December trailer orders approach record

December U.S. trailer net orders recorded their second-highest month ever to close out 2014. According to data compiled by FTR, net orders came in at 45,500 for December, just 1.5% below October 2014’s record.

For all of 2014, orders totaled 360,000, the best order year ever recorded, FTR said.

“The trailer market is blazing hot as fleets continue to lock-up future build slots in anticipation of a strong freight environment this year,” said Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles. “Fleets are placing orders for vans and flatbeds out through the end of the year.  Manufacturing capacity is still tight, however several OEMs have plans to increase build rates during the year.”