February net U.S. trailer orders of 26,414 units fell nearly 16% from the previous month, but rose almost 88% compared to February of 2020, according to ACT Research.
Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 28,300 units were down 14% versus January, but 74% better than the previous February, ACT adds.
“Although it seems many OEMs are fully committed for dry vans and reefers this year, negotiations with fleets continue,” said Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research. “While orders will continue to be booked, without meaningful increases in production rates, backlogs will remain extended. Although not official, the backlog-to-build ratio points to a de-facto opening of 2022 orderboards by several OEMs, although one has publicly indicated that they are pausing further order acceptance in the short-term.”
