Hey truckers, ever feel like the trailer lot at your local dealer looks emptier than a Monday morning coffee pot? Well, it’s not just you—it’s the market.
According to the latest FTR Transportation Intelligence survey, North American trailer dealer inventories at the end of Q2 are sitting at just a bit more than half what they were 12 months ago. That’s a serious drop, folks, and it could mean trouble down the road for us haulers. 🛣️
Think about it: when dealers are low on stock, it might signal softer demand overall in the freight game. Fewer trailers means fleets aren’t expanding as fast, which could keep freight rates from bouncing back quick. If you’re in the market for a new rig or trailer, you might face higher prices or longer waits—nobody wants that headache on top of dodging construction zones. Plus, with tariffs looming like storm clouds, costs could creep up even more, hitting your bottom line on fuel and maintenance. 😤
This isn’t just numbers on a page; it’s real life for us OTR drivers. Low inventories could mean tighter equipment availability, potentially slowing down your next load or forcing upgrades on older gear sooner than planned. Keep an eye on this—FTR’s got their finger on the pulse, and it might affect those juicy lanes you’re chasing.
What’s your experience with trailer hunting lately? Share your take in the comments, and stay smart out there. Know this before your next haul!
#TruckingNews #TrailerShortage #FreightMarket #OTRlife