Strong demand continues: US net trailer orders

Preliminary net trailers orders for February have increased sequentially according to ACT Research.

However, the numbers were lower against longer-term comparisons, with 25,800 units (25,600 SA) projected to have been booked during the month. \

Final February results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate should be within +/-5 per cent of the final order tally.

“Preliminary net orders were more than 6.0 per cent higher compared to January’s intake, but about 5 per cent lower against the same month last year,” said ACT Research Director CV Market Research & Publications, Jennifer McNealy.

“The decline versus last year can largely be chalked up to backlog length. Trailer backlogs at the start of 2023 are 50,000 units above year-ago levels. February’s preliminary data show orders for dry vans and platform trailers driving the sequential uptick.

“While demand remains strong, we’re also seeing improved, albeit still challenged, build data. While we are still waiting for February data, January’s backlog-to-build ratio, a proxy for industry demand strength was nearly 10 months, roughly double the historical average. That means fleets needing trailers will need to maintain their patience.”

The trailer backlog is expected to decrease by around 1,299 units when complete February details are released.

Send this to a friend