March 2015 U.S. trailer net orders were 22,000 units, up 7% month-over-month but down 25% year-over-year, according to the latest report from FTR. Orders continue to weaken “primarily because fleets have already placed their 2015 requirements,” the report stated. Trailer build increased 7.5% per day versus February with backlogs falling, “albeit still at a high level,” for the second straight month, the research firm reported.

Orders have totaled 340,000 units over the past 12 months, the report said.

 In March, “dry van orders recovered nicely from February’s dip, up 37%, with refrigerated van orders falling to their lowest level since June,” the report stated. Build for both trailer types increased: Dry vans were up 5% per day from February, and refrigerated vans set an all-time build record in the month, FTR said. Flatbed orders have leveled out, but build remains “very robust.” Liquid and dry tanks along with dump trailers saw good order activity, and build rates for all were very solid during March, the research firm reported.

“Orders remain subdued, but when you consider how many orders have been placed in the last 12 months, and that backlogs are near record levels, this market has tremendous strength,” Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles, said. “OEMs are booking orders late into Q3 and Q4, and there are even some orders getting booked now for 2016.

“The big story in March was the increase in build. The OEMs were very productive coming out of the winter months. Refrigerated van, dump, and flatbed builds were significant. There is enough backlog to continue this momentum for several months,” Ake added.

To learn more, visit www.ftrintel.com.