In the latest episode of the ACT Research and TEN (Transportation Equipment Network) collaboration, filmed on April 23, 2025, ACT Research's Jennifer McNealy, Jim Meil, and TEN Cool's Corey Eisen discussed the state of the trailer market and broader commercial vehicle economy amid continued uncertainty. Though two months have passed since ACT’s last Market Vitals Seminar, the same themes—tariffs and uncertainty—remain front and center.
Scroll down to view the full conversation between Corey, Jennifer, and Jim.
Freight Demand: A Replacement-Only Mindset
Corey explained that while fleet growth is largely paused, activity is still being driven by trailer replacements due to lifecycle needs.
- Buyers are favoring available inventory over long-term commitments.
- Demand is strongest among food distributors and pharmaceutical carriers—essential sectors that remain stable.
- Growth may be sidelined, but replacement needs are keeping business moving.
Optimizing Amid Uncertainty
Both Corey and Jim emphasized that fleets are adjusting by:
- Extending the life of equipment rather than buying new.
- Focusing on operational efficiency and innovation.
- Turning to lessors for flexible solutions during tight cycles.
Tariffs in Historical Context
Jim offered a look back: tariffs have been part of U.S. policy since the founding fathers, with major examples like the Smoot-Hawley tariffs in 1930. What’s different today is the volatility—raising the question: are these tariffs strategic policy or just bargaining chips?
What Will Tip the Scale?
Jim said confidence could return with:
- Clearer trade policy and fewer tariff surprises
- Interest rate guidance from the Federal Reserve
- Improved economic sentiment
Corey took a practical view: “At some point, businesses need to run their business.” Eventually, decision-makers will need to act despite uncertainty.
Trailer Pricing: Still in Flux
Corey shared that OEMs are still assessing costs and that pricing increases are coming—but the range is wide.
- Pre-tariff inventory is still in the pipeline, delaying the full impact.
- Specialized trailers remain in higher demand; standard trailers are readily available.
- As Jim added, exposure to global supply chains will influence price volatility.
For a deeper dive into these discussions, watch the full conversation between Corey, Jim, and Jennifer below.
Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to explore the factors shaping the commercial vehicle market.
Additional Resources
TEN Cool is the dedicated temperature-controlled platform of TEN (Transportation Equipment Network). As the second-largest temperature-controlled equipment provider in North America by fleet size, TEN Cool specializes in providing advanced fleet solutions, equipment architecture, tailored customer service, and customizable term structures. The division supports equipment and customers across both the United States and Canada.
ACT Research is renowned for its comprehensive commercial vehicle industry data, market analysis, and forecasting services in North America, committed to delivering data quality, integrity, and timely insights
In the latest episode of the ACT Research and TEN (Transportation Equipment Network) collaboration, filmed during our Market Vitals Seminar on February 19-20, 2025, industry experts delved into pressing topics affecting the transportation sector. The conversation featured Corey Eisen from TEN Cool, alongside Ken Vieth and Jennifer McNealy from ACT Research.
Watch the video recording here:
Key Discussion Points:
1. Navigating Economic Uncertainty
The panel addressed the ongoing economic unpredictability, influenced by new administrative policies and potential tariffs. These factors continue to impact the transportation industry's stability and growth prospects.
2. Trailer Market Dynamics
Carrier profitability remains under pressure, leading to a subdued demand for truck and trailer acquisitions. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are adapting to these evolving market conditions to align with current demand levels.
3. Leasing Opportunities Amid Disruption
Corey Eisen shared insights from the leasing perspective, emphasizing how market disruptions can create short-term opportunities for rental and leasing businesses. This concept, encapsulated in the phrase "Chaos Equals Cash," highlights the potential for growth in turbulent times.
4. Seasonal Freight Trends
The discussion highlighted how freight patterns fluctuate with seasonal demands, particularly in sectors like food distribution and retail logistics. Understanding these trends is crucial for effective fleet management and operational planning.
5. Shift Towards Flexible Leasing
With fleets hesitant to commit to long-term investments amid economic uncertainty, there's a growing interest in flexible leasing options. This approach allows companies to adapt swiftly to changing market conditions without significant capital expenditure.
As the transportation landscape continues to evolve, leasing strategies are playing a pivotal role in helping fleets navigate economic shifts. Staying informed and adaptable is essential for industry stakeholders aiming to thrive in this dynamic environment.
Discover insights from TEN Cool and ACT Research through our latest collaborative video series! By combining ACT Research's unparalleled expertise in forecasting and analysis with TEN's extensive network and industry knowledge, this series explores the data, trends, and strategies that matter most. Together, we're empowering businesses to stay ahead of the curve and achieve success in a rapidly evolving market.
Watch video recording here: https://www.youtube.com/playli...
The commercial trailer market in 2024 experienced a mix of stability and transformation. External factors such as economic uncertainty, rising costs, and trade policies shaped the industry's trajectory. Here are the key takeaways from our latest video:
1. Stability in the Trailer Market with Growth in Refrigerated Equipment
- While the overall trailer market remained stable in 2024, demand for new trailers was softer, especially for dry van trailers.
- Change to Demand for new trailers was soft in 2024, and the dry van segment was particularly hard hit
2. Key Challenges Influencing Trailer Demand
Several factors influenced trailer purchasing decisions in 2024, including:
- Freight Market Conditions: Spot and contract rates played a role in shaping fleet investment strategies.
- Economic Pressures: Higher interest rates and inflation increased the cost of capital, making leasing a more attractive option.
- Rising Maintenance Costs: Many fleets turned to full-service leasing as a way to manage maintenance expenses and improve cost visibility.
- Supply Chain Constraints: Lead times for specialized and multi-temp refrigerated trailers remained extended, adding further complexity to fleet planning.
3. Tariffs and Market Uncertainty
- The announcement of new U.S. tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China introduced additional concerns for fleet operators and trailer buyers. While the full impact is still unfolding, companies are closely monitoring cost implications and potential retaliatory actions.
- Additionally, natural disasters and geopolitical events continue to create volatility in supply chains, influencing equipment availability and fleet management strategies.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, industry professionals remain cautiously optimistic, monitoring freight trends, interest rates, and policy changes to determine their next moves.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Follow our monthly updates as we track key industry shifts and their impact on the commercial vehicle market.