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U.S. trailer net orders surged in June, providing a much-needed rebound in a market that has been grappling with economic and policy-driven uncertainties. According to FTR’s latest data, net orders climbed to 13,827 units—more than double the May total and a 157% year-over-year increase.
Despite the momentum, the bigger picture is more nuanced.
🔍 Key Takeaways
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June’s Rebound:
- 📊 Up 113% month-over-month
- 🚛 13,827 net orders, but still below the 2025 average of 16,134 units/month
- 📅 Year-to-date orders are up 36% compared to 2024
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Order Cancellations Normalize:
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Fell to 17% of gross orders in June (vs. 39% in May), returning to more typical levels
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Production Lagging:
- Builds increased 7% from May but are still down 13% y/y
- Total 2025 YTD builds: 98,773 units, down 26% y/y
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Backlogs Shrink:
- Down 4% m/m and 10% y/y, now at 104,219 units
- Backlog-to-build ratio: 5.8 months
🧾 Analyst Perspective
Dan Moyer, senior analyst of commercial vehicles at FTR, puts the dynamics into perspective:
“Tariffs are increasing the materials cost of building trailers, especially with the doubling of the rate on imports of steel and aluminum to 50% in early June. Trailer manufacturers and their suppliers continue to face a difficult choice: either absorb the rising costs themselves or pass them on to fleets, which could significantly influence decisions around fleet expansion and maintenance. This financial pressure – along with lingering market uncertainty – appears to be leading many fleets to postpone new trailer purchases and instead consider refurbished units or alternative configurations.
Ultimately, the market is becoming increasingly price sensitive. Trailer lifecycles are being extended, and demand is gradually shifting toward used equipment and non-traditional trailer options. These trends reflect a broader adaptation to the current economic and regulatory environment.”
🔄 Market Shift: New vs. Used
The quote reflects an important reality: the trailer market is adapting. High costs and supply pressures are accelerating shifts in fleet behavior, such as:
- Extending equipment life cycles
- Opting for used or refurbished trailers
- Exploring non-traditional configurations
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