COLUMBUS, Ind. — Trailer net orders were up 12% month-over-month in April, but 7% lower than the same month last year, according to ACT Research.

“New orders continued to meander in April, the result of fleet caution about current freight conditions and the extent of the current backlog,” said Frank Maly, director, CV transportation analysis and research at ACT.

“While both categories have seen seasonal easing, trailer orders continue to significantly outpace power orders; the trailer/tractor net order ratio has been at, or above, the normally expected range for nine straight months.”

He added that while there is certainly concern over softness in freight volumes, as well as in contract and spot rates, fleet investment plans continue to be relatively stable; current orderboards indicate that orders placed today for dry vans or reefers will likely come with 2017 calendar year delivery dates.