The global trailer market has grown in recent years, with significant expansion in different regions. Looking ahead to 2020, China will remain the leading producer, and further growth is expected, while North America, which includes the USA and Canada, has seen a recovery in production rates due to increased demand. Trailer production in Western Europe remained relatively stable. The U.S. trailer market, in particular, saw historic highs with increased employment and revenues in the industry, reaching over one million jobs and $43.55 billion in 2018. Demand was driven by a variety of applications, from agriculture to recreational vehicles. In particular, the recreational vehicle (RV) market boomed, thanks in part to millennials' growing interest in camping and travel, with RV sales reaching record levels. Environmental concerns have also influenced the market, with aluminum trailers becoming more popular due to their lower environmental impact during production. The market is made up of a complex ecosystem of manufacturers and dealers, often linked by associations such as NATM and NATDA. Despite the robustness of the market, potential challenges lie ahead due to protectionist measures, such as tariffs on imported materials like steel and aluminum, which can increase production costs by up to 5%..Title: "The dynamic evolution and cultural importance of the trailer market in the USA
In the United States, the trailer market has always been an integral part of the country's culture and economy, thanks to a vast network of manufacturers and dealers catering to a wide range of personal and commercial needs. Trailers, ranging from those pulled by light vehicles for non-commercial use to heavy semi-trailers for commercial logistics, are an integral part of the American way of life.
The US trailer market has experienced historic growth, with the industry playing an important role in terms of employment and revenue generation. With the addition of thousands of manufacturing jobs, closely linked to trailer manufacturing, the country has seen a considerable trend towards job creation. Specifically, the motor vehicle and parts industry, which includes trailer manufacturing, has passed the million-job mark, representing an increase of around 10-15% in five years.
In terms of revenue, the trailer industry has been on an upward trajectory, reaching over $40 billion by 2018. While the growth rate has plateaued, suggesting potential market maturity since 2015, projections to 2022 indicate a steady, if modest, annual growth rate of less than 1%.
The US trailer market is characterized by strong demand for different types of trailers, due to multiple applications ranging from agriculture to vehicle transport, water sports, heavy-duty requirements and more. The widespread use of trailers for leisure activities is notable, with recreational uses accounting for a substantial share of trailer application. It is estimated that over 25 million trailers are registered in the USA, over half of which are privately owned, indicating that around 4-5% of US citizens use trailers for private purposes.
The trailer market has experienced specific trends, particularly in the areas of recreational vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers. The growing interest of young millennials in travel and camping has fueled the expansion of this segment. Recreational vehicle sales reached unprecedented heights, marking consecutive years of growth and anticipating continued upward momentum.
Americans' environmental awareness also influenced market trends, with a growing preference for aluminum trailers due to their lower carbon footprint than steel trailers.
In conclusion, the US trailer market reflects a robust industry, both in terms of its contribution to the economy and the varied demands satisfied by the American public. Despite signs of market maturity, specific segments continue to thrive, driven by younger demographics and environmental considerations. The future of the U.S. trailer market promises to remain important, and to adapt to market evolution
The US trailer market is populated by a range of manufacturers and dealers, each with unique offerings to meet the diverse needs of trailer consumers. From general utility trailers to specialized heavy-duty trailers and semi-trailers, to the increasingly popular recreational vehicles and travel trailers, the market is characterized by the presence of established companies with a dominant position, as well as smaller entities that contribute to the variety and scope of the industry. Below is an overview of some of the key players in the various segments of the trailer market:
#### Utility trailer manufacturers
- **Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC)**: Specializes in reliable, customized aluminum trailers, designed for a multitude of uses and renowned for their durability and light weight.
- **Aluma**: Offers a wide selection of aluminum trailers known for their maintenance-free, lightweight and rugged build quality.
- **Place American**: Well-known in the market for its range of enclosed trailers suitable for freight, utility and specialized applications.
- **Featherlite**: With innovation at its core, Featherlite is renowned for manufacturing top-quality aluminum trailers that are both versatile and reliable.
- **Universal Trailer**: A conglomerate known for its range of brands, Universal Trailer offers a series of utility and specialty trailers on the market.
- **Well Cargo**: This company boasts a long tradition of manufacturing durable trailers designed to meet the needs of a variety of commercial and recreational applications.
#### Recreational vehicle and travel trailer manufacturers
- **Thor Industries**: One of the giants in recreational vehicle and travel trailer manufacturing, Thor Industries caters to the leisure segment with a variety of models designed for comfort and adventure.
#### Manufacturers of heavy-duty trailers and semi-trailers
- **East Manufacturing Company**: The company is dedicated to the production of robust and functional trailers, ideally suited to commercial and industrial use.
- **Felling Trailers**: A well-established name that manufactures an impressive range of heavy-duty trailers and is committed to high quality standards.
- **Haulmark**: Part of the Universal Trailer family, Haulmark supplies a variety of enclosed trailers and specialized transport solutions.
- **Utility Trailer Manufacturing**: Known as one of the world's oldest and largest manufacturers of refrigerated trailers, dry freight vans, flatbed trailers and Tautliner curtain-siders.
#### Trailer dealers
- **Visto's Trailer Sales**: This dealer is proud to offer a complete selection of trailers, as well as expert advice and customer service.
- **Brinkman's Inc**: A reputable dealer offering a wide range of trailers from numerous manufacturers, guaranteeing customers
1.1 Definition and general presentation of the market
Trailers can be defined as any kind of unpowered vehicles which are attached to and towed by powered vehicles . They have been used around the world since the invention of the wheel in the 4 th millennium BC for the transportation of goods, materials, animals and human beings The Curt Manufacturing website provides a further understanding of what trailers are.
As described by Evan Transportation , a first distinction must be made between the trailer and the semi-trailer, which are differentiated by the hitch mode. Trailers are attached to the towing vehicle via a towing hook, while semi-trailers are connected to the towing vehicle via a harness on which rests a large part of the weight of the semitrailer
Therefore, the towing vehicle for a trailer can be light vehicles such as cars, minivans, SUV's or pickup trucks, and can be used for non-commercial, personal utility duties. On the other hand, semis require to be towed by vehicles that are large and strong enough to support their full weight, such as trucks, and are privileged means of good transportation for commercial uses.
The aim of this study is to give a report on the current state of the American trailer market and will primarily focus on private uses.
The trailer industry is historically and culturally strongly linked to America , hence the developed network of manufacturers and dealers of all scales that can be found in the USA today.
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