A fleet survey conducted in mid-April by CK Commercial Vehicle Research predicts that both Class 8 and trailer orders will improve in the second quarter from the January to March timeframe.
Calculated units for orders planned in the next three months by the group reporting for the Q2 2015 Fleet Sentiment Report shows an increase from Q1 activity, the research firm reported. The CKCVR Buying Index, which measures the number of fleets planning orders for power units and trailers as well as weighted volume estimates, rose 19% quarter-over-quarter to a current reading of 112.0.
Fleets who participated in the survey represent a mix of fleet profiles operating 42,000 power units and 105,000 trailers, according to CK Commercial Vehicle Research.
Driver shortage issues are still paramount with fleets reporting, especially as it impacts their ability to add capacity. Freight is plentiful and many indicate they would certainly buy more trucks in the current environment if they had good drivers to fill the seats, CK Commercial Vehicle Research said. The firm calculated an overall “How’s Business” rating for Q2, which averaged 4.17 on a scale of 1-5.
For more information about the Fleet Sentiment Report, visit www.ckcvr.com.
