COLUMBUS, Ind. — Net orders and shipments of North American commercial trailers continued their robust performance in March, rising 21 percent from February levels, while shipments were more than 33 percent above the previous month.

ACT Research Co. (ACT) also noted that shipments for the first quarter of 2011 were up 109 percent compared to the same quarter last year.

While all trailer categories are showing substantial improvement compared to last year, the dry van segment continues to set the pace, with shipments up 198 percent year-to-date.

"Net orders have now grown for 18 consecutive months, as well as 19 of the past 20. Total trailer net orders are now 98 percent above the level at this time last year," said Frank Maly, Director CV Transportation Analysis and Research with ACT Research.

Additionally, backlogs continue to grow. "The stage is set for solid industry performance for the remainder of 2011 and throughout 2012," added Maly.