Total trailer orders released by A.C.T. were 21,521 for February, down 28% year-over-year and slightly lower than Bear Stearns' forecast of 22,000-24,000.
Dry van orders were 12,127 in February, down 34% year-over-year (vs. down 37% year-over-year in January) and roughly inline with expectations, and cancellation rates remained in the 5% range, while factory sales were light. Dry van inventories hit a 17-year high.
Flatbed orders were 2,198 in February, down 36% year-over-year (vs. down 34% year-over-year in January).
Dry van builds were 10,165, down 11% year-over-year (vs. down 11% year-over-year in January). Lower year-over-year production is likely to continue through mid-second quarter.
Dry van inventories were 10,293 in February (vs. 8,802 in January), up 70% QTD. This was the highest dry van backlog as far back as the data goes (Jan. 1990), and is nearly four times the 17-year average of 2,790 units. Factory sales of dry vans were down 21% year-over-year in the month (vs. down 15% year-over-year in January).