Class preliminary 8 net orders strong

Demand for commercial vehicles remained at healthy levels in July as 45,400 total N.A. Classes 5-8 orders were booked, according to ACT Research. In the ten months since the start of stronger orders last October, N.A. Classes 5-8 net orders have been booked at an average of 45,200 units per month. Annualized, that represents a total Classes 5-8 order volume of 542,400 units.

“In July, historically the weakest month for order volumes, N.A. Class 8 net orders again rose above expectations to a six-month high 29,900 units,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “That volume marked an improvement of 12% from June and 70% compared to year-ago July,” said Vieth. “In addition to a continuation of the ongoing strong order trend, some of the non-seasonal strength in July might be related to the rapidly dwindling supply of available build slots in 2014.”

Concerning medium-duty net orders, Vieth said, “July’s preliminary 15,500 N.A. Classes 5-7 net orders fell almost perfectly between the May and June volumes. The preliminary result is also middle of the road in terms of comparisons: up 3% m/m, but down 4% compared to year ago levels, making a third consecutive below year-ago reading. Part of the recent occurrence of modest negative y/y comparisons can be chalked up to tough comps: the medium-duty market began to strengthen appreciably starting in April of last year.”

Fontaine Specialized announced the new Magnitude 75 lowbed trailer. This 3+3+2 modular multi-purpose trailer is designed to transport a diverse range of loads, according to Fontaine, who adds that the Magnitude 75 comes in three distinct deck options: flat (MFLD), drop side rail (MDSR), and beam (MBMD)."The Magnitude 75 epitomizes versatility in heavy-haul lowbeds. It accommodates loads of up to 75 tons in 16 feet as a 3+2 or with five close coupled axles," said Heather Gilmer, vice president of sales. "Furthermore, it adeptly handles 70 tons in just 12 feet configured with the tandem axle EQ2 spreader. This adaptable trailer features a hydraulic detachable gooseneck and a tridem axle bogie, each providing seven ride height positions. This enhanced flexibility is invaluable for operators maneuvering heavy loads across obstacles or beneath bridges.”Fontaine says the Magnitude 75 was made with 100,000-lb. minimum yield steel main beam flanges; and the flat and beam decks boast a 24-in. loaded deck height, while the drop side rail deck reduces it to 15-in. At full load, all modular decks offer 6-in. of ground clearance.