COLUMBUS, Ind. — Commercial trailer net orders surged 74% in July compared to the same month last year, according to the latest figures from ACT Research.

Dry van orders led the way by gaining 134% year-over-year.

Net orders of 10,688 commercial trailers in July were 9% lower than June levels, which is chalked up to normal seasonal buying cycles, ACT reports.

The most recent six-month period is the best for commercial trailer orders since the six-month span ending February 2008. And for the first time since 1998, the backlog of orders increased from June to July.

“While the decline from June to July may appear disappointing, the overall direction of the commercial trailer sector continues to improve,” said Kenny Vieth, partner and senior analyst with ACT Research. “However, it should also be noted that these gains are coming off a very weak 2009 and, like the commercial truck sector, net orders have yet to reach normal replacement levels.”