Trailer orders rise again in April as replacement demand supports market, FTR says

Trailer demand continued to rebound in April, with orders outperforming seasonal expectations and signaling improving stability in the market. For fleets and maintenance operations, the trend points to ongoing replacement activity as carriers look to refresh aging equipment despite continued uncertainty around costs and trade policy.

According to FTR Transportation Intelligence, U.S. net trailer orders reached 19,953 units in April, up 11% month over month and 100% year over year. Orders also exceeded the 10-year April average of 15,474 units, extending the stronger-than-expected demand seen in March.

Production, however, remained disciplined. Trailer builds totaled 17,576 units in April, essentially flat compared to March and up just 1% year over year. Calendar year-to-date production also stayed nearly flat at 62,929 units, suggesting manufacturers are avoiding overproduction despite improving order activity.

FTR noted that current demand is being driven more by replacement cycles and selective purchasing from stronger fleets than broad market expansion. Dry van segments in particular are showing signs of normalization, while fleets continue replacing older trailers to maintain uptime and reliability.

The report also highlighted ongoing risks that could affect equipment pricing and purchasing decisions. Changes tied to Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs could increase volatility around trailer component sourcing and costs, while a pending antidumping and countervailing duties investigation involving van trailers adds additional uncertainty for manufacturers and buyers.