Preliminary September trailer orders show market trends and sequential growth

ACT Research recently released its preliminary September trailer order data, showing 11,300 units booked, a 25% increase from August’s 9,100 units. The company, which provides market analysis and data for the commercial vehicle industry, noted that the total Q3 net orders reached 29,200 units, 8% higher than Q3 2024, and year-to-date orders approached 121,200 units, about 20% better than the same period last year.

Key points from the September report:

• September orders rose 2,300 units month to month.
• Orders are still 5% below September 2024.
• Seasonal adjustment lowers tally to ~10,000 units.
• Weak for-hire carrier profitability, economic moderation, and EPA low NOx policy continue to pose challenges.
• Potential positives include pent-up demand and possible shift of fleet capex to trailers.

“Sequentially, September’s higher net order intake was expected, as the annual cycle begins to move toward stronger order months at the end of Q3 when the industry begins opening next year’s orderboards,” Jennifer McNealy, director of CV market research & publications at ACT Research, said.