Preliminary reports show net trailer orders in March reached the highest level since December 2020, according to ACT Research. Bookings of 37,900 units were up 40 percent month-over-month and 28 percent better year-over-year. Final March results will be available later this month.

“Our discussions this month revealed a variation in order acceptance strategies across the industry. Some OEMs noted that their extremely low order volume was the result of a “sell-out” of their projected available production slots for the remainder of the year. Others, accepting higher order volumes, were in the process of filling their remaining production capacity for 2022,” said Frank Maly, Director CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT Research. “Also mentioned was an unwillingness to officially open 2023 orderboards, with concerns about setting pricing the major challenge. A positive development was indication that some supply-chain relief was beginning to be felt. Final figures for the month will likely reveal total industry backlog now stretching into December at current production rates, heavily influenced by dry van and reefer commitments that basically fill their year.”