Preliminary August Class 8 orders slightly above expectations, but below last year

Preliminary Class 8 net orders for August, as reported by FTR, came in at 14,000 units, slightly above expectations and a 36% improvement over July. However, the Class 8 order activity for August was the weakest for that month since 2010 and down 35% from August 2015. Class 8 orders for the last twelve months have totaled 206,000 units.

“There is nothing unusual about the order numbers in August,” said Don Ake, FTR’s vice president of commercial vehicles. “We expected orders to average around 12,000 per month in the July-August period and taken as a whole, they did. There were less cancellations in August, making the month look a little better than July. July will be the lowest order month of the year, which is typical. Market conditions did not deteriorate nor improve in August.

“Fleets are now busy evaluating their truck requirements for 2017 in an uncertain freight environment. September orders should remain moderate, with October orders giving the first indication of expected market conditions for next year.”

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.