March trailer orders lowest in nearly three years
Trailer orders in March were down, according to both ACT Research and FTR. ACT Research Co.’s preliminary estimate for March 2019 net trailer orders is 15,600 units. Net orders dropped 35% from February and were approximately 48% below a year ago. “Although current backlogs consume the majority of available build slots this year, particularly in
‘Extraordinary market conditions’—Class 8 orders drop again in March
According to the latest preliminary numbers from both ACT Research Co. and FTR, Class 8 orders dropped again in March as the trucking backlog continues. Preliminary North America Class 8 net order data show the industry booked 15,700 units in March, dropping a moderate 6.7% from February, but down 66% from year-ago March. “March marks
Used truck sales decline in February
Preliminary used Class 8 volumes (same dealer sales) declined moderately in February, falling 5% month-over-month and erasing a portion of January’s 10% improvement, according to the latest numbers from ACT Research. However, ACT indicated that longer-term comparisons yielded a 20% decline compared to February 2018. Other data released in ACT’s preliminary report included year-over-year comparisons
Class 8 truck orders quiet in February
According to the numbers from ACT Research Co. and FTR, Class 5-8 orders remained subdued in February, continuing to cool off after the record-setting year that was 2018. FTR reports that preliminary North American Class 8 orders for February remained subdued for the second consecutive months at 16,700 units, up 5% month-over-month but down 58%
ACT Research projects growth in Class 8 production
According to the recently released N.A. Commercial Vehicle On-Highway Engine Outlook published by ACT Research and Rhein Associates, Class 8 production is expected to continue its growth trend into 2019, and diesel is still the dominant power source, but changes in demand for straight trucks and tractors will impact the type of diesel engines ordered.
Trailer orders fall in January; backlogs projected to continue through November
U.S. trailer orders fell slightly in January, but still posted 26,000 net orders in the month, according to the latest data from ACT Research Co. According to ACT, the long-running order stream that started in the fall of 2017 is finally running out of steam, but not from lack of demand. ACT also noted that with
Used truck sales show slight improvement in January
Preliminary used Class 8 volumes (same dealer sales) improved moderately in January, rising 4% month-over-month, following two sequential declines, according to the latest numbers from ACT Research. However, the report indicated that longer-term comparisons yielded a 19% decline compared to January 2018. Other data released in ACT’s preliminary report included year-over-year comparisons for January 2019,
J.D. Power: Commercial truck market conditions could see mild changes
J.D. Power Valuation Services has released the latest edition of its Commercial Truck Guidelines Industry Update, which found that although Class 8 auction and retail channels closed out 2018 with no real surprises, current market conditions are pointing to a maturing boom cycle. According to the report, the Class 8 auction and retail channels closed out
January Class 8 orders drop to lowest point since 2016
After a year of record-breaking orders, Class 8 orders for January fell to their lowest point since October of 2016, according to preliminary numbers from ACT Research and FTR. FTR reports that preliminary North American Class 8 orders for January 2019 dropped 26% month-over-month to the lowest since October 2016 at 15,600 units. This year’s
Used truck prices rose 10% in 2018, with sales volumes increasing 8%
The average price of total used Class 8 trucks sold in 2018 was up 10% compared to 2017, according to ACT Research. The report also indicated that used Class 8 same dealer sales volumes fell 9% month-over-month, but rose 8% for full-year 2018. Average mileage was flat compared to 2017, while average age declined 3%
U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: Strong gains in Q4 ahead of anticipated tariff increases in early 2019
The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index—a tool designed to assess the current state of the freight industry in the United States—showed signs of a spending rebound compared to the third quarter in 2018, with indications growth will continue, but at a slower rate in 2019, the company found. Solid holiday sales, increases in wages and
ACT Research: Trucking industry maintaining momentum; deceleration expected in the U.S. economy
According to the recently released ACT Research Transportation Digest, the Class 8 truck market started 2019 with powerful positive momentum from a remarkable and record-setting 2018. In the Classes 5-7 market, the truck segment made yet another outsized contribution to the total medium duty market, perpetuating its growth. In other news, same dealer sales of
