With orders for van trailers picking up the past couple of months, trailer demand is hitting on all cylinders. In March, orders rose to a seven-plus year high at 37,100 units.

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Historically, September represents the end of the annual soft order period that typically begins in May. That orders were below the rate of build in September was not unexpected nor out of the ordinary. That said, if the industry is going to maintain current build rates into 2006, stronger orders above the rate of build will be required to replenish depleted backlogs.

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While consumer confidence is beaten down at present, a strong influx of public and private rebuilding dollars for the Gulf will in large part offset the negative effect of higher energy costs. We are currently projecting that U S trailer shipments in 2005 will be around 253,000 units, with containers, chassis and dollies adding another 36,000 units.

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