While supply chain hiccups continue to throw kinks into the supply chain here and there, more and more trailer manufacturers are finding things easing up. This is good news, as orderboards show a big uptick in net trailer orders from fleet managers.
ACT Research recently reported an increase of about 82% in net trailer orders from September to October of 2022. Compared to 2021, orders are 168% higher in the same time period. More orderboards are opening for 2023, and this positive shift signals that it may be much easier to get a trailer order placed and in the works going into the new year.
OEMs Feeling More Stable
Part of the reason for the current upward trend has been the aforementioned easing of supply chain challenges. OEMs have been hesitant to accept new orders in recent years because the supply chain issues caused by Covid-19 have made it difficult to predict the availability of materials and labor.
As logistics networks have overcome challenges and found new and innovative solutions to surmount supply chain bottlenecks and slowdowns, OEMs are feeling more confident. This, in turn, has not only opened orderboards but has also given fleet managers more confidence in ordering new equipment.
If You’re Considering a Trailer Order
If you’re a fleet manager who is currently considering placing a trailer order, one piece of advice is to get in early and stay in line. As more trucking companies are placing orders now, there are bound to be fewer opportunities to take someone else’s place. Not only will wait times grow in the coming months but pulling an order based on wait times will only extend the time it will take to get an order completed.
The pandemic shuffled everything around for trailer manufacturers, trucking company managers, and materials suppliers, but as things are getting back to normal, it would be a good idea to get your mindset back into pre-pandemic thinking. There will undoubtedly continue to be small pandemic-related disruptions in supply chains, and these may persist for years. For now, however, orders for trailers are going to be running hot, so don’t wait to get yours placed and stay the course once those wheels are set in motion.
ADDITIONAL CREDIT:
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10187311/trailer-orders-on-upward-trend-as-2023-orderboards-open
