Preliminary reports show that net trailer orders in March reached the highest level since December 2020, according to ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report. Bookings of 37,900 units were up 40% month-over-month and 28% better year-over-year. Final March results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate should be within +/- 3% of the final order tally, according to research firm.
“Our discussions this month revealed a variation in order acceptance strategies across the industry,” said Frank Maly, director, CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research. "Some OEMs noted that their extremely low order volume was the result of a 'sell-out' of their projected available production slots for the remainder of the year. Others, accepting higher order volumes, were in the process of filling their remaining production capacity for 2022.:
Manufacturers also mentioned an unwillingness to officially open 2023 orderboards, with concerns about setting pricing the major challenge, Maly noted.
"A positive development was indication that some supply-chain relief was beginning to be felt," he said. "Final figures for the month will likely reveal total industry backlog now stretching into December at current production rates, heavily influenced by dry van and reefer commitments that basically fill their year.”
ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current US trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders, and factory shipments.