Trailer net orders in August, at more than 24,500 units, rose nearly 21% from July’s pace, but eased 0.4% on a year-over-year basis, according to the most recent State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co.

“The industry has seen a pull-forward of the fall/winter order season over the past couple years, and August new order volume, which was dry-van oriented, is likely a continuation of that trend,” said Frank Maly, the director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT. “In addition to dry van order strength, up 40% m/m in August, flatbed orders offered a solid assist, rising 39%.”

Maly noted that some pressure in vocational trailers is likely over the next few months, as the full impact of the recent energy price declines is yet to be seen. He added, “Most trailer sectors remain within acceptable cancellation limits, but energy-sector impacted segments, such as liquid and bulk tanks, continue to be buffeted by energy price pressures. Flatbed cancellations were elevated for the second consecutive month, with high dealer stock again blamed.”