US trailer net orders were up significantly in August from month-over-month perspective, yet all but stagnated compared to the same month in 2014.
Research company FTR reported a 15 per cent rise over July, equating to some 23,500 units, while ACT noted an even more impressive 21 per cent jump (24,500 units).
Compared to 2014, the market is one per cent up according to FTR, but eased 0.4 per cent on the ACT scale.
Both companies agree that the August hike was driven by the dry and refrigerated van segments, while energy-sector impacted segments, such as liquid and bulk tanks, continue to be buffeted by energy price pressures.
“[Overall], this was another awesome, impressive, month for the trailer industry. August orders were superb on a seasonal basis and production hit a high point for this cycle. We expect things to moderate at some point, but there are few signs of that yet,” commented Don Ake, FTR Vice President of Commercial Vehicles, with Frank Maly, Director–CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT noting that “some pressure” in vocational trailers is likely over the next few months, as the full impact of the recent energy price declines is yet to be seen.
“Most trailer sectors remain within acceptable cancellation limits, but energy-sector impacted segments, such as liquid and bulk tanks, continue to be buffeted by energy price pressures. Flatbed cancellations were elevated for the second consecutive month, with high dealer stock again blamed.”