US research company, ACT, is estimating US trailer orders to come in around the 14,250-unit mark in May.
“Although commercial trailer orders have been progressing at a better pace than Class 8 volumes, the expected seasonal slowdown in order placement has begun,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s Director for Commercial Vehicle Transportation Analysis & Research.
“Historical patterns would show a slower May comes from a combination of softer gross orders along with some mid-year adjustments to orders previously booked with OEMs.”
He added, “A slower overall economy has resulted in lower freight demand. That, along with a continual reassessment of equipment needs by fleets, also impacts market condition.”
These preliminary results point to net orders down roughly 16 per cent from April and down almost 12 per cent from the same month last year.