The trailer industry posted the strongest monthly shipment volume in August since June 2007, according to figures compiled by ACT Research, Columbus, Indiana.
Shipments were up 14% month over month and 62% year over year, against easy comparisons. Cancellations continued to float upward, causing the cancellation rate to increase for the third consecutive month. Backlogs continued to decline as orders slowed.
“While the slowing in order activity is following season norms, the gradual upward path of cancellations bears watching,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research with ACT. “The extremely strong quotations and order activity that began in the fall of 2010 have now plateaued. Concern over economic uncertainties is a factor in the short to medium term. Cancellation levels, in combination with order activity, will be the determining factors driving the path of the trailer industry in coming months.”
This update on industry performance was reported in the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co. (ACT) September 26.