September net U.S. trailer orders of 51,208 units were a significant improvement (up 82 percent) from August’s uptick and well above September 2019’s level (up 174 percent). Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 52,000 units were up 77 percent versus August and 140 percent better year-over-year, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailer Report.

“The confluence of several factors is evident in September’s third-highest monthly net volume in history,” said Frank Maly, Director–CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT Research. “Pent-up demand is one factor, as we’re now seeing CAPEX release that was curtailed earlier this year by COVID-driven uncertainty. Another factor is lower build rates, pushing fleets to quickly submit their orders, rather than take a chance that new units might not be delivered until well into next year.”

Maly continued, “In addition to fleets, dealers could also be worrying about the timing of stocking orders; conversations have included mention of dealers entering the fray in preparation for next year.”

He concluded, “Further solid numbers are likely in the near-term, as the industry enters what has normally been its usual order season.”

ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current US trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders and factory shipments.