Net orders for trailers improved in August, rising to 15,370 units, according to ACT Research Company. The order total was 18,200 units when viewed on a seasonal basis.
“Looked at through a seasonal lens, August’s volume was the best since April,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation with ACT Research. “While improved, annualizing August’s seasonally adjusted order volume generated a lackluster 219,000 annualized rate of order intake. Orders on a seasonal basis below the build trend is an indication of fleets’ unwillingness to expand investment when the outlook is particularly opaque. Orders typically occur below the rate of build in the third quarter. Combined with slower economic activity and rising uncertainty, orders are expected to remain soft into the fourth quarter.”