In recent years, the trucking industry has faced transformative changes driven by the growth of private fleets. As fleet managers adapt to an increasingly complex operational landscape, the focus has shifted toward innovative maintenance strategies that align with evolving trade cycles and market dynamics.

Today, average driver pay has surged to $91,081, reflecting a growing emphasis on retention amid an alarming driver turnover rate of 18.4%. This scenario presents a landscape ripe with both challenges and opportunities for fleet maintenance. Managers are now navigating the need for maintaining vehicle efficiency while also keeping operational costs in check, especially given that private fleets are cycling Class 8 trucks approximately every 6.6 years and aiming to replace vehicles before they require significant repairs.

Additionally, with the increasing complexity of modern trucks, the reliance on outsourced maintenance has become a favored strategy for many, as an estimated 46% of fleets allocate a substantial portion of their budgets to external service providers. These trends underscore the necessity for fleet managers to implement adaptive strategies that ensure not only the viability of maintenance operations but also enhance overall fleet performance in a competitive marketplace.

Key Industry Trends Affecting Trucking Fleet Maintenance

In 2023, the trucking industry experienced significant trends impacting fleet maintenance, notably involving driver compensation and equipment trade cycles. As fleets adapt to these changes, the focus is on balancing operational costs, driver satisfaction, and equipment efficiency.

Driver Compensation Increases

Driver wages saw significant growth across the board. According to the American Trucking Associations, truckload drivers earned a median pay of $76,420, up 10% over the past two years. Furthermore, private carrier drivers reported median earnings reaching $95,114, a 12% increase since 2021. This upward trend in wages is primarily intended to improve retention rates amidst a national driver shortage, which stands at a turnover rate of around 18.4%, making it imperative for trucking companies to invest in their workforce. Additionally, independent contractors for truckload carriers reported even higher median earnings of $186,016, highlighting the competitive market for drivers. [FreightWaves]

Shorter Equipment Trade Cycles

To improve maintenance efficiency and reduce costs, fleets are adopting shorter equipment trade cycles. A recent survey found that 59% of companies are opting for truck life cycles of fewer than five years, an increase from 45% in previous years. This shift is largely driven by the desire for better fuel efficiency and lower repair costs, with respondents indicating that 40.7% preferred newer trucks for these reasons. As a result, many fleets are replacing their vehicles before they reach critical maintenance thresholds, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency. [Fleet Maintenance]

Rising Maintenance Costs

According to the ATRI, repair and maintenance costs rose by 3.1% in 2023, reaching $0.202 per mile. This increase is attributed to higher operational demands and inflationary pressures on parts and labor. Fleets have to navigate these rising costs while managing their maintenance schedules efficiently. [Fleet Maintenance]

Technician Shortage

A critical factor affecting fleet maintenance is the growing shortage of skilled technicians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the need for approximately 23,900 service technicians annually over the next decade. This shortage exacerbates the challenges faced by fleet operators, as it leads to increased labor costs and slower maintenance turnaround times. [Trucking.org]

As the industry continues to adapt, these trends highlight the urgent need for fleets to implement strategies that not only reduce costs but also maximize driver satisfaction and maintain operational efficiency.

Driver Turnover Rates and Their Impact on Fleet Maintenance

Driver turnover in the trucking industry has been a persistent challenge with significant implications for operational costs and fleet maintenance. Here’s an overview of recent trends and statistics:

Driver Turnover Trends

• In 2022, driver turnover rates saw a decline in nearly all sectors. Specifically, less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers experienced a turnover of 20.6%, slightly higher than 2021’s rate of 18.6%.
• Private fleets reported a turnover rate of 20.2% in 2024, indicating the second instance in three years where it surpassed 20%. Though this is higher than before, private fleets tend to maintain lower turnover rates than for-hire carriers.

Impact on Operational Costs

• High turnover leads to continuous recruitment and training, with costs estimated at approximately $12,000 per driver. This encompasses recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity.
• A study indicates that a 10 percentage point rise in driver turnover correlates with a 0.51% increase in truckload prices, as carriers pass on recruitment and training costs to shippers.

Effect on Fleet Maintenance Costs

• In 2022, repair and maintenance costs saw a rise of 12%, reaching $0.196 per mile, attributed to parts shortages and higher technician labor rates.
• Unplanned truck downtime incurs an average cost of $760 per vehicle per day, leading to significant annual losses for fleets due to maintenance-related breakdowns.

