ACT Research: Orders decline for fourth straight month

For the month of July, 39,400 Classes 5-8 vehicle orders were booked, up 10% from June and down 14% compared to July 2014.

“ACT Research continues to believe the recent order decline is a reflection of meaningfully larger backlogs and tough comps rather than any structural change in demand,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Senior Analyst. “Class 8 orders were stronger than expected at 24,100 units. This was 19% above June orders. Despite the better than expected result, Class 8 orders fell 20% from July 2014. Seasonally adjusted, July’s net order volume rises to 28,900 units, the best order month on a seasonally adjusted basis since February.”

North American Classes 5-7 vehicle orders remained in the doldrums for a second consecutive month in July, slipping 1% month over month and 4% year over year to 15,300 units. “Some of this decline is attributable to seasonality,” said Vieth. “When seasonally adjusted, July’s medium duty orders rise to 17,600 units, up 4% from June.”

Note: these numbers are preliminary. Actual numbers will be published in mid-August.

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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.