An aging dry van fleet and improving market conditions helped push trailer orders for these models up 79 percent over 2009 levels, according to the latest numbers from ACT Research. But it’s not just dry vans that are making improvements. Eight of the nine trailer categories tracked by the research firm posted year-over-year growth. Analysts are calling the improvements overall something of a perfect storm. For example, while the average age of Class 8 trucks in U.S. fleets is now 6.5 years – the highest in 30 years – U.S. fleet dry van trailers now average 8.5 years. In addition, the supply/demand Continue Reading

Great Dane Trailers will reopen its Jonesboro, Ark., plant due to a boost in dry freight van demand. About 70 recalled employees began work in late September, and the first trailers, SSL dry freight vans featuring Great Dane’s distinct single sided laminate interior lining, started rolling off the line last week.

Opened by Great Dane in September 2002, the Jonesboro facility has a history of reaching production goals and achieving high levels of safety performance. Production is Continue Reading

Though new trailer orders took a dip from June to July this year, industry analysts remain positive about the overall direction of the market. According to data from ACT Research, Co., last month’s numbers showed a 74 percent improvement over the same time last year. And the largest segment of commercial trailers, dry vans, saw something of a comeback with a 134 percent jump from July 2009. As far as the 9 percent decline in new orders from June to July, researchers say bear in mind the continued effects of a very weak 2009. Despite these tentative numbers, ACT Research showed the demand Continue Reading