ACT’s preliminary estimate for January 2018 net trailer orders is 39,100 units—22% better year-over-year and the best January on record.
“This continues a string of extremely solid order placement,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s Director of CV Transportation Analysis and Research. “November and December of last year, along with January of this year, rank as the third, second, and fifth highest order months in industry history.
“Tight trucking capacity and solid freight rates are supporting both fleet needs and investment ability. Lengthening industry backlogs also encourage fleets to join industry orderboards.”
While the majority of trailer categories posted positive year-over-year performance, reefers led the way last month. Maly noted, “Reefer net orders set an all-time monthly record, coming in 250% better than last January.”