Trucking industry analysts FTR says the 45,500 trailer orders in December were the second highest on record – just 1.5% below October 2014 – and capped off by far the best order year ever for trailers at over 360,000.
According to FTR, dry van orders set an all-time record, as OEMs aggressively sought orders to book into the third and fourth quarters. Refrigerated van orders were also at an impressive pace.
“The trailer market is blazing hot as fleets continue to lock-up future build slots in anticipation of a strong freight environment this year,” said Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles. “Fleets are placing orders for vans and flatbeds out through the end of the year. Manufacturing capacity is still tight, however several OEMs have plans to increase build rates during the year.”