Trailer orders bounce back in August

According to FTR Intel, preliminary trailer orders bounced back in August to 15,100 units, +79% from July, but still -47% year-over-year. Trailers orders for the past twelve months now total 341,000 units.

“The disruptions in the supply chain have disrupted production in 2021 and are now delaying order placements in 2022,” Don Ake, VP of commercial vehicles at FTR, commented. “OEMs do not know when they will be able to ramp up production, so a tremendous amount of uncertainty exists. The supply chain is expected to remain clogged for several more months and then improve at a gradual level throughout the first half of next year.”

In August, a few OEMs began limited bookings for 2022. Fleets are eager to lock up prime 2022 build slots; however, OEMs continue to be careful in managing order scheduling. OEMs will not be able to build all the orders wanted in 2021. These orders will roll into the first quarter of 2022. This and the uncertain supply chain make it difficult for trailer builders to slot orders and plan production for next year.

“There is enormous demand for new trailers in 2022,” Ake said. “OEMs are not producing enough trailers in 2021, so pent-up demand grows every month. Freight growth is expected to be robust, rolling into next year. Fleets are desperate for more new trailers today, and they perceive an even greater need next year. When OEMs begin booking at full throttle for 2022, there could be a record number of trailer orders for the month.”