Preliminary reports from ACT Research show that US net trailer orders in May were 18,300 units and 7 per cent down from last month, but were 111 per cent higher than May last year.
ACT Research Director CV Market Research and Publications, Jennifer McNealy, explained that seasonal patterns can lead to declines in net orders, which was seen in this case.
“Seasonal patterns call for a sequential decline in net orders in May, and preliminary reports indicate that volumes met those expectations,” she said.
“Just as dry vans were responsible for April’s dramatically lower bookings, they were the buttress for May’s year-over-year increase.”
“It’s also worth mentioning that last year’s May net orders represented the lowest monthly volume since the COVID-impacted months of 2020.”
According to McNealy, there are many aspects in the industry which could explain this month’s results.
“We continue to believe there is reluctance to push the orderboard horizon into next year, as OEMs continue to closely control order acceptance,” she said.
“That said, active negotiations, the calendar inching toward a 2023 opening, and new capacity scheduled to come online in the near future could explain this month’s preliminary report.
“It’s also worth mentioning that last year’s May net orders represented the lowest monthly volume since the COVID-impacted months of 202.”