Following a modest pullback in November, the trailer industry closed 2012 on a strong note as December saw new orders rise to the highest level since March 2006, while cancellation activity remained at modest levels, according to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co. (ACT).
New orders rose 38% month-over-month from November to 31,586 units. Trailer shipments for the full year were up almost 13%.
“The fact that orders strengthened in the face of the fiscal cliff speaks to the strength of underlying trailer demand and the ongoing health of trucking fundamentals,” said Frank Maly, Director-CV Transportation with ACT Research.
“We believe that rising consumer and business confidence will bode well for continued strength in trailer demand in 2013.”