Although orders were slower in December, 2015 was the trailer industry’s best shipment year in history, just edging out the previous record set in 1999, according to the most recent State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co. (ACT).
Shipments were 307,158 in 2015 and 307,087 in 1999.
“Despite trailer net orders in December falling 31% m/m and 38% y/y, the solid order season continues for this segment of the commercial vehicle industry,” said Frank Maly, Director–CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT.
“Two factors impacted December’s orders: the continued front-loading of the order season, along with market headwinds from freight rates and volumes that had already been reflected in Class 8 order levels. Softness in dry vans and refers were responsible for the poor order comparisons, as large fleets took an early orderboard position, so December was not that surprising.”
“We start 2016 with the best order board in more than 20 years. While the remaining months of the 2015-16 order season may be somewhat lackluster on a y/y basis, there is still enough momentum for 2016 to be a solid year for industry shipments, although volume is projected to trail the 2015 record.”