COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Following a modest pullback in November, the trailer industry closed 2012 on a strong note, with new orders rise to a multi-year high in December, while cancellation activity remained at modest levels, according to the latest report from ACT Research. New orders rose 38% month-over-month from November to 31,586 units. Trailer shipments for the full year were up almost 13%, according to ACT.
“The fact that orders strengthened in the face of the fiscal cliff speaks to the strength of underlying trailer demand and the ongoing health of trucking fundamentals,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation with ACT Research. “We believe that rising consumer and business confidence will bode well for continued strength in trailer demand in 2013.”