US trailer orders came in at 18,000 units in April, a 22 drop compared to March.
According to research company ACT, the slide could be reason to concern but has to be put into context.
“The fact that net orders are down y/y for the third consecutive month will likely cause much conversation, and perhaps even concern for some,” said Frank Maly, Director of CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT.
“While there is no escaping that fact, one must consider the context of the recent over under-performance.”
Maly noted that the tremendous surge in orders experienced from September to January was front-loaded as large fleets, and their investment commitments, pulled the seasonal cycle forward in a race to get orders placed to ensure timely deliveries.
“Our view that 2015 will be the best trailer market since the late 1990s remains unchanged,” he added.