Trailer Orders Surge 126% Year-Over-Year in April Surprise

Key Details Preliminary net trailer orders reached 19,400 units in April, up 3% from March and jumping 126% compared to April 2025. Seasonally adjusted, the April volume equates to 26,800 units. ACT Research notes that April typically marks one of the weakest months in the annual trailer order cycle, making this year's increase especially noteworthy. Why It Matters Improving freight rates and stronger carrier confidence have bolstered trailer demand despite typical seasonal weakness. However, questions remain about whether this momentum will sustain through the rest of Q2. ACT Research warns that trailer OEMs could quickly exhaust their relatively thin backlogs if demand stays strong. What's Next Fleets may still be evaluating trailer purchases against planned Class 8 tractor investments in 2026. Final April trailer industry data will be released later this month, with preliminary estimates historically within 5% of final numbers. Economic uncertainty and elevated petroleum prices continue to pressure fleet purchasing decisions going forward.