The 64 responses received by CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR) to their Q1 2013 Fleet Sentiment Report inquiry show positive signs for medium and heavy commercial truck and trailer purchases. The FSR Buying Index, which captures overall planned buying activity for the next three months, has risen above the 100 benchmark for the first time since the inception of the index in Q1 2008. The full FSR Buying Index table can be accessed at www.ckcvr.com
Highlights from the Q1 2013 Fleet Sentiment Report:
- FSR Buying Index at 103.8 highest since Q2 2012. The Buying Index measures percent of fleets planning to buy medium/heavy-duty trucks and trailers along with expected volume of those orders – for the three months following the inquiry.
- New orders are primarily for replacement needs
- Q1 2013 showed a 15% year over year improvement in the number of fleets that planned to order trucks
- Great Dane to receive largest portion of trailer orders from group responding to Q1 2013 survey
- Majority of fleets responding have sufficient freight demand to meet their fleet capacity. 43% are impacted by a shortage of drivers for current equipment.
- “Driver education and experience” was chosen by the largest percentage of survey participants to have a positive impact on fuel efficiency. Other items that can or have improved fuel efficiency identified by over 50% were: Speed Governors, Idle Control Products, Aero Cab Designs, Low Rolling Resistant Tires, Engine Characteristics, Aluminum Wheels and Automatic Tire Inflation Systems
Responses were received between January 15 and January 24.
CKCVR regularly polls a group of small, medium and large for-hire, private and government fleet operators about their equipment purchasing plans and overall fleet environment. Each quarter, an estimated 60 participants report on their planned medium- and heavy-duty truck and trailer purchases including brand preferences, and whether they are designated for replacement or added capacity. Additional information is reported from the group including equipment utilization rates, parked vehicles, freight demand versus fleet capacity, and the driver shortage impact on their fleet. Complete survey results are reported in the Fleet Sentiment Report.
