January 2021 trailer orders up 105% compared to January 2020

January 2021 net U.S. trailer orders fell more than 30% from December 2020, but rose nearly 105% compared to January 2020.

Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 32,680 units were down 30% versus December 2020, but 91% better than the previous January, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailer Report.

“That continued the growth of the order board, as orders were 66% above current build rates, and generates a conundrum for OEMs,” said Frank Maly, director of CV transportation analysis and research at ACT Research. “Open production slots now come with 2022 dates, and OEMs, concerned about component and materials costs, are hesitant to extend pricing commitments that far.”

U.S. trailers report provides a monthly review of the current U.S. trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders, and factory shipments.

“Large fleets, driving much of the current demand, may also be hesitant to extend CAPEX plans that far,” Maly added. “In the middle, small to medium fleets are struggling to recover from COVID lockdowns. Expect some order softness until production grows.”