Orders for new trucks remain strong

Despite the troubles in the trucking industry, orders for equipment continue to strengthen as freight haulers generate strong revenue, Fleet Owner reports.

Act Research recently found a number of factors that are keeping the industry intact. For instance, many orders are not just for Class 8, but for trailers too.

"The U.S. economy is healthy enough, truckers are making money, and they have not bought significant amounts of new equipment in three or four years, so the fleet is old and needs replacing," Kenny Vieth, senior partner and general manager for ACT Research Co.

Researchers found that Class 8 orders for North American markets are increasing, with more than 24,000 order in February. This pushes production into a backlog of just under 100,000 units, which is an increase of more than 50,000 units.

Officials added that proper fleet management may be key during the next few years. Ordering more Class 8 vehicles in the coming years may decrease due to growing uncertainty over oil prices, inflation and the impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

According to ACT Research, full year production of Class 8 vehicles increased 30 percent from numbers recorded in 2009, which translates to more than 154,000 units.

By Andie Martin

Orders for new trucks remain strong

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011