FTR reported that December U.S. trailer net orders were recorded at 45,500—the second highest month ever recorded. Trailer orders for 2014 totaled over 360,000, by far the best order year ever, according to the research firm. The company noted that dry van orders set an all-time record, as OEMs aggressively sought orders to book into the third and fourth quarters.

“The trailer market is blazing hot as fleets continue to lock-up future build slots in anticipation of a strong freight environment this year,” said Don Ake, FTR vice president of Commercial Vehicles. “Fleets are placing orders for vans and flatbeds out through the end of the year. Manufacturing capacity is still tight, however several OEMs have plans to increase build rates during the year.”