According to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks by ACT Research, the Class 8 average retail sale price rose by its largest percentage since March 2022, gaining 5.6% m/m in March.
“On a y/y basis, prices were 6.0% lower, while falling 7.7% ytd,” said Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “Besides the usual factors that influence used truck prices, such as mileage, age, and condition, a number of other considerations are likely affecting recent pricing changes.”
“Slowing new trucks sales are stemming the flow of trades into used truck inventory. Lack of new trucks may also be resulting in traditional new truck buyers looking to the secondary market, to substitute affordable, available used trucks for scarce, expensive new ones. Essentially, this is helping to tighten freight hauling capacity. Assuming freight stays steady, used truck prices rise as a result,” Tam explained.
State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks Report Overview
ACT’s Classes 3-8 Used Truck report provides data on the average selling price, miles, and age based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs – Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). This report is utilized by those throughout the industry, including commercial vehicle dealers to gain a better understanding of the used truck market, especially as it relates to changes in near-term performance.
ACT Research Overview
ACT Research is recognized as the leading publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasts for the North America and China markets. ACT’s analytical services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as banking and investment companies. ACT Research is a contributor to the Blue Chip Economic Indicators and a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel. ACT Research executives have received peer recognition, including election to the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics, appointment as Consulting Economist to the National Private Truck Council, and the Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Economic Indicators’ Most Accurate Economic Forecast over a four-year period. ACT Research senior staff members have earned accolades including Chicago Federal Reserve Automotive Outlook Symposium Best Overall Forecast, Wall Street Journal Top Economic Outlook, and USA Today Top 10 Economic Forecasters. More information can be found at www.actresearch.net.
Additional Resources
March preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales volumes jumped 17% m/m, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research.
“Used truck buyers kept their foot on the pedal in March,” according to Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “The market easily outperformed historical seasonality, which called for an increase of 12% m/m. Auction sales were true to form, adding 44% m/m in typical third month of the quarter fashion. Wholesale transactions rounded out the trifecta, expanding 23% m/m.”
“In total, March preliminary sales gained 28% m/m. Given the current level of economic and political uncertainty, volumes suggest truckers are taking advantage of available equipment at attractive prices,” Tam concluded.
Compared to February 2025:
- Average retail volumes increased 7%.
- Retail price jumped 6%.
- Miles declined 2%.
- And age was flat.
Compared to March 2024:
- Average retail volumes were up 7%.
- Price declined 6%.
- Miles increased 1%.
- And age increased 4%.
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