Commercial Trailer Shipments Up 109% in 1Q

Commercial trailer shipments for the first quarter of 2011 were up 109% compared to the same quarter last year, according to ACT Research Co. Net orders rose 21% in March from February levels, while shipments were more than 33% above the previous month.

The solid, broad-based industry performance was reported in the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers, published April 27. While all trailer categories are showing substantial improvement compared to last year, the dry van segment continues to set the pace, with shipments up 198% year-to-date.

“Net orders have now grown for 18 consecutive months, as well as 19 of the past 20. Total trailer net orders are now 98% above the level at this time last year,” said Frank Maly, Director CV Transportation Analysis and Research with ACT Research. “Shipments, up 109% year-to-date, are growing at an even stronger pace. Additionally, backlogs continue to grow. The stage is set for solid industry performance for the remainder of 2011 and throughout 2012.”