The exceptionally strong July trailer orders first reported Tuesday were boosted even higher Wednesday as FTR reported a preliminary order total of 16,862 units, up 22% against June and 130% year over year.
Approximately 23% above the 10-year July average of 13,665 units, FTR reports July’s rebound from June points to a firmer demand backdrop, but the company notes recognizes order activity could remain choppy until the 2027 order season begins around September.
“Freight fundamentals are improving, but trailer demand remains more replacement-driven than expansionary. Tight capacity is supporting firmer rates, and we project that contract rates will continue to rise well into 2027 even as overall freight demand remains modest,” says Dan Moyer, FTR senior analyst, commercial vehicles.
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“Meanwhile, trade-related cost pressures continue to build on multiple fronts, including April’s changes on how Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum are applied and the ongoing antidumping and countervailing duty investigations related specifically to van equipment sourced from Mexico, Canada and China. These developments could benefit domestic trailer manufacturers, but fleets likely will see higher costs. Overall, these actions are more likely to change where trailers and components are sourced, what they cost, and when fleets order than to create additional underlying demand.”
Through July, FTR states net orders in the current trailer order season (September 2025-July 2026) are up 5% from the prior season, and year-to-date net orders are up 25% year over year.
Production, however, moved in the opposite direction in July. Build fell 11% against June and 9% year over year to 16,195 units, bringing year-to-date output to 113,969 units, down 1% from last year.
FTR
