Class 8 orders down but within expectations, according to FTR

FTR reports that Class 8 orders for October came in at 28,000 units, down 10% from September and 35% from October 2022. FTR says that the weaker comparisons were well within its expectations given the weakness in freight transportation and the ongoing normalization of equipment markets following exceptional demand in 2022. Class 8 orders totaled 255,000 units over the past 12 months.

The annualized rate over the past six months has been 233,000 units. The annualized rate over the past three months has been much stronger than the 12-month total, but that result is simply a function of the recent opening of 2024 production slots, FTR said.

“Build slots continue to be filled at a healthy rate,” said Eric Starks, FTR’s chairman of the board. “We expected a year-over-year decrease in orders and were not surprised by the month-over-month easing, either. The overall picture for truck demand is steady. Despite freight weakness, fleets continue to be willing to order new equipment, affirming our expectations of replacement demand during 2024.”

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.