COLUMBUS, Ind. — The trailer manufacturing industry enjoyed its best shipment year ever in 2015, according to ACT Research.

The previous record was set in 1999.

“Despite trailer net orders in December falling 31% month-over-month and 38% year-over-year, the solid order season continues for this segment of the commercial vehicle industry,” said Frank Maly, director–CV transportation analysis and research at ACT. “Two factors impacted December’s orders: the continued front-loading of the order season, along with market headwinds from freight rates and volumes that had already been reflected in Class 8 order levels.”

He added, “Softness in dry vans and refers were responsible for the poor order comparisons, as large fleets took an early orderboard position, so December was not that surprising.”

Maly said 2016 has kicked off with the best order boards in more than 20 years.

“While the remaining months of the 2015-16 order season may be somewhat lackluster on a year-over-year basis, there is still enough momentum for 2016 to be a solid year for industry shipments, although volume is projected to trail the 2015 record,” Maly added.