ACT’s preliminary estimate for August net trailer orders is 15,600 units, up 8% from July. Final August volume will be available later this month.
“The strong order pace we’ve seen throughout this year eased a bit in August. While dry vans and reefers did post good numbers, those increases were a bit softer than seen in recent months,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s Director of CV Transportation Analysis and Research. “Our preliminary information also indicates a weak month for flatbeds. The result is total industry net order volume up versus July, but at a rate that’s actually a bit less than normal seasonal patterns project.”
Through the first eight months of the year, the industry booked 169k net orders, up 38% from last year. As noted in past reports, that’s an indication of a continued positive fleet outlook for the short-to-medium term.
“The uncertainties about implementation and timing of GHG-2 requirements for trailers could generate some headwinds for orders in the near-term, with a resulting impact on production for early 2018,” Maly said. “It’s a situation we are watching closely.”