Net orders for trucking trailers in the U.S. in April declined sharply to just 10,669 units, down 50% month- over-month (m/m) and down 23% year-over-year (y/y), according to a report from Bloomington, Indiana-based FTR.
Those numbers reveal signs of “significant pressure amid escalating headwinds” such as tariff volatility and uncertainty over the economy and the truck freight market, the transportation analysis firm said.
Despite April’s sharp drop, year-to-date (YTD) trailer net orders for 2025 totaled 76,901 units, representing a 27% increase compared to the same period last year, FTR found.
“U.S. tariffs and potential retaliatory measures will significantly impact the U.S. trailer market, raising costs for imported materials and affecting domestic production. OEMs and suppliers can expect higher production costs, reduced margins, and potentially softer demand, prompting some potential shifts toward local sourcing or domestic manufacturing,” Dan Moyer, senior analyst, commercial vehicles, said in a release.
“Some fleets may delay new trailer purchases – reflected in the sharp decline in April net orders – and extend equipment lifecycles, boosting aftermarket activity. Rising costs might also encourage limited industry consolidation, creating acquisition opportunities for larger manufacturers,” Moyer said.
