Following a modest pullback in November, the trailer industry closed 2012 on a strong note: December saw new orders rise to a multi-year high, while cancellation activity remained at modest levels.
Trailer Order Volume Strongest Since March 2006
Following a modest pullback in November, the trailer industry closed 2012 on a strong note: December saw new orders rise to a multi-year high, while cancellation activity remained at modest levels.
New orders rose 38% month-over-month from November to 31,586 units. Trailer shipments for the full year were up almost 13%. This update on industry performance was reported in the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co.
“The fact that orders strengthened in the face of the fiscal cliff speaks to the strength of underlying trailer demand and the ongoing health of trucking fundamentals,” said Frank Maly, director-CV Transportation with ACT Research.
“We believe that rising consumer and business confidence will bode well for continued strength in trailer demand in 2013.”
More Fleet Management

'Beyond Compliance,' Regulations, Driver Coaching on ATRI’s 2026 Research List
The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.
Read More →
Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis on the Growing Need to Replace Old Trucks
Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis says it's time for fleets to get back to the fundamentals of good maintenance practices. And that includes replacing older, inefficient equipment.
Read More →
Truckstop.com Adding to Open Deck, Heavy Haul Offerings
Load matching for flatbed, lowbed, oversize and overweight loads can't be automated like basic van freight, but Truckstop.com is adding more high-tech tools to help.
Read More →
Trucker Path, Truckstop.com Expand Load Access Partnership
An expanded Trucker Path and Truckstop.com integration brings more freight opportunities into the TruckLoads app while emphasizing security and network quality.
Read More →
Truckload Rates Hit Two-Year Highs as Diesel Costs Surge, DAT Says
Strong March freight demand combined with a spike in fuel costs pushed both spot and contract truckload rates to their highest levels in more than two years.
Read More →
The AI Conversation You Need to Have with Your TMS Provider
Everyone’s talking about AI — but is your transportation management system actually built for it?
Read More →
Kriska Buys Fellow Canadian Carrier Sharp Transportation Systems
Being part of KTG will allow Sharp to expand and improve its services.
Read More →
Bill in House Would Raise Minimum Insurance for Motor Carriers to $5 Million
The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act would increase insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers by nearly seven times.
Read More →
FTR Trucking Conditions Index Hits Four-Year High in February
Strong freight rates push TCI to 10.2, but FTR expects fuel-price volatility to skew March results.
Read More →
C.H. Robinson Offers Carriers Relief as Diesel Prices Surge
C.H. Robinson is waiving fees on fuel cards and cash advances for April and May, aiming to help carriers offset rising diesel costs tied to geopolitical instability.
Read More →
