Fleet Sentiment Buying Index improves in 2Q

The second-quarter 2010 FSR Equipment Buying Index as reported by CK Commercial Vehicle Research improved 18 percent from the first quarter to a reading of 64.6. 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. Of the second-quarter study participants, 33.3 percent planned to place orders for power units in that timeframe, with 29.8 percent planning trailer orders. Fleets responding to the second-quarter questionnaire operate in excess of 60,000 medium- and heavy-duty power units and 120,000 trailers.

“In addition to better equipment purchasing plans, we saw a reduction in the number of parked vehicles reported, improved stated utilization rates and a closer alignment of available freight to haul and fleet capacity,” says Chris Kemmer of CKCVR. “Even the responses to a general ‘how’s business’ question averaged higher. However, there is still much caution being shown, especially as it relates to the purchase of new power equipment with 2010 emissions engines.”

CKCVR regularly polls its group of fleet advisers about equipment purchasing, operating and maintenance practices. The quarterly Fleet Sentiment survey includes questions about short- and longer-term equipment buying plans, preferred OEM, engine technology choices, new specs, current fleet capacity vs. freight demand, equipment utilization rates – including the percent of parked vehicles – and current industry issues.