The dramatic seasonally adjusted strength in net orders, up 27 percent compared to May 2017, was highly dry van focused, according to ACT Research’s latest US trailer report.
“With assistance from dry vans, the industry posted the 18th straight month with year-to-year net order improvement, and fleets must now patiently await delivery of the trailers that fill the vast majority of this year’s production slots,” said ACT Research Director – CV Transportation Analysis and Research, Frank Maly.
“May production was a bit weaker than we projected, with continued reports of component issues generating near-term challenges, and tariffs and trade wars listed as potentials for future difficulties.
“May build of 27,900 trailers (nsa) was up 3 per cent month-over-month, but off 5 per cent when seasonal adjustments were applied. This could be the first indication that some of the industry’s usual build season production increases might be a bit more elusive this year, despite the robust orderboard,” he said.