Correlation Between Driver Turnover and Fleet Maintenance

• Although direct studies linking driver turnover to maintenance costs are limited, high turnover typically results in a less experienced driver workforce, leading to increased wear and tear on vehicles and higher maintenance needs.
• Frequent driver changes disrupt maintenance schedules and vehicle assignments, complicating management and planning efforts.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implementing predictive maintenance helps identify potential issues before they lead to breakdowns, thereby minimizing downtime and costs.
• Investing in driver retention via competitive compensation and a positive work culture can help reduce turnover rates, resulting in a more experienced workforce and lower maintenance costs.

Addressing driver turnover is crucial for controlling operational and maintenance costs in the trucking industry. By focusing on retention strategies and proactive maintenance practices, fleets can enhance efficiency and profitability.

Implications of Weak Freight Markets on Trailer Purchases and Maintenance Strategies

In the trucking industry, weak freight markets create a ripple effect on trailer purchases and maintenance strategies, compelling fleets to reevaluate their operational approaches. This environment is characterized by reduced demand for freight services, leading to significant implications for fleet management, purchasing decisions, and maintenance strategies.

Decline in Trailer Purchases

During periods of reduced freight visibility and profitability, many carriers choose to postpone trailer purchases to conserve capital. In 2024, a noteworthy 63% decline in year-over-year trailer orders underscored this trend, reflecting a cautious stance from fleet owners in light of constrained market conditions. Companies such as Heartland Express and Marten Transport have notably engaged in fleet reductions, optimizing existing assets instead of committing to new purchases. Moreover, rising materials costs, driven by tariffs affecting steel and aluminum, have inflated trailer prices significantly—estimated increases between 16% to 28%—further discouraging new acquisitions. When a fleet defers trailer investments, there are secondary consequences on operational capacity and potentially the ability to meet future demands, thereby extending existing trailers’ lifespans becomes imperative.

Adjusted Maintenance Strategies

Fleets are compelled to adapt their maintenance strategies in response to both the aging equipment from extended service lives and unpredictable operational costs. With the avoidance of new trailer purchases, many fleets are focusing on rigorous preventive maintenance practices to keep current trailers operational. Regular inspections, corrosion protection measures, and timely repairs become critical as trailers age. Extended service life maintenance requires reallocating budget resources to ensure that any deferred costs associated with more extensive repairs do not accumulate over time. This strategy allows fleets to maintain a competitive edge despite rising maintenance costs, including a reported 3.1% increase attributed to inflation.

Financial Flexibility and Leasing Options

To navigate the financial pressures of a weak freight environment, some fleets consider alternative strategies such as leasing trailers instead of purchasing them outright. Leasing arrangements provide operational flexibility, allowing companies to maintain equipment without the heavy burden of initial investment. This pragmatic approach enables fleets to adapt dynamically to market needs while preserving cash flow for other operational priorities.

Conclusion

Ultimately, navigating a weak freight market requires a careful balance between maintaining operational efficiency and managing costs effectively. By focusing on trailer maintenance and leveraging leasing options, trucking fleets can enhance their resilience against market fluctuations, ensuring that they remain competitive while safeguarding their financial stability.

The Role of Technology in Fleet Maintenance

Advancements in technology have significantly transformed fleet maintenance, particularly through tracking systems, data management, and predictive maintenance tools. These innovations enhance operational efficiency and offer substantial benefits for private fleets, particularly in terms of fleet efficiency.

Tracking Systems

Modern fleet telematics systems integrate in-vehicle hardware with centralized software platforms, enabling real-time collection and analysis of data related to vehicle location, mechanical health, and driver performance. This integration allows for optimized route planning, improved dispatching, and enhanced safety monitoring. By consolidating data from diverse vehicle types into a unified system, fleet managers can achieve a comprehensive overview of their operations. [Wikipedia]

Data Management

Fleet management software (FMS) serves as a centralized platform for coordinating commercial vehicles, processing data collected from telematics devices. This software facilitates vehicle tracking, maintenance scheduling, and driver management, leading to improved operational efficiency, enhanced safety, and regulatory compliance. By digitizing fleet operations and using automated maintenance solutions, FMS enables businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time data. [Wikipedia]

Predictive Maintenance Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionizing fleet maintenance by enabling predictive maintenance strategies. By analyzing sensor data and fault codes, AI can predict potential failures before they occur, allowing for proactive maintenance. This approach has been shown to reduce unplanned downtime by up to 40%, depending on the operation type. [Uptake]

