ACT’s preliminary estimate for U.S. net trailer orders for September is 12,950 units. The final September volumes will be available later this month.
“Season patterns, which are based upon historical trends, indicated industry net order volume could push to a double-digit sequential gain in September. Our preliminary estimate shows a much weaker order pace, with net orders down approximately 16% from August,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s Director CV Transportation Analysis & Research.
“An extremely strong September 2015 set a very high bar for y/y comparison; this estimate shows September volume approximately 65% below the same month last year. It is apparent that the 2016/17 trailer order season has stumbled out of the gates to a very slow start.
“The caution frequently expressed by fleets regarding equipment investment this order cycle is very evident in September’s volume. On a positive note, initial reports indicate an easing in cancellation rates compared to recent months, although they do remain well above rates of this time last year.”