ACT Research reported a preliminary estimate of 45,200 for net trailer orders in December 2017.

“Net orders were up 7% versus a very solid November and 30% better year-over-year,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s director of CV transportation analysis and research. “December net order volume was the second best in history, only trailing the October 2014 all-time record of more than 47,000 units. Contributing last month were solid performances for both dry vans and reefers. The stay of GHG-2 regulations helped move fleets into the market last month, and continued demand for freight transport and solid freight rates contributed to their ongoing confidence. Lengthening OEM backlogs also helped encourage fleets onto the orderboard.”

For the year, fleets ordered more than 313,000 trailers, a 38% improvement versus 2016. That ranks 2017 as the third highest order year in history, trailing only 2014 and 2015. Eight of the 10 trailer categories were positive year-over-year, with bulk tanks, flatbeds and dry vans posting the strongest gains.