Thirty-seven percent of respondents expect to purchase more trailers in 2012 than they did in 2011, with only 7% expecting to purchase fewer trailers, according to CK Commercial Vehicle Research’s annual Fleet Trailer Study on new demand and how decisions are made for new trailers, components and added technology.
Much of the demand for 2012 is being driven by aging trailer fleets, with substantial numbers being purchased to add capacity as well.
The survey queried decision-makers from 50 small, medium and large for-hire, private and government fleets operating in excess of 129,000 trailers.
Questions in this year's survey covered expected trailer purchases for the remainder of 2011 and full year 2012, preferred trailer brands and component spec'ing profiles, decision making factors, plans for new technology, views on current deficiencies in trailer design, most influential sources of information and effectiveness of advertising.
The 2011 Trailer Study 25-page report includes charts, analysis and verbatim quotes from participants. An overview of the study and order information can be found at www.ckcvr.com.