Commercial trailer backlogs surpassed the 100,000 level in April, closing out the month at 101,244 units. While backlog grew during the month, net orders posted a 30% decline from the previous month.
This update on industry performance was reported in the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co. (ACT) on May 26.
ACT also noted that industry backlog is 141% above levels at this time last year, while build was nearly double the rates witnessed in April 2010.
“The 30% decline in April net orders follows extremely strong industry performance in March. Additionally, the industry’s normal order pattern actually calls for a strong first quarter followed by a mid-year lull,” said Frank Maly, Director CV Transportation Analysis and Research with ACT Research. “April net orders were the start of that seasonally anticipated lull.”