BLOOMINGTON, IN – Trucking industry analysts FTR say U.S. trailer orders in December were the second highest on record – just 1.5% below October 2014.

The number of net orders in December 2015 totaled 45,500. The full-year total for 2014 was over 360,000, by far the best order year ever.

According to FTR, dry van orders set an all-time record, as OEMs aggressively sought orders to book into the third and fourth quarters.  Refrigerated van orders were also at an impressive pace.

Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles, said, “The trailer market is blazing hot as fleets continue to lock-up future build slots in anticipation of a strong freight environment this year.  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.”