Trailer manufacturers received orders for 20,700 truck trailers in September, the highest level in three years, according to ACT Research of Columbus IN.
Orders for trailers had been getting increasingly soft until the September rebound, ACT reports.
“Four months of softening culminated in the worst order month in six quarters in August,” said ACT's Kenny Vieth. “Trailer orders rebounded to a 36-month high. The order improvement was broad-based in September, with seven of eight trailer categories posting gains month-over-month. All eight trailer categories posted year-over-year gains.”
Despite the surge in orders, backlogs remain low. Continued strong orders will be required if current build rates are to be maintained beyond the first quarter, according to ACT Research.
“Fortunately for the industry, the fourth and first quarters are historically the strongest order period of the year,” Vieth said. “In addition, the economic expansion is more broad-based and trucker profits are rising — two key components for stronger trailer demand ahead.”
For more details, phone ACT Research at 812-379-2085.