Tank Trailer Manufacturing in North America

About thirty-five manufacturers in all are involved in this business activity. Specialization is a key aspect of their operations. For example, only about six manufacturers produce tankers for pressurized gases, such as compressed air/LPG and cryogenic. The smaller players tend to differentiate by focusing on narrow niches, while larger manufacturers have the ability to cross over from a main product into the smaller niche types. The strict DOT and other compliances required in the industry provide good defense and entry barriers for most players to pursue their niche strategies.

In this report, SVN has endeavored to analyze the fabrication of tank trailers at the micro-product level, then aggregated into a total industry view. In common with many fragmented industries, private equity buyers are bidding for assets in this segment of the trailer industry, as evidenced by the acquisitions of Polar and Walker Transportation. Doubtless, further consolidations are on the way as small private companies struggle to meet ever-growing demands on finances for expansion and regulatory compliances.

The report covers petroleum/fuel tank trailers; chemical/hazardous waste tank trailers; milk/dairy/sanitary tank trailers; dry bulk tank trailers; and other tank trailers, such as cryogenic and asphalt trailers.

SCOPE & METHODOLOGY defines the coverage of the report and outlines the methodology, assumptions and sources used in compiling the research. The EXECUTIVE SUMMARY pulls together the study contents into a brief analysis and overview of the industry highlights.

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE begins with a quantification of production estimates and competitive shares for each type of tank trailer in units and dollars. Production shares are further shown by geographic area, since many companies operate in a defined radius from plant locations, due to transportation costs. Multi-plant facilities are singled out. The above data is then used to provide a review of the competition, followed by a discussion of the most recent developments and trends. An assessment is made of the specific drivers that directly impact demand, as well as external factors, such as economic, technological and environmental influences, bearing on demand. This is rounded off through a brief evaluation of the main applications, customers and/or channels. The analysis is then drawn together with underlying assumptions to provide a succinct view of the outlook and forecast for each trailer type.

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE & MANUFACTURER DATA correlates employment, plant size and sales at each company, to arrive at a bird’s eye view of the underlying industry structure. Web addresses of manufacturers are provided as a convenience to users wishing to access additional information on each company. The size of the universe of trailers is analyzed, as found available from official sources.