US trailer orders fall after strong November: FTR

by Truck News

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – FTR revealed today that US trailer net orders for December fell to 25,500 units. Full year 2015 totalled 313,000 units.

The numbers reflect a 35% drop month-over month and 43% drop year-over-year, though they met expectations after a robust November.

After three strong months, dry van orders cooled as well, while refrigerated vans and flatbeds were weaker due to cancellations.

FTR added December trailer build was down overall 3% from November, with both dry van and flatbed build rates slowing. The liquid tank market remained steady, and dry tank production improved, while the dump trailer market continues strong.

“The order numbers are down month-over-month and year-over-year, but that is only because they are compared to two of the strongest order months in history,” said Don Ake, FTR vice-president of commercial vehicles. “We enter 2016 with the largest backlog ever, so we can expect another strong trailer year. The market continues to be driven by robust demand for dry and refrigerated vans. Consumer spending has been steady, and there is still some pent-up demand for vans. Production is expected to ease back moderately in the second half of 2016. Most of the vocational markets are struggling a bit, except for dump trailers, which show no sign of slowing anytime soon.”

trailer orders ftr december


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