Trailer net orders in January, at 19,853, were down nearly 32% from December’s very strong order volume, but rose 18% year over year. These results were published in the most recent State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co. (ACT).

“Total trailer backlog is at its highest level in almost 20 years,” said Frank Maly, Director – CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT. “Part of January’s strength resulted from some 'out-of-pattern' orders as fleets are getting in queue for equipment.” Maly noted that with ratification of the West Coast port contract proposal likely, the economy has side-stepped significant headwinds. He said ensuing freight onslaught will be a net positive for the commercial vehicle industry. “Trailer demand continues to receive support from a wide array of factors, including solid freight volumes, pent-up demand for replacement equipment, and increased consumer and business spending. The foundation is in place for 2015 to be the best trailer market since the late 1990s.”

ACT is the worldwide leading publisher of new and used commercial vehicle (CV) industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American market, as well as the U.S. tractor-trailer market and the China CV market.