ACT Research trailer report finds carriers with 'reduced willingness to invest in equipment'

According to ACT Research, February net trailer orders, at 20,500 units were nearly 21% lower year-over-year, but 6,600 units above January’s intake. Weak freight rates continue to reduce carriers’ willingness to invest in equipment, ACT said.

“Seasonally adjusted, February’s orders fell to 20,100 units compared to a 12,600 seasonally adjusted rate in January,” said Jennifer McNealy, director of commercial vehicle market research and publications at ACT Research. “On that basis, orders increased 59% month-over-month. Dry van orders contracted 18% y/y, with reefers and flats both down 31% compared to February 2023.”

“Total cancellations took a turn for the better in February, dropping to 1.3% of the backlog, from January’s elevated 3.2% rate,” she added. “Several markets remained above the 1% mark, with OEMs indicating cancellations from both fleets and dealers. Clearly, no one needs a higher trailer-to-tractor ratio or extra stock on the showroom floor in a market swimming in capacity.”

“The good news is that healthy economic performance is increasingly favoring freight-generating economic sectors,” McNealy concluded. “However, capex remains limited at the start of 2024, and with impending expensive EPA regulations for power units, fleets are forced to make difficult decisions about how they spend their money, weighing on trailer demand.”

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.