Trailer Orders Fall 12% in May

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Daniel Acker/Bloomberg News

U.S. net trailer orders in May reached 14,250 units, the lowest total this year, ACT Research Co. reported, calling it an expected seasonal slowdown.

Last months total was down about 12% year-over-year compared with 16,092 trailer orders a year earlier. Also,泭orders were down almost 16% from Aprils 16,911, according to ACT.

Although commercial trailer orders have been progressing at a better pace than Class 8 volumes, the expected seasonal slowdown in order placement has begun, Frank Maly, ACTs director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research, said in a statement.

Past data show a slower May is a combination of softer gross orders along with some midyear adjustments to orders already booked with trailer manufacturers, he said.



Maly added, A slower overall economy has resulted in lower freight demand. That, along with a continual reassessment of equipment needs by fleets, also impacts market condition.

He said the May figure was preliminary and a final number will be published later in the month.