Every trailer category in the US posted month-over-month order gains in August, according to a recent update on industry performance by ACT Research. Net orders of 15,780 units were up 24 per cent from July making August the best order month since April, according to the North American research firm.
“Despite better orders, August ended with a backlog that was down seven per cent month over month and 13 per cent below one year ago,” said Frank Maly, Director-CV Transportation with ACT Research. “While all of the month-over-month decline was seasonal, the industry is now at the lowest backlog-to-build ratio since January 2010, suggesting increased downwards pressure on build rates.
“While we expect minimal change in production rates over the next few months, orders beyond Q3 will be the key determinant of build in Q4.”