Weak plans for new trailer orders

Nov. 6, 2009
The fourth quarter 2009 FSR Equipment Buying Index fell 23% from the previous quarter to a reading of 68.7, according to CK Commercial Vehicle Research

The fourth quarter 2009 FSR Equipment Buying Index fell 23% from the previous quarter to a reading of 68.7, according to CK Commercial Vehicle Research.

The index was severely impacted by the small percentage of fleets planning trailer purchases. Only 21% of respondents to the fourth quarter Fleet Sentiment questionnaire indicated they planned to place orders for trailers in the next three months, while 46% planned to place power unit orders in the same period. Details of planned orders are reported in the Fleet Sentiment Report available to subscribers.

The FSR Buying Index is a simple measure of planned buying behavior of for-hire, private and government fleets responding to CKCVR’s Fleet Sentiment quarterly questionnaire. A lower reading indicates that fewer fleets are planning to purchase equipment while a higher reading indicates that more are planning to purchase equipment.

CKCVR regularly polls a group of fleet operators about their equipment purchasing, operating and maintenance practices. The quarterly Fleet Sentiment survey includes questions about short and longer term equipment buying plans, preferred OEM, new specs, current fleet capacity vs. freight demand, equipment utilization rates including the percent of parked vehicles, and current industry issues. In October 2009, 61 fleets operating more than 53,000 medium and heavy duty vehicles responded to the quarterly Fleet Sentiment questionnaire. Complete survey results are reported in the Fleet Sentiment Report, a quarterly report of CK Commercial Vehicle Research. For more information about the Fleet Sentiment Report, visit www.ckcvr.com/fleetsentiment or send an e-mail to [email protected].