Trailer Orders

 Preliminary Trailer Orders Surged in October to 44,000 Units

FTR reports that U.S. trailer net orders surged in October to 44,000, rising 91% from the previous month. Orders were 161% higher than in October 2021. Backlog levels jumped 13% on the increased orders after a downward trend for most of the year. October build rates were down 9% from September but were up 3% from October 2021.

Build is generally stable and in a narrow range – running from 23,000 to 27,000 for eight of the last nine months. Upward momentum for production output remains elusive.

Jonathan Starks commented, “Trailer manufacturers seem to have found themselves in a goldilocks environment for the moment. Demand for new equipment remains robust despite the worries of a weak economy, and suppliers and labor have been able to maintain a solid level of output since early this year. We expect these conditions to remain in place through mid-2023 before economic uncertainties force weaker freight levels and demand for new equipment eases.”