Additionally, AI-driven platforms can automate maintenance scheduling and parts ordering, further streamlining operations. By integrating with maintenance management systems, these platforms can automatically generate work orders and order necessary parts, minimizing delays and ensuring timely repairs. [Uptake]

Benefits for Private Fleets

The adoption of these technologies offers several advantages for private fleets:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Real-time tracking and data analysis enable optimized routing and dispatching, reducing fuel consumption and improving delivery times, contributing to overall fleet efficiency.
• Improved Safety: Monitoring driver behavior and vehicle health helps identify and mitigate risks, leading to safer operations.
• Cost Reduction: Predictive maintenance minimizes unexpected breakdowns and associated costs, while efficient data management reduces administrative overhead.
• Regulatory Compliance: Automated record-keeping ensures adherence to regulations, reducing the risk of penalties.

By leveraging these technological advancements, private fleets can achieve significant improvements in operational performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness while enhancing their fleet efficiency through automated maintenance solutions.

Conclusion

In light of the recent developments in trucking fleet maintenance and trade cycles, it becomes exceedingly clear that strategic planning and flexibility are crucial for success in this industry. As the article has discussed, significant trends such as increasing driver compensation, shorter equipment trade cycles, and the rising costs of maintenance impose new challenges for fleet operators. High driver pay has emerged as a necessary investment to retain talent in a market facing an alarming turnover rate, while the shift to shorter equipment trade cycles promotes better vehicle efficiency and reduced long-term costs.

Additionally, technological innovations are revolutionizing fleet maintenance practices. The integration of tracking systems, data management tools, and predictive maintenance technologies not only streamlines operations but also proactively minimizes downtime and maintenance costs. This technological embrace allows fleet operators to remain competitive while adapting to unpredictable market conditions.

However, the rising costs of maintenance cannot be overlooked. As fleets strive to optimize their operations, it is imperative to closely monitor these expenses. Effective maintenance strategies that prioritize preventive care and consider the aging fleet will enable trucking companies to mitigate unexpected breakdowns and delays. Moreover, the potential of leasing equipment as a financial strategy can provide the necessary operational flexibility to navigate fluctuating demand.

In the words of a leading industry expert, “Success in 2025’s fleet maintenance landscape will hinge on a keen awareness of emerging challenges and a willingness to evolve.” (Fleet Maintenance)

Moving forward, fleet operators are encouraged to maintain a forward-thinking approach that balances cost management with efficiency. By investing in sophisticated technologies and fostering a supportive work culture for drivers, fleets can enhance not only their operational efficiency but also their overall market positioning. In conclusion, adapting to ongoing changes with an open mindset will empower fleet operators to thrive despite the challenges presented by the evolving landscape of trucking fleet maintenance.

Key Industry Trends Affecting Trucking Fleet Maintenance

In 2023, the trucking industry experienced significant trends impacting fleet maintenance, notably involving driver compensation and equipment trade cycles. As fleets adapt to these changes, the focus is on balancing operational costs, driver satisfaction, and equipment efficiency.

Driver Compensation Increases

Driver wages saw significant growth across the board. According to the American Trucking Associations, truckload drivers earned a median pay of $76,420, up 10% over the past two years. Furthermore, private carrier drivers reported median earnings reaching $95,114, a 12% increase since 2021. This upward trend in wages is primarily intended to improve retention rates amidst a national driver shortage, which stands at a turnover rate of around 18.4%, making it imperative for trucking companies to invest in their workforce. Additionally, independent contractors for truckload carriers reported even higher median earnings of $186,016, highlighting the competitive market for drivers. (FreightWaves)

Expert Insight: “Any trucking company with 100% turnover does not have a driver shortage; they have a hell of an HR problem and that has to do with pay and benefits.”
— Todd Spencer, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). (fleetowner.com)

Shorter Equipment Trade Cycles

To improve maintenance efficiency and reduce costs, fleets are adopting shorter equipment trade cycles. A recent survey found that 59% of companies are opting for truck life cycles of fewer than five years, an increase from 45% in previous years. This shift is largely driven by the desire for better fuel efficiency and lower repair costs, with respondents indicating that 40.7% preferred newer trucks for these reasons. As a result, many fleets are replacing their vehicles before they reach critical maintenance thresholds, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency. (Fleet Maintenance)

Rising Maintenance Costs

According to the ATRI, repair and maintenance costs rose by 3.1% in 2023, reaching $0.202 per mile. This increase is attributed to higher operational demands and inflationary pressures on parts and labor. Fleets have to navigate these rising costs while managing their maintenance schedules efficiently. (Fleet Maintenance)

Technician Shortage

A critical factor affecting fleet maintenance is the growing shortage of skilled technicians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the need for approximately 23,900 service technicians annually over the next decade. This shortage exacerbates the challenges faced by fleet operators, as it leads to increased labor costs and slower maintenance turnaround times. (Trucking.org)

As the industry continues to adapt, these trends highlight the urgent need for fleets to implement strategies that not only reduce costs but also maximize driver satisfaction and maintain operational efficiency.

