January net U.S. trailer orders of 30,680 units fell more than 30% from the previous month, but rose nearly 105% compared to January of 2020, according to this month’s numbers from ACT Research. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 32.1k units were down 30% versus December, but 91% better than the previous January.
“OEMs posted almost 31,000 net orders in January, down sequentially but still a very solid month,” said Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research. “That continued the growth of the orderboard, as orders were 66% above current build rates, and generates a conundrum for OEMs. Open production slots now come with 2022 dates, and OEMs, concerned about component and materials costs, are hesitant to extend pricing commitments that far.”