According to ACT Research, January net U.S. trailer orders of 30,680 units fell more than 30% from the previous month but rose 105% compared with January of 2020. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 32,100 units were down 30% versus December but 91% better than the previous January.

“OEMs posted almost [31,000] net orders in January, down sequentially but still a very solid month,” Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research, said. “That continued the growth of the orderboard, as orders were 66% above current build rates, and generates a conundrum for OEMs. Open production slots now come with 2022 dates, and OEMs, concerned about component and materials costs, are hesitant to extend pricing commitments that far. Large fleets, driving much of the current demand, may also be hesitant to extend CAPEX plans that far. In the middle, small to medium fleets are struggling to recover from COVID lockdowns. Expect some order softness until production grows.”