BLOOMINGTON, IN – U.S. companies ordered 39,356 new trailers in November, the second highest month ever, following only October’s recording setting mark. According to FTR, trailer orders have now totaled 342,000 the past 12 months.

According to FTR, orders were inflated by fleets placing orders in November for shipment in the second and third quarters of 2015.

OEM’s continue to solicit long-term orders due to competitive pressures and expected scarce production slots.

Don Ake, FTR’s vice president of commercial vehicles, said the trailer market is showing momentum that is expected to flow into the second half of 2015.

“The environment for fleets is very positive with plenty of freight, tight capacity, dropping diesel prices and increasing profits,” he said. “All trailer segments remain strong and steady, especially flatbed orders, which set an all-time record in November. He said backlogs are high enough now that build rates should remain robust for several quarters.

“The strength of order activity certainly bodes well for 2015 production,” he said.