The US trailer market is slowing down, according new ACT Research data.
“The front-loading of the fall/ winter order season we’ve noted over the past few years continues to impact recent order levels,” said Frank Maly, Director–CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT
“New and net orders were both off 36 per cent sequentially, while the year-on-year comparisons for both measures showed a 43 per cent decline.”
Maly added, “Additionally, we’re hearing comments regarding slow dealer activity. Small and medium fleets continue to be cautious and are likely fairing worse financially than their large fleet competitors. ELDs will likely generate further headwinds for that fleet segment.”
He continued, “We’re also seeing a pattern of continuing bias in fleet investment toward trailers over tractors. Given the price difference, a relatively small shift in dollar expenditures can generate significant returns in trailer acquisitions, and adding trailers helps support increased drop-and-hook activity, making the best use of drivers.”