July trailer orders reach all-time high in traditionally low-order month

U.S. trailer orders set a record for the month of July, coming in at a surprising 28,000 units. Trailer orders have now totaled an impressive 350,000 units for the past twelve months. Orders were up 109 percent y/y.

OEMs have opened up some of the 2019 order boards, so fleets have started ordering a couple months early to reserve build spots and lock in prices. Carriers expect to add more trucks in 2019 and will need additional trailers for them. Freight growth continues to strain industry capacity. Refrigerated van orders were particularly strong, and dry van orders rebounded after a weak June.

“This is a terrific order number for a month of July," Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles, said. "Usually July is the lowest order month of the year, but not this year. This indicates the trailer market should continue to be robust in 2019.”

“Strong economic and freight growth is expected to continue and, as a result, trailer production is at record levels. Orders should stay elevated as fleets continue to place orders earlier than normal for 2019.”

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