According to ACT’s preliminary estimate for September, net trailer orders were 22,900 units.
Final September volume will be available later this month.
“After a slight easing last month, September saw a significant bounce-back in order activity. While dry vans, reefers, and flatbeds all posted solid month-over-month gains, dry vans provided the majority of the support for September’s overall industry performance,” says Frank Maly, ACT’s director of CV Transportation Analysis and Research.
He also provided perspective on the large year-over-year gain, noting, “Last September was a disappointing month, as pre-election uncertainties generated significant market headwinds that did not clear until later last November.”
The industry’s solid September results ran counter concerns, expressed by some regarding the potential impact of the upcoming GHG-2 regulations on fleet investment plans. Through the first three quarters of the year, the industry has booked more than 190,000 net orders.
“Year-to-date net orders are up more than 40 percent versus last year. Resulting order backlogs now push the industry solidly into the first quarter of next year,” Maly says.
