ACT Research: Weak freight fundamentals and declining demand warrant caution ahead

With the 2024 order season opening in September, the Class 8 backlog increased by 8,700 units from August to 161,300 units, and the backlog-to-build ratio increased to 5.5 months, according to the latest numbers from ACT Research.

“Order season for 2024 kicks off with mixed conditions across the various Classes 5-8 vehicle end-markets,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Considerable pent-up demand remains in many vocational markets. Addressing that pent-up demand has become more challenging as the UAW strike impacts MD and HD vehicle production. But Class 8 tractor demand looks markedly softer, consistent with weak freight markets and rates.

“Class 8 began the order season with net orders of 36,974 units in September,” he added. “While a strong start to ‘the season,’ orders were down 31% year-over-year. While September marked a good start in filling 2024 orderboards, the follow-through over the next few months will ultimately be more telling for 2024 demand levels. Current weak freight fundamentals and largely sated pent-up tractor market demand make the case for caution.”

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.