Reports: US trailer orders surge ahead of 2027 cycle

New data from ACT and FTR shows fleets aggressively securing heavy-duty equipment amid looming tariff price hikes, pent-up replacement demand, and tightening capacity.
Oct. 21, 2026
3 min read
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Key Highlights

  • Industry consensus: September U.S. trailer orders surged over 300% year-over-year, driven by fleet replacement needs, tightening capacity, and pre-buying ahead of anticipated tariff price hikes.
  • ACT Research: Preliminary net orders reached 42,700 units—a 311% annual increase—driven by strong carrier profitability and supply chain pressures projected to push backlogs up by 18,000 units.
  • FTR analysis: Orders jumped 78% month-over-month to a 21-month high of 43,059 units, as early 2027 order book openings and EPA regulatory uncertainty shifted capital spending from trucks to trailers.
Jason McDaniel | Bulk Transporter
U.S. heavy-duty trailer orders surged by more than 300% in September as fleets moved aggressively to secure equipment ahead of anticipated 2027 price hikes and regulatory changes, according to new data from ACT and FTR.

U.S. heavy-duty trailer orders surged by more than 300% in September as fleets moved aggressively to secure equipment ahead of anticipated 2027 price hikes and regulatory changes, according to new data from ACT and FTR.

U.S. heavy-duty trailer orders skyrocketed in September as fleets moved aggressively to secure equipment for the 2027 cycle.

Both industry forecasting firms tracking the data reported month-over-month and year-over-year gains driven by pent-up replacement demand and the push to get ahead of impending tariff-related price increases. The strong start to the new order season highlights a shift in capital spending as carriers look to refresh and potentially expand their existing capacity.

“Industry feedback reinforces the improving outlook,” Dan Moyer, FTR’s senior analyst for commercial vehicles, said in a news release. “Rising quote activity and more requests for proposals indicate that fleets are becoming increasingly active in equipment planning. Trailer leasing utilization remains high while availability has tightened in certain markets, suggesting growing pressure on existing equipment capacity.”

ACT notes perfect storm

Preliminary net trailer orders in September reached 42,700 units, marking a 311% year-over-year gain and an increase of more than 32,000 units from the previous September, according to ACT Research. The firm noted that on a nominal basis, net orders were up 18,000 units—or 75% sequentially—though the seasonally adjusted (SA) volume of 36,700 units represented a more modest 9% rise from August’s SA intake.

ACT
ACT Research data tracks U.S. trailer net orders from January 2019 through preliminary August 2026 figures, showing a 193% year-over-year increase leading into the fall.

ACT Research data tracks U.S. trailer net orders from January 2019 through preliminary August 2026 figures, showing a 193% year-over-year increase leading into the fall.

“ACT Research continues to hear that the dramatic spike in U.S. trailer orders is a four-fold event: customers ordering ahead of tariff-related price increases, healthier long-term profitability conditions for carriers, pent-up replacement demand, and a sharply tighter driver supply,” said Jennifer McNealy, ACT’s director of CV market research and publications. “The current U.S. trailer industry environment is a perfect storm: Carriers now have both the willingness and the ability to purchase equipment and are inspired to do so sooner rather than later, as they also face rising prices and an untested domestic supply chain that could cause build constraints, lengthier production queues, and delayed deliveries.”

With order intake coming in well above current build levels, ACT expects industry backlogs to rise by approximately 18,000 units once full industry data is reported.

FTR tracks capital shifts

FTR reported September U.S. trailer orders jumped to 43,059 units, representing the highest volume since December 2022. The firm’s data showed a surge of 78% month-over-month and a 385% year-over-year spike.

FTR
FTR’s tracking of U.S. trailer net orders illustrates the significant September 2026 surge, eclipsing 40,000 units and easily outpacing the previous year’s volume.

FTR’s tracking of U.S. trailer net orders illustrates the significant September 2026 surge, eclipsing 40,000 units and easily outpacing the previous year’s volume.

According to FTR, the early opening of 2027 order books and anticipation of further trailer price increases encouraged fleets to place their orders sooner. The firm also noted that the conclusion of the Class 8 pre-buy and regulatory uncertainty surrounding the EPA’s 2027 NOx compliance requirements may be shifting near-term capital spending away from power units and toward trailers.

However, FTR cautioned that September’s exceptional order pace may not be sustained long-term, noting that elevated equipment costs, potential supply chain constraints, trade uncertainty, and competing fleet capital needs could eventually temper the pace of the recovery.

About the Author

Jason McDaniel
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Jason McDaniel

Jason McDaniel, based in the Houston TX area, has more than 20 years of experience as an award-winning journalist. He spent 15 writing and editing for daily newspapers, including the Houston Chronicle, and began covering the commercial vehicle industry in 2018. He was named editor of Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter magazines in July 2020.

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