According to the latest numbers from ACT Research, new U.S. trailer orders of 13,900 were up 22% month-over-month, and after accounting for cancellations, net orders of 10,300 hit their first sequential increase in nine months, rising 64% from June. Year-to-date, however, net trailer orders are 46% below last year, ACT found.

“July’s robust month-over-month comparison is the result of June’s volume being the weakest net order posting since September of 2009,” said Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research. “In a surprising dichotomy, July’s net was 64% below the same month last year, and while the sequential gain was a welcome reversal of recent trend, the volume was still disappointing.

“Reports indicate that additional OEMs opened their 2020 orderboards, but the response of fleets to the opportunity for production slots this year was distressing, given that only a few months ago, fleets were clamoring for additional equipment,” Maly continued. “They now appear to be very reticent to commit the investment, which isn’t unexpected given economic uncertainties, tariff concerns, lackluster freight volumes and the resulting rate pressures.”