August Class 8 orders remain strong

FTR has released preliminary data showing August 2014 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 24,947 units, a year-over-year increase of 29%. FTR notes that Class 8 orders have now had 19 consecutive months with year-over-year increases. August orders, while helped somewhat by summer dealer incentive programs, were the strongest for the month since 2005, said FTR. Class 8 orders for the latest six month period through August annualize to 316,000 units.

Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles, said, “The strength of August orders was not broad-based; and the volume is not as positive as it appears because orders were driven, in part, by dealer incentive programs. Regardless, business activity remained healthy in August and the Class 8 market is still robust coming out of the summer season. Order volume was consistent with the FTR forecast.”

Final data for August will be available from FTR later in the month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service.

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.