Conditions remained favorable for commercial vehicle demand

Class 8 orders continued in above-expectations mode in August. Total net orders were 25,363 units. Classes 5-7 net orders rose to a four-month high of 18,012. These results were published in the latest State of the Industry report, recently released by Act Research Co. The report covers Classes 5 through 8 vehicles for the North American market.

“Through the middle of the third quarter, conditions remained favorable for continued healthy commercial vehicle demand,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Senior Analyst. “Following one of the best order months cycle-to-date, August’s Class 8 orders were 16% below July, but were up 30% compared to last year. Through year-to-date August, Class 8 orders have been booked at a 336,600 unit annual rate.

Concerning Classes 5-7 net orders, Vieth said that compared to August 2013, truck orders were up 15% and RVs were up 8%, while buses were down 20%. “Orders and backlogs are trending sideways, and production has remained fairly steady,” he said.

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.