Trailer orders better, backlog still thin

Sept. 26, 2013

According to Americas Commercial Trucking (ACT) Research, every trailer category posted month-over-month order gains in August, 2013.

The data is in the most recent update on industry performance reported in ACT’s “State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers.” Net orders of 15,780 units were up 24% from July making August the best order month since April.

“Despite better orders, August ended with a backlog that was down 7% month-over-month and 13% below one year ago,” says Frank Maly, director-CV Transportation with ACT Research.

“While all of the month-over-month decline was seasonal, the industry is now at the lowest backlog-to-build ratio since January 2010, suggesting increased downwards pressure on build rates. While we expect minimal change in production rates over the next few months, orders beyond Q3 will be the key determinant of build in Q4.”

For additional information visit http://www.actresearch.net.