FTR: Class 8 truck market 'performing at a high level'

According to FTR’s latest numbers, Class 8 preliminary net orders for December came in at 26,620 units, which was 26% below November and down 6% year-over-year. However, FTR says those comparisons fell within expectations given seasonal tendencies.

Total Class 8 orders for the previous 12 months have equaled 253,000 units, and more recent run rates are even stronger. The annualized rate over the past 6 months has been 302,000 units, and the three-month annualized rate is 362,000 units. OEMs are still able to fill build slots at a healthy rate, FTR said.

“Despite the slight year-over-year decrease in orders in December, the market is still performing at a high level historically,” said Eric Starks, FTR’s chairman of the board. “Even as the freight markets have been weak for an extended period, fleets are still ordering equipment. Order levels were above the historical average but continue to follow seasonal trends, reinforcing our expectations for replacement demand in 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.