Page 28 - TrailerTalk August 2024_Neat

TRAILERTALK

FTR Reports July U.S. Net Trailer Orders Improved 26% Over June

FTR reports U.S. trailer net orders increased by 26% month-over-month (m/m) to 5,961 units in July but were down 38% year-
over-year (y/y). Orders came in well below seasonal expectations and were 64% below the monthly average order level for the
last 12 months. Despite the m/m gain, July 2024’s net order total was the fourth lowest in the past four years. Cancellations
as a percentage of total gross orders remained above 30% for the third consecutive month.

Although some trailer segments experienced m/m improvements in net orders, the challenging truck freight environment
continues to suppress U.S. trailer demand for 2024. Total trailer build decreased by 10% m/m and 26% y/y in July, totaling an
output of 18,203 units. That figure is 19% lower than the average July build level over the past five years.

With net orders coming in substantially below production levels, backlogs in July dropped, falling by 13,219 units to end at
slightly above 100,000 units. The marginally larger m/m decrease in backlogs than in production resulted in the backlog-to-
build ratio ticking down to 5.5 months. This ratio is at the second lowest level since July 2020 and is roughly four-tenths of
a month below the historical average prior to 2020. The current ratio indicates some limited incentive for manufacturers to
continue to slow production.

Dorsey Trailers Welcomes Aleksejus to TRANSBORDER
Sales Team

Dorsey Trailers, a leading manufacturer of quality-built trailers, is FREIGHT BY
pleased to announce the addition of Don Aleksejus to their sales BORDER, MODE
team. Aleksejus joins Dorsey with more than a decade of experience
in the trailer industry, having previously worked for Fontaine Trailers.
In his new role at Dorsey Trailers, Aleksejus will focus on developing
new dealer relationships in the Eastern U.S., as well as strengthening
connections with existing dealers and their customers. His extensive
industry knowledge will make him a valuable resource for the region.

Load Covering Solutions Hires Inside • Total transborder freight: $134.2 billion of
Sales and Marketing Representative transborder freight moved by all modes of
transportation, down 0.4% compared to
Load Covering Solutions announced Josh Boyd will serve as their June 2023
new Inside Sales and Marketing Representative at their Kadiz, KY • Freight between the U.S. and Canada: $64.3
location. Boyd will support the current Kentucky team by handling billion, down 3.0% from June 2023
parts, service, and systems inquiries from new and existing customers • Freight between the U.S. and Mexico: $69.9
while working closely with them suggesting the custom solution that billion, up 2.1% from June 2023
meets all their load covering needs. He will do the initial groundwork • Mexico continued to lead Canada in freight
to qualify products or services of interest. He will introduce customers dollar value for the last 16 months.
to the features, advantages, and benefits of having a Load Covering • Trucks moved $86.9 billion of freight, down 1.8%
Solutions system and why Load Covering Solution is the best of all compared to June 2023
possible choices to meet your load covering needs. Additionally, Boyd • Railways moved $17.5 billion of freight, up 2.6%
will be leading the marketing of our product across North America by compared to June 2023
both traditional outreach methods as well as increasing digital and • Vessels moved $10.4 billion of freight, up 1.4%
social media presence, ensuring that everyone who can benefit from compared to June 2023
our products has the chance to see what they can do for their business. • Pipelines moved $8.9 billion of freight, up
Boyd may be reached at joshb@loadcovering.com. 10.0% compared to June 2023.

28