COLUMBUS, Ind. – Trailer orders jumped more than 70% in November, but were still off year-over-year, according to the latest data from ACT Research.

It calculated preliminary net trailer orders at 36,300 units.

“Net trailer orders rebounded strongly in November, as the industry entered the core of its order season. Order volume was the highest of the year, and the best since last November. Three factors contributed to the solid performance,” said Frank Maly, ACT’s director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research.

“Dry van orders were more than double that of October and nearly equivalent to last November. Cancellations, which we measure as a percent of backlog, appear to have slid to the lowest rate since May. Finally, recent energy price increases appear to have helped liquid and bulk tank order volumes post both m-o-m and y-o-y improvement.”

Maly added, “Despite the month-over-month surge for total trailer orders, volume still trailed last November by roughly 7% to 8%, while year-to-date volumes are down over 30%.”