Trailer sector rebounding faster than trucks

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The commercial trailer segment saw a boost in net orders in August, up 14 percent from July and 69 percent from the same period last year — a bigger gain than heavy-duty trucks, which are improving, but still way down from any relative month in 2008. 

August was the second straight month to see year-over-year gains for the trailer industry, in comparison to a depressed second half of 2008, according the latest State of the Industry: U.S. trailers by ACT Research.

However, year to date ending August, net orders are 35 percent below the same period in 2008. For the three months ending August, net orders for trailers are up 16 percent year-to-year.

"While recent order trends indicate the industry is no longer contracting, demand conditions are still about half of normal replacement levels. It is too early to celebrate a recovery," said Kenny Vieth, partner and senior analyst with ACT Research. "On a bright note, July and August are typically the weakest order months of the year, hinting that modest sequential improvement could continue in the coming months."