COLUMBUS, Ind. — After suffering a weak March, net trailer orders jumped 29% month-over-month in April, according to the latest report from ACT Research. The numbers were stronger than predicted by seasonality, however, year-to-date, net orders lag by 10% compared to 2012, ACT officials said.

“The order activity seen in April is normally expected in March; the commitment delay is an indication of the overarching caution regarding investment commitments by the fleets,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation with ACT Research. “Concerns over a sluggish economy, lacklustre fleet profitability, and credit availability have been the major factors impacting trailer order timing the past few months. Additionally, the pullback in energy investment has specifically impeded the specialty trailer segment.”