New Truck Orders Up 12%

NASHVILLE, IN.– Freight Transportation Research Associates (FTR) has released preliminary data on total net orders for September Class 8 trucks.

And it’s increased 12 percent above the August 2011 numbers, not to mention 56 percent higher than September 2010.

While orders have improved recently, the FTR noted that the annualized order rate for the six-month period through September is considerably less than earlier this year.

"Given the level of order activity," said Eric Starks, president of FTR, "it appears that truckers are not very concerned about a slowing economy. This is a good sign that things are not falling apart. The next three months will set the stage for 2012 as we will be entering traditionally strong order months. As the shipping season winds down, truckers will assess their position and place orders for delivery in late Q1 and Q2 so that they are prepared for next year’s shipping season.”

When taken with this report released by the ATA, it’s starting to look like things aren’t half-bad for the trucking community.