BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Trailer orders came in significantly above expectations in September at 34,700 units, according to FTR.

The month’s order total was 48% above August and 8% better than last September’s. Trailer orders have not totaled 338,000 units over the past 12 months.

Dry van orders were up 11% year-over-year and refrigerated van and liquid tank orders were also strong. Other segments showed some weakness, including flatbed, which were down 39% year-over-year.

“The fall order season starts off with a bang,” said Don Ake, FTR vice-president of commercial vehicles. “The dry van and refrigerated van segments are running at record levels and show no signs of slowing down at this point. However, based on what is happening on the truck side, the trailer market must ease up at some point. It is significant that orders are up in September over last year. While we don’t expect to come close to matching the record order amounts of 2014Q4, the trailer market is in great shape heading into 2016. This is a fantastic start to the traditional order cycle, and it is consistent with our forecast for a ‘soft landing’ next year.”