Preliminary reports show that net trailer orders in September were 25,700 units, up about 45% from August, but around 10% lower than the same month last year. Final September results will be available later this month. This preliminary market estimate should be within +/-3% of the final order tally.

ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current US trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders, and factory shipments. It is accompanied by a database that gives historical information from 1996 to the present, as well as a ready-to-use graph packet, to allow organizations in the trailer production supply chain, and those following the investment value of trailers, trailer OEMs, and suppliers to better understand the market.

“With more 2023 orderboards opening, September net orders rose in seasonal fashion,” said Jennifer McNealy, Director CV Market Research and Publications, ACT Research. “As the OEMs open next year’s build schedules more fully, they are reporting that most of the build slots made available have been filled.” She concluded, “While up 45% from August on a nominal basis, seasonal adjustment narrows the sequential gap appreciably to around 5% m/m growth.

“Additionally, some trailer manufacturers are reporting expectations that when they do open the remainder of their 2023 order boards in the next few months,” she continued. “Those spots will also fill rapidly, despite no firm pricing available at this point.”