RMA: Truck tire shipments drop 17.2%

Feb. 17, 2010

Domestic truck and bus tire shipments in the United States were down -- way down -- in 2009 vs. 2008, according to preliminary numbers by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).

The RMA defines the truck and bus segment as "medium, wide-base and heavy on-highway commercial truck tires." In 2009, replacement truck and bus tires totaled 13 million units, down 12.2%. The drop in original equipment shipments was worse, from 3.8 million units to 2.4 million, or 36.8%.

In all, truck tire shipments were down 17.2%.

Despite the drop, replacement radialization increased a little. In 2008, 96.6% of the replacement truck tires shipped were radial. In 2009, that number increased to 97%.

The RMA's "2010 Preliminary Factbook" also lists the most popular truck tire sizes in 2009. The top five replacement and OE sizes are:

Replacement           OE

1. 295/75R22.5        1. 295/75R22.5

2. 11R22.5                2. 11R22.5

3. 11R24.5                3. 225/70R19.5

4. 285/75R24.5        4. 11R24.5

5. 225/70R19.5        5. 315/80R22.5

The factbook was prepared by the RMA's Market Information Service department using actual and estimated 2009 tire shipment data supplied by member tire manufacturers representing nearly 90% of the U.S. tire manufacturing industry.