A boost in Class 8 truck orders in October unfortunately doesn’t translate into fleets’ intentions to purchase new trailers, according to the latest FSR Equipment Buying Index produced by CK Commercial Vehicle Research. The 4th quarter survey indicated a double-digit drop in purchasing intentions from the previous quarter, mostly due to fleets backing off of buying trailers. Only 21 percent of responding fleets said they’ll be purchasing new trailers in the fourth quarter while 46 percent planned on adding power units.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Despite encouraging preliminary Class 8 net order figures in October, fleet managers aren’t opening their wallets just yet, according to the latest FSR Equipment Buying Index produced by CK Commercial Vehicle Research.

The company’s fourth quarter survey, which measures US fleet buying intentions, fell 23% from the previous quarter to a reading of 68.7. The main source of the decline was that very few fleets planned to purchase new trailers, CKCVR reported.

Only 21% of responding fleets said they’ll be purchasing new trailers in the fourth quarter while 46% planned on adding power units.

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