According to the recent issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report, August net U.S. trailer orders of 17,777 units were 4.6% higher compared to the previous month and more than 37.7% above the year-ago August level.

“Discussions across the past month indicate more OEMs opening 2023 build slots (some opening initial slots, others expanding into later in the year). OEMs continue to negotiate with fleets and those efforts are quickly moving to booked business,” Jennifer McNealy, director–cv market research & publications at ACT Research, said.

“While manufacturers continue to wrestle with rolling supply-chain disruptions, as well as challenges on the labor front, tangible improvements are being made.” McNealy said. “OEMs are investigating longer-term supply solutions, including but not limited to increased parts inventories and automation to offset labor pains, in hopes of getting ahead of potential future disruptions. Demand remains strong, cancellations remain insignificant as fleets in queue plan to stay in line, and we’re beginning to hear about price stabilization accompanying the smoother flow of materials in the supply chain.”