Driver Turnover Rates and Their Impact on Fleet Maintenance

Driver turnover in the trucking industry has been a persistent challenge with significant implications for operational costs and fleet maintenance. Here’s an overview of recent trends and statistics:

Driver Turnover Trends

• In 2022, driver turnover rates saw a decline in nearly all sectors. Specifically, less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers experienced a turnover of 20.6%, slightly higher than 2021’s rate of 18.6%.
• Private fleets reported a turnover rate of 20.2% in 2024, indicating the second instance in three years where it surpassed 20%. Though this is higher than before, private fleets tend to maintain lower turnover rates than for-hire carriers.

Impact on Operational Costs

• High turnover leads to continuous recruitment and training, with costs estimated at approximately $12,000 per driver. This encompasses recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity.
• A study indicates that a 10 percentage point rise in driver turnover correlates with a 0.51% increase in truckload prices, as carriers pass on recruitment and training costs to shippers.

Effect on Fleet Maintenance Costs

• In 2022, repair and maintenance costs saw a rise of 12%, reaching $0.196 per mile, attributed to parts shortages and higher technician labor rates.
• Unplanned truck downtime incurs an average cost of $760 per vehicle per day, leading to significant annual losses for fleets due to maintenance-related breakdowns.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implementing predictive maintenance helps identify potential issues before they lead to breakdowns, thereby minimizing downtime and costs.
• Investing in driver retention via competitive compensation and a positive work culture can help reduce turnover rates, resulting in a more experienced workforce and lower maintenance costs.

Expert Insight: “By putting that retention first, it’s so much easier for us to put the time and effort into retaining the drivers that we have and making sure their needs are met rather than always being focused on hiring.”
— Rusty Hollahan, Director of Retention and Recruiting at Stokes Trucking. (ccjdigital.com)

Conclusion

In light of the recent developments in trucking fleet maintenance and trade cycles, it becomes exceedingly clear that strategic planning and flexibility are crucial for success in this industry. As the article has discussed, significant trends such as increasing driver compensation and rising maintenance costs impose new challenges for fleet operators. Fleet operators should note the importance of addressing compensation, company culture, driver experience, and equipment management to enhance driver retention in the trucking industry.

By focusing on retention strategies and proactive maintenance practices, fleets can enhance efficiency and profitability.

Driver wages have grown significantly in recent years. The American Trucking Associations reports that truckload drivers now earn a median pay of $76,420, which is a 10% increase over the last two years. Additionally, private carrier drivers have a median income of $95,114, showing a 12% rise since 2021. This pay increase aims to improve driver retention due to a national shortage of drivers. The turnover rate is currently about 18.4%, highlighting the need for trucking companies to invest in their drivers. Furthermore, independent contractors for truckload carriers have even higher median earnings of $186,016, reflecting the competitive market for drivers.

Implications of Weak Freight Markets on Trailer Purchases and Maintenance Strategies

In the trucking industry, weak freight markets create a ripple effect on trailer purchases and maintenance strategies, compelling fleets to reevaluate their operational approaches. This environment is characterized by reduced demand for freight services, leading to significant implications for fleet management, purchasing decisions, and maintenance strategies.

Decline in Trailer Purchases

During periods of reduced freight visibility and profitability, many carriers choose to postpone trailer purchases to conserve capital. In 2024, a noteworthy 63% decline in year-over-year trailer orders underscored this trend, reflecting a cautious stance from fleet owners in light of constrained market conditions. Companies such as Heartland Express and Marten Transport have notably engaged in fleet reductions, optimizing existing assets instead of committing to new purchases. Moreover, rising materials costs, driven by tariffs affecting steel and aluminum, have inflated trailer prices significantly—estimated increases between 16% to 28%—further discouraging new acquisitions. When a fleet defers trailer investments, there are secondary consequences on operational capacity and potentially the ability to meet future demands, thereby extending existing trailers’ lifespans becomes imperative.

