Fleet Sentiment Survey showing solid fleet environment going into 2017

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.