Following historically strong net order volumes in 2017’s final two months, January U.S. trailer net orders continued the pattern, booking the fifth best order month in history. “Reefers led the way booking that product’s strongest month in history, while total net orders were up 24% y/y,” said Frank Maly, Director–CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT Research. He continued, “Reefers, liquid tanks, and bulk tanks all posted y/y gains greater than 200% in January, and we believe this surge is a result of combined strong freight demand, solid rates, tight capacity, and lengthening backlogs.”

Production volumes recovered from December’s holiday-induced doldrums. “Volume of 23,300 NSA units was up 20% sequentially and 14% y/y. Six of ten trailer categories were up m/m, while eight were up y/y,” said Maly. He continued, “In addition to production returning to more normal levels, January’s daily build rate rose 15% m/m, resulting in a 7.5-month backlog-to-build ratio. On average, this means the industry is committed past Labor Day.”