U.S. trailer orders dropped again in June, but it’s too soon to tell, according to analysts, whether this should be an industry-wide cause for concern. Despite a 26 percent decline from May and a 5 percent drop from June 2010, ACT Research Co. noted in its report that orders are still double what they were a year ago. Also, the research firm said, the lower order numbers were not a result of cancellations, but rather Continue Reading

Though the recent resurgence in Class 8 truck sales is positive, many fleets remain cautiously optimistic about the economy. That’s why many of the new truck orders are driven by the desire to replace aging equipment, not to add capacity. Still, there is more than enough equipment in most fleets to replace, as this marks the oldest the U.S. trucking fleet has ever been, according to FTR Associates. Though availability of credit and volatile fuel prices have an effect, the age factor alone is what’s driving much of the surge in Continue Reading

While the recently-signed U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking agreement has divided the industry’s lobbying groups, one international trade expert is urging the positives of the deal. Troy Ryley, the managing director of Transplace Mexico, says the new agreement could be a boon for Texas as a distribution center for loads brought in by Mexican trucks, as well as it could help alleviate capacity issues in the Continue Reading

The good news is that truck and trailer orders are on the rise. The better news, perhaps, is that they are growing at such a pace, many OEMs and industry analysts are adjusting their sales forecast numbers as a result. Most major truck manufacturers told Fleet Owner they had upped their anticipated production numbers, while some even wondered if they might reach their peak of what they could physically produce in a year. For trailers, the order backlog continues to grow, even despite a 30 percent decline in net orders from March to April. ACT Research Co. analysts aren’t too concerned Continue Reading

Class 8 truck orders are posting double- and triple-digit increases, and while that’s good news, it’s creating another challenge, according to analysts. Order levels up 31 percent from March to April and up 157 percent in year-over-year numbers have created a backlog that’s nearing a five-year high. A senior analysts with ACT Research Co., is even predicting all the build slots for this year could be filled by July. The “good problem to have” will be Continue Reading

Despite the positive numbers from FTR Associates about Class 8 truck sales, uncertainty in the industry still lingers, causing some fleets to weigh new engine technologies and even the early signs of a driver shortage affect their buying decisions, according to the most recent Fleet Sentiment Report from CK Commercial Vehicle Research. Orders are being driven by increases in freight volume, replacement of aging equipment, ordering units for evaluation of new engine technology. Some fleets are considering adding used equipment, even as a rising percentage, 50 percent up from 27.5 percent in the first Continue Reading

Preliminary data released by FTR Associates for net Class 8 truck orders for April show another strong month for the industry. Last month’s numbers rose 32 percent over March, which posted a 20 percent increase over February’s numbers. The annualized rate for the past three months is at 362,700 units, and includes the United States, Canada, Mexico and exports. The concern being expressed now is whether manufacturers and suppliers are well-stocked enough to meet this growing demand. This is affecting how FTR Associates may develop forecast numbers, as the research firm has Continue Reading

After taking multiple hits from the economic downturn, commercial truck dealers are encouraged by several indicators that bode well for the industry. Speaking at the American Truck Dealers annual convention and expo in Phoenix, ATD chairman Kyle Treadway outlined five reasons for the nation’s commercial truck dealers to be optimistic this year. Among those reasons are improvements in Continue Reading

Both sales of used Class 8 commercial vehicles and trailers finished last year strong, with sales being up 21 percent and 7 percent respectively from the previous month, according to the latest figures from ACT Research Co. Tight supply and strong demand for late-model, low-mileage trucks will continue to drive up prices of used Class 8 trucks. Overall, retail sales for used trucks were up 31 percent. Commercial trailer net orders, on the Continue Reading

Though the recession was technically declared over in June 2009, most companies or fleets wouldn’t know it. While recovery hasn’t been as brisk, economic analysts are predicting stronger, steady growth in 2011, but it will bring with it a new set of challenges. Those challenges, like the effects of CSA 2010, a potential driver shortage, continued excess capacity and proposed changes to hours-of-service rules, will take tolls on the industry. The FMCSA’s crackdown on unsafe drivers using the CSA 2010 measurement tool could take some off the roads, meaning more equipment left Continue Reading