BLOOMINGTON, IN – While down 21% compared to January, net trailer orders for February were up 20% compared to February 2016, with February 2017 seeing the highest orders for the month since 2014.

Refrigerated van orders remained at high levels, while dry van orders were steady for February.

For the fourth month in a row, backlogs continue to climb, with production improving moderately. Net trailer orders for the last 12 months now sit at 239,000 units.

“This is the fourth solid month of orders for trailers,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles for FTR. “Van fleets are now placing orders for the second half of the year, confident that the economy and freight will continue to grow.  Dealers are also restocking after being cautious the last half of 2016.  Small fleets have increased their ordering activity in 2017, adding to the market momentum. In addition, vocational markets are beginning to recover after a tough 2016.”

According to Ake, current orders are indicating 2017 will be a solid year, and that the trailer market is similar to class 8 trucks with production not responding to stronger orders from the few months prior. It’s expected production will begin a moderate climb in the near future as the transportation sector experiences an improvement in business confidence.