Freight trend point to higher truck-trailer sales in ’11

NASHVILLE, Ind. — Accelerating economic activity, if sustained, could improve the North American freight picture resulting in higher truck rates and increased truck and trailer sales in 2011.

Meanwhile, says FTR Associates, 2010 tractor sales will continue to be affected by the new EPA mandate, with higher sales in the first half, based on the tail end of the pre-buy that clears out 2009 inventory, and a second-half slowdown likely.

"Higher freight demand will cause the existing large overhang of surplus equipment to be worked down more quickly, translating into the potential for more units to be sold in 2011," said Eric Starks, president of FTR. "Our 2010 production forecast remains unchanged but this demand for 2009 vehicles will pull ahead build to the first half of 2010 at a corresponding decline in 2nd half numbers.”