Class 5-8 truck demand remains strong, net orders top 600,000

According to ACT Research, a publisher of commercial vehicle industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American market, demand for commercial vehicles was healthy in December as 65,700 total North America Class 5-8 orders were booked, up 41% from a year ago.

Over the past 12 months, North America Class 5-8 net orders have totaled 602,300 units—an average of more than 50,000 orders per month, according to ACT’s preliminary research numbers.

“December’s 43,900 NA Class 8 net orders mark the fourth best month on record and bring the full year order total to just over 380,000 units,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “As has been the case throughout 2014, the strength in order activity is symptomatic of converging trends that are favorable to demand, including stronger economic activity, lingering pent-up demand, sizable fuel economy gains, and rising carrier profitability.”

Vieth also noted that December’s preliminary 21,800 North America Class 5-7 net orders were the second strongest order month cycle-to-date.

“December’s medium duty orders rose 44% compared to last December. In 2014, Class 5-7 net orders totaled 222,200 units, up 12% compared to 2013,” Vieth concluded.

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.