Estimated 2022 Production: 3,800 Units
Terminal Tractors are specialized heavy duty vehicles designed to move loads at container ports and container terminals. Generally, they are slow moving (under 30km/h) and employ a high torque diesel engine and 4×4 wheel drive which enables them to move very heavy trailer loads, sometimes up to 200 or 300 tons
This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.
Exports: Collectively, up to 40% worldwide
Market Share: With 31% of total units produced, Tico leads in production of Terminal Tractors in North America. In second position is Kalmar–Ottawa with 26%; third is Capacity Trucks with 19%.
Trends: In 2021, production of Terminal Tractors in North America increased nearly 16% over 2020 production. Production is expected to gain another 22.5% in 2022. Over the past few years, airlines have tightened expenditures and reduced purchases of Terminal Tractors. This is accredited to the downfall of the industry with no leftover monies for new units due to tight or minimal budget constraints.
The production increases in 2021 and 2022 are the result of increased demand for new products that improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
2018 was an exceptional year in the North American Terminal Tractor industry. Hesitations of increase in prices from additional tariffs and trade wars made several customers bring forward orders, resulting in significant growth in sales for most manufacturers. Production is expected to remain steady with an additional increase of 10% by 2025. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research