Adjusted Maintenance Strategies

Fleets are compelled to adapt their maintenance strategies in response to both the aging equipment from extended service lives and unpredictable operational costs. With the avoidance of new trailer purchases, many fleets are focusing on rigorous preventive maintenance practices to keep current trailers operational. Regular inspections, corrosion protection measures, and timely repairs become critical as trailers age. Extended service life maintenance requires reallocating budget resources to ensure that any deferred costs associated with more extensive repairs do not accumulate over time. This strategy allows fleets to maintain a competitive edge despite rising maintenance costs, including a reported 3.1% increase attributed to inflation.

Financial Flexibility and Leasing Options

To navigate the financial pressures of a weak freight environment, some fleets consider alternative strategies such as leasing trailers instead of purchasing them outright. Leasing arrangements provide operational flexibility, allowing companies to maintain equipment without the heavy burden of initial investment. This pragmatic approach enables fleets to adapt dynamically to market needs while preserving cash flow for other operational priorities.

Conclusion

Ultimately, navigating a weak freight market requires a careful balance between maintaining operational efficiency and managing costs effectively. By focusing on trailer maintenance and leveraging leasing options, trucking fleets can enhance their resilience against market fluctuations, ensuring that they remain competitive while safeguarding their financial stability.

As the pressures of weak freight markets mount, it becomes increasingly essential for fleets to integrate technological solutions into their maintenance practices. Advances in fleet technology not only support operational efficiency but also act as pivotal tools to navigate the challenges imposed by a fluctuating market. With tools such as predictive maintenance, enhanced data management, and tracking systems, fleets can mitigate the associated risks of delayed revenue and aging assets.

The Role of Technology in Fleet Maintenance

Advancements in technology have significantly transformed fleet maintenance, particularly through tracking systems, data management, and predictive maintenance tools. These innovations enhance operational efficiency and offer substantial benefits for private fleets.

Tracking Systems

Modern fleet telematics systems integrate in-vehicle hardware with centralized software platforms, enabling real-time collection and analysis of data related to vehicle location, mechanical health, and driver performance. This integration allows for optimized route planning, improved dispatching, and enhanced safety monitoring. By consolidating data from diverse vehicle types into a unified system, fleet managers can achieve a comprehensive overview of their operations. [Wikipedia]

Data Management

Fleet management software (FMS) serves as a centralized platform for coordinating commercial vehicles, processing data collected from telematics devices. This software facilitates vehicle tracking, maintenance scheduling, and driver management, leading to improved operational efficiency, enhanced safety, and regulatory compliance. By digitizing fleet operations, FMS enables businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time data. [Wikipedia]

Predictive Maintenance Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionizing fleet maintenance by enabling predictive maintenance strategies. By analyzing sensor data and fault codes, AI can predict potential failures before they occur, allowing for proactive maintenance. This approach has been shown to reduce unplanned downtime by up to 40%, depending on the operation type. [Uptake]

Additionally, AI-driven platforms can automate maintenance scheduling and parts ordering, further streamlining operations. By integrating with maintenance management systems, these platforms can automatically generate work orders and order necessary parts, minimizing delays and ensuring timely repairs. [Uptake]

Benefits for Private Fleets

• Enhanced Efficiency: Real-time tracking and data analysis enable optimized routing and dispatching, reducing fuel consumption and improving delivery times.
• Improved Safety: Monitoring driver behavior and vehicle health helps identify and mitigate risks, leading to safer operations.
• Cost Reduction: Predictive maintenance minimizes unexpected breakdowns and associated costs, while efficient data management reduces administrative overhead.
• Regulatory Compliance: Automated record-keeping ensures adherence to regulations, reducing the risk of penalties.

