The quarterly Fleet Sentiment survey conducted in early January by CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR) indicates that truck fleets are on solid ground entering 2017. A majority of measures covered by the survey show either positive Q/Q or Y/Y comparisons.
Key results from the survey include:
• A combination of the number of fleets and the estimated unit volume of medium/heavy duty truck (primarily Class 8) planned orders for Q1 2017 show a 14% improvement over the same quarter last year.
• New specs for Class 8 trucks being ordered are heavily influenced by safety and aerodynamic technologies.
• Q1 truck orders earmarked for added capacity remain low at 5% of total expected unit volume.
• A majority of fleets surveyed continue to have a driver shortage problem
• Freight/work demand and fleet capacity are in equilibrium for most companies reporting.
• CKCVR’s “How’s Business” measure is back on an upward trajectory after more than a year of declining ratings.
• A very small percentage of fleets reporting are making plans yet to pre-buy or delay purchases based on new GHG-2 rules.
• Overall shop tools and equipment expenditures in 2017 are expected to be similar to 2016
Fleets participating in the Q1 2017 survey operate more than 40,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks (primarily Class 8) and 90,000 trailers. They represent a varied mix of fleet demographics.
For more information about the Fleet Sentiment Report, visit www.ckcvr.com.