US market research group, ACT Research’s, preliminary estimate for net trailer orders in April 2018 is 23,100 units – up 11 per cent compared to last year.
Final April volume will be available later this month, according to ACT Research. Its methodology reportedly allows us to generate a preliminary estimate of the market that should be within +/- 3 per cent of the final order tally.
“April was the 17th consecutive month of year-over-year gains for net orders, an indication of strong fleet confidence in current business conditions, as well as a positive outlook as we move through the rest of this year,” said ACT Research Director – CV Transportation Analysis and Research.
“Solid freight rates and tight capacity continue to support fleet investment plans. While net orders were down roughly 23 per cent from March, a decline is expected as we exit the industry’s normal October through March order season. A review of the latest order season shows almost 224,000 orders were booked, up nearly 30 per cent from a year ago.
“While heavily influenced by dry vans and reefers, the industry’s average backlog now extends deep into the fourth quarter. Depending on the OE and the trailer category, a fleet placing an order now may well receive a 2019 delivery date,” he said.