Trailer Orders

Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, commented, “Some fleets appear to be prioritizing adding trailers in lieu of power units. So far this year, U.S. trailer net orders have outpaced total North America Class 8 net orders by 7,900 units. Given the increasing level of uncertainty – the economy, tariffs, truck freight demand and pricing, etc. – it remains to be seen if this order strength can be sustained.

“Recently imposed U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory measures, pose significant risks to the North American trailer market, influencing both imported units and domestic production reliant on foreign-sourced materials. OEMs will likely face increased manufacturing costs, diminished margins, and possibly softened or stagnant demand. Suppliers, meanwhile, likely will experience intensified financial pressures stemming from supply chain disruptions, potentially prompting shifts toward alternative sourcing strategies or domestic partnerships. For fleets, higher prices and prolonged lead times may result in postponed procurement decisions or a renewed focus on upgrading power units instead.”