The total trailer market forecast for 2014 is 240,000 units, a 2.2% increase over 2013, according to FTR Associates.
FTR, for the first time, presents its quarterly trailer forecast individually for dry van, reefer van, flatbed, liquid tank, dry tank, dump, low bed and “other” trailer types.
FTR expects dry vans to show a 2% year-over-year increase while reefer vans will remain flat. Flatbeds, dumps and low beds are all expected to show greater increases as construction and manufacturing improve.
“We are applying the same level of analysis, the same skill and the same processes to the trailer market that FTR applies to the truck market. Our truck equipment forecast is the best in the industry. We are off to a great start with our initial segmented trailer forecast and our goal is to continue to refine our models and processes going forward to deliver the most accurate forecasts possible”, said Don Ake, FTR Vice President of Commercial Vehicles.
For more information about FTR’s new segmented U.S. trailer forecast, including a sample excerpt, please e-mail Don Ake at [email protected].