Trailer order intake slips in July, per reports
U.S trailer orders slipped in July but remained significantly higher than last year’s same-month tally, according to new data from ACT Research and FTR Intel.
A net intake of 8,800 units was 43% lower than June’s high-side surprise, ACT reported, but more than 19% higher than the subdued level of orders accepted in July 2024.
“This puts the year-to-date order tally at 100,700 units, 23% higher than the 81,800 bookings for the first seven months of 2024,” Jennifer McNealy, ACT director of CV market research and publications, said in a news release. “At this point, weaker intake continues to be expected through at least mid-Q3 when more of the industry’s 2026 order books open.
“As the industry remains in the weaker months of the annual order cycle, build again outpaced orders in July. Trailer production was about double order placements. As a result, backlogs contracted 11% sequentially and remain sharply lower against 2024’s already soft backdrop.”
Tariff, market uncertainties persist
FTR reported July orders of 7,794 units, down 39% month-over-month, as tariff pressures and freight market uncertainty erased June’s dry van-driven rebound. Orders still were 23% higher year-over-year on weak 2024 comps, but volumes remain well below the 10-year July average of 14,856. Year-to-date 2025 orders total 102,991 units, up 31% y/y and averaging 14,713 per month. Looking ahead, OEMs face elevated volatility, making disciplined production planning and flexible pricing strategies critical until freight demand and tariff conditions stabilize.
Total U.S. trailer build declined 1% m/m and 4% y/y to 17,999 units in July. YTD 2025 build is down 23% y/y to 116,826 units, averaging 16,689 per month. With net orders trailing build, backlogs fell by 11,364 units (-11% m/m; -10% y/y) to 92,132 units, lowering the backlog/build ratio to 5.1 months. The shrinking backlog signals potential production headwinds if order activity does not rebound with the opening of 2026 order boards in or about September.
“The U.S. trailer market is now under mounting pressure as tariff exposure broadens,” said Dan Moyer, FTR senior analyst for commercial vehicles. “Higher tariff rates for most major U.S. trading partners kicked in on Aug. 7. Potentially more directly significant for the trailer sector is an expansion of the 50% steel and aluminum tariffs as of Aug. 18 that apparently affects not only imported key components but also the steel and aluminum content of fully assembled imported trailers.
“The escalating tariff impact could affect the trailer market in both supply and demand. OEMs and suppliers must either absorb margin losses or raise prices, possibly accelerating industry consolidation and favoring larger, vertically integrated players. Meanwhile, many fleets are extending replacement cycles—leaning more heavily on used trailers—and deferring expansion, thus dampening demand for new build.
“The market is shifting toward heightened price sensitivity and cautious capital spending with some supply chains likely considering domestic reorientation, but at structurally higher cost levels. Policy uncertainty is compounding volatility, making long-term planning increasingly difficult.”