BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A strong December for trailer orders pushed 2014 into record territory, according to the latest data from FTR.

FTR reports trailer net orders of 45,500 units in December, the second highest tally on record, just 1.5% shy of the all-time record in October 2014.

Trailer orders for the year came in at more than 360,000 units, by far the best order year ever, FTR reports. Dry van orders set an all-time high, as OEMs aggressively sought orders to book into the third and fourth quarters.

Refrigerated van orders were also strong.

“The trailer market is blazing hot as fleets continue to lock-up future build slots in anticipation of a strong freight environment this year,” said Don Ake, FTR vice-president of commercial vehicles. “Fleets are placing orders for vans and flatbeds out through the end of the year.  Manufacturing capacity is still tight, however several OEMs have plans to increase build rates during the year.”