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According to the latest ACT Research Report on the state of the trailer industry in the USA, recent developments indicate that the industry faced challenges as it moved toward 2026. In February 2026, the cancellation rate of orders fell to 0.5% of the backlog, marking the lowest level in 13 months, as Jennifer McNealy, Director of CV Market Research & Publications at ACT Research, reports. This represents a significant decrease compared to January, when the cancellation rate was at 1.6%.
Jennifer McNealy explains that the fluctuations in cancellations in 2025 were substantial before stabilizing at the beginning of the new year. The persistently high cancellation rates in the tank segment, primarily driven by tankers, are attributed to a decline in activities in the oil and gas sector. McNealy pointed out that cancellations of tank trailers are unlikely to remain at a high level as long as oil prices stay elevated.
Decline in orders and backlogs
In February 2026, according to McNealy, there was a decline in net orders, which had previously significantly exceeded production capacities. This led to a 1.5% decrease in backlogs, equivalent to about 1,100 units. McNealy emphasized that the annual ordering cycle is now coming to an end, and it is generally time to reduce the backlog. The question remains how strong the short-term interest of truck drivers in new trailers is. As in 2025, there is currently a low backlog.
