Slow growth seen for truck and trailer sales

Nov. 6, 2009
The recovery has begun according to the latest issue of The North American Commercial Truck and Trailer Outlook published by FTR Associates

The recovery has begun according to the latest issue of The North American Commercial Truck and Trailer Outlook published by FTR Associates.

The transportation industry forecast company warns, however, that any significant freight growth is not expected until 2010. Increased orders for equipment will follow later in the year.

“After a spurt in August due to government stimulus, the economy has settled into the slow, uneven movement typical of recession bottoms,” said Eric Starks, president of FTR. “We are cautious about forecasting any near-term major improvements for freight companies and their suppliers. Unprecedented excess capacity created by a record freight drop from 2006 to 2009 will put a drag on equipment sales well into 2010 and possibly into 2011. In fact, we have slightly reduced our Class 8 equipment forecast for 2010.”

The full North American Commercial Truck and Trailer Outlook Report is available to subscribers. In addition to FTR’s regular freight, equipment, trucking environment and economic forecasts, the current issue contains commentary covering its annual freight tonnage update and calibration. For more information, please contact Eric Starks at 888-988-1699 Ext 45 or make an inquiry to [email protected].