Trailer orders strong in August

FTR reported North American truck trailer orders of 23,135 units in August, a 27-percent increase over the previous month.

   Freight transportation forecaster FTR reported North American truck trailer orders of 23,135 units in August, a 27-percent increase over July, and a 45-percent rise a year ago.
   According to FTR, orders were particularly strong in the refrigerated van, dry tank and dump trailer segments. 
   The analyst attributes the order bump to “increasing capacity constraints and long lead times at trailer manufacturers, with some fleets placing orders early to beat expected price increases as well.”
   Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles, said, “August trailer order activity is a very positive development and reflects strong market momentum approaching the fall ordering season. FTR sees no signs of the trailer market slowing down, so we expect good order numbers for the next few months.”