By leveraging these technological advancements, private fleets can achieve significant improvements in operational performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Recent Trends in Private Trucking Fleets

Recent data indicates that private trucking fleets are experiencing notable trends in driver compensation, equipment maintenance, and trade cycles:

Driver Compensation and Turnover

• The average annual compensation for private fleet drivers has risen to approximately $91,081, with top earners making up to $135,000. [Truck News]
• Driver turnover rates have seen fluctuations, with a notable increase to nearly 23% in 2022, marking a record spike. [Trucking Info] However, more recent data shows a decrease to 18.4% in 2024. [Truck News]

Equipment Maintenance and Trade Cycles

• There’s a growing trend towards outsourcing maintenance, with 46% of fleets now allocating 90% of their maintenance budgets to external services. [Truck News]
• Class 8 truck trade cycles have extended slightly, averaging 6.6 years, with replacement mileage accelerating to about 568,000 miles. [Truck News]

Operational Trends

• Private fleets have increased their market share, handling 75% of outbound shipments in 2024, the highest recorded in survey history. [Trucking Info]
• The average annual mileage per truck has decreased to 80,400 miles in 2024, down from 85,000 miles in 2023. [Tech.co]

These trends highlight the evolving strategies of private fleets in response to industry challenges and opportunities.

Trends in 2023

In 2023, the trucking industry experienced notable trends in driver turnover rates and their subsequent impact on fleet maintenance.

Driver Turnover Rates

• Private Fleets: The National Private Truck Council’s 2023 Benchmarking Survey reported a driver turnover rate of 19%, a decrease from the previous year’s 22.5%. Over the survey’s 15-year history, the average turnover has been 14.25%. [Trucking Info]
• Truckload Carriers: According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), truckload carriers experienced higher turnover rates in 2022 compared to other sectors, with larger fleets often exceeding 50%. [Trucking Info]

Impact on Fleet Maintenance

• Maintenance Costs: High driver turnover leads to increased recruitment and training expenses, with carriers facing lower productivity and higher crash rates. A 2024 study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlighted these challenges. [PR Newswire]
• Outsourcing Maintenance: To address maintenance challenges, 46% of fleets now allocate 90% of their maintenance budgets to outsourced services. This shift is driven by the complexity of modern vehicles requiring specialized diagnostic tools and expertise. [Truck News]

Expert Opinions

• Driver Well-being: A Geotab Inc. study revealed that 68% of U.S. fleet professionals believe stress negatively impacts driving performance. Additionally, 86% feel that the risk of driving accidents has increased over the past five years. [PR Newswire]
• Retention Strategies: Fleet managers are implementing strategies such as competitive compensation, improved work-life balance, and career development opportunities to reduce turnover. For instance, Premier Transportation reduced its annual driver turnover from 89% to 31% by focusing on driver satisfaction and career development, resulting in annual savings of $8.4 million. [Fleet Rabbit]

These trends underscore the critical link between driver retention and fleet maintenance efficiency. Addressing driver turnover through supportive policies and competitive compensation not only enhances driver satisfaction but also contributes to more effective fleet maintenance operations.

Impact of the Weak Freight Market

The trucking industry has been significantly impacted by a prolonged weak freight market, leading to notable changes in trailer purchases and maintenance strategies.

Decline in Trailer Orders

• Trailer orders have experienced a substantial decline. In September 2024, U.S. trailer net orders were 11,532 units, marking a 63% year-over-year decrease and the lowest September total since 2016. This trend continued into August 2025, with orders at 7,261 units—over 10,000 units below the 10-year August average of 17,568 units. Cancellations remained high, with rates above long-term norms, though they decreased from 39% in May to 16% in August. [CCJ Digital]

Fleet Reductions and Maintenance Adjustments

• To align with reduced freight demand, carriers have been downsizing their fleets. In 2024, fleets shrank by an average of 2.2%, as reported by the American Transportation Research Institute. [CCJ Digital]
• Maintenance strategies have also shifted. Fleets are extending the service life of existing trailers through enhanced maintenance programs, including regular inspections and corrosion prevention measures. Investing in durable materials and proactive upkeep has become essential to maintain operational efficiency without significant capital expenditures. [Get Transport]

Impact of Tariffs on Trailer Costs

• Tariffs on steel and aluminum have further complicated the situation. These tariffs have led to a 16-28% increase in van trailer prices, prompting fleets to reconsider new trailer purchases. Manufacturers are facing challenges in balancing production rates to avoid market oversupply while managing increased material costs. [Truck News]

Looking ahead, the industry anticipates continued challenges. Volvo Group projects ongoing weakness in the North American truck market through 2026, citing lower freight volumes and customer hesitation due to emissions regulations and tariffs. Analysts suggest that a potential recovery may begin in 2026 as inventory levels normalize. [Reuters]

In summary, the weak freight market has led to reduced trailer orders, fleet downsizing, and a focus on extending the lifespan of existing equipment through proactive maintenance. Tariff-induced cost increases have further influenced purchasing decisions, with the industry cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery in the coming years.