The Q1 2012 FSR Buying Index as reported in the Fleet Sentiment Report published by CK Commercial Vehicle Research rose 4.6 points from Q4 2011 to a reading of 93.9. CKCVR surveys for-hire, private and government fleet representatives quarterly to determine their short range order plans for both power units and trailers. The FSR Index is calculated by combining the estimated size of the planned truck and trailer orders for the group reporting along with the percentage of report participants who indicate they will likely place orders. The FSR Buying Index table can be accessed at www.ckcvr.com
The improved Q1 2012 FSR Buying Index is primarily a reflection of increased activity in trailer planned purchases. While the percentage of fleets planning to place orders for power units rose marginally, the actual size of those combined orders fell below Q4 2011. For trailers, an increased percentage, 45 percent of respondents, planned orders and the volume of those orders more than doubled from Q4 2011 data. One in four respondents plan capacity increases with power unit orders while 40 percent planned to use some trailer purchases to add capacity. Report participants continue to be effected negatively by a shortage of drivers with 38 percent needing drivers now to fill current seats or to help them add capacity. More information about the Fleet Sentiment Report and how to subscribe can be found at http://www.ckcvr.com/FSR.html
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. The quarterly Fleet Sentiment survey includes questions about short and longer term equipment buying plans, preferred OEM and engine brands, new specs, current fleet capacity vs. freight demand, equipment utilization rates including the percent of parked vehicles, the impact of a driver shortage, replacement part needs and a product discussion. Complete survey results are reported in the Fleet Sentiment Report, a quarterly report of CK Commercial Vehicle Research. For more information about the Fleet Sentiment Report or other fleet studies conducted by CKCVR send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 614-459-9369.
CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR) is a business of CK Marketing & Communications located in Columbus, Ohio. CKCVR surveys fleet advisors representing a mix of large, medium and small for-hire, private and government fleet operations.
