Trailer orders remain strong, ACT reports

Peak order season opened in September, and October net orders continued to show strong bookings, according to the latest reports from ACT Research. However, cancellations in some segments remain elevated, despite healthy backlogs.

October net orders, at 35,300 units, were 26% higher year-over-year, and 4,000 units more than were booked in September.

“Historically, 35% of the year’s orders are booked in Q4, so the quarter’s seasonal factors run roughshod on the nominal data. Seasonally adjusted, October’s orders fell to 26,200 units. On that basis, instead of rising from September, orders decreased 9% month-over-month,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of CV market research and publications at ACT Research. “While the last two months’ order intake is a positive sign, what we don’t yet know is for how long this level of deal closing will be sustained in the freight recession that is expected to linger into early 2024.”

“The industry cancellation rate moderated to 1.2% of the backlog in October, from September’s 2.8% level, improved but still slightly elevated,” McNealy continued. “And as expected in October, orders outpaced production. As a result, the trailer backlogs grew 5% sequentially, but remained lower y/y, down more than 25% against 2022’s supply-chain constrained and pent-up demand heavy environment.”

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.