ACT Research’s preliminary estimate for April 2018 net trailer orders is 23,100 units.

“April was the 17th consecutive month of year-over-year gains for net orders, an indication of strong fleet confidence in current business conditions, as well as a positive outlook as we move through the rest of this year. Solid freight rates and tight capacity continue to support fleet investment plans,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s Director of CV Transportation Analysis and Research. “While net orders were down roughly 23 percent from March, a decline is expected as we exit the industry’s normal October through March order season. A review of the latest order season shows almost 224,000 orders were booked, up nearly 30 percent from a year ago.”

Final April volume will be available later this month. The methodology allows ACT Research to generate a preliminary estimate of the market that should be within +/- 3 percent of the final order tally, officials said.

“While heavily influenced by dry vans and reefers, the industry’s average backlog now extends deep into the fourth quarter. Depending on the OE and the trailer category, a fleet placing an order now may well receive a 2019 delivery date,” noted Maly.