FTR: Trailer orders decline in October

U.S. truck trailer net orders totaled 32,200 units in October, a 7 percent decrease from September and a 30 percent decline from the same period in 2014.    U.S. truck trailer net orders totaled 32,000 units in October, a 7 percent decline from September and a 30 percent decline from the same period in 2014, according to the latest figures from the freight transportation analyst FTR.
   Over the past 12 months, U.S. trailer orders have totaled 324,000 units.
   Refrigerated van orders in October rose 40 percent from September. This segment is expected to remain strong throughout 2016, FTR Vice President of Commercial Vehicles Don Ake said.
   “The large order activity in this segment (a record) was totally the result of large fleets placing their entire 2016 requirements now, in order to reserve production slots,” Ake said in a statement.
   Dry van activity was solid, however it fell 22 percent from September, which saw robust results.
   Dump trailer orders remain strong, however tanker orders were weak for the month.
   Although flat-bed orders were at their highest level since March, they were still down 51 percent year-over-year, according to FTR.
   Overall, trailer production for all segments combined was down 8 percent (per day) from September.
   “In spite of the monthly or yearly comparisons, October was still an outstanding month for trailer orders,” Ake said. “Strength in the dry van and refrigerated van segments boosted the total. Flatbeds and tanks have really cooled off, however.”