when that opportunity becomes available.”

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.