[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
Used Truck Sales Rise 10% in March, Miss Seasonal Forecast
ACT Research Says Sales Rose 9.8% From February, Short of the Expected 12% Gain
Key Takeaways:
- Used Class 8 truck sales rose 10.2% year over year and 9.8% from February to 24,900 units in March.
- ACT Research said March sales trailed the expected 12% seasonal gain, while prices fell year over year and mileage declined.
- J.D. Power said high fuel prices may show a fuller impact in April’s used truck market results.
Used Class 8 truck sales came in slightly below seasonal expectations in March, while still above the prior year and month.
ACT Research reported that sales increased 10.2% to 24,900 units from 22,600 the prior year. Sales were also 9.8% above the 22,700 units in February.
The report found that same-dealer used-truck retail sales built on momentum from the prior month. Those figures exceeded seasonal expectations, resulting in a significant sequential gain for same-dealer used retail sales.
“The 9.8% [month-to-month] increase was directionally consistent with, but not quite as strong as, the expected 12% seasonal gain,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. “March is the strongest sales month of the year, running 10% above average.”
ACT Research also noted that the average retail sales price decreased 2% to $56,128 from $57,277 the prior year, but increased 1.6% sequentially from $55,218. Average mileage declined 3.1% to 408,000 from 421,000 a year ago and 0.2% from the 409,000 miles in February.
“The auction and wholesale markets both improved in March,” Tam wrote. “Auction volumes rose 25% m/m on top of a second month of the quarter surprise. Wholesale dealer activity increased 40% m/m. Combined, March’s total market same dealer sales volumes were 29% higher m/m.”
Image
(ACT Research)
J.D. Power noted in a report that market conditions were mixed in March. Retail results stood out, with the substantial increase in sales volume and stable pricing suggesting that buyers are more confident about their prospects in the freight market. The report found the retail selling price was up 0.8% from the prior month, but down 4.8% from last year.
“The primary headwind to the current up cycle is high fuel prices,” Chris Visser, director of specialty vehicles at J.D. Power, wrote in the report. “Ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East continues to limit near-term relief.”
Mark Hill of PCS Software joins us to discuss logistics as TT releases the Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
The Iran war has caused a major disruption to global supply chains. The resulting military escalation across the region has challenged international trade corridors and the movement of critical shipments like those related to the energy and petrochemical industries. Visser warned the resulting fuel costs have pressured consumer behavior and market momentum.
“Even after the conflict subsides, it will take an extended period of time for the price of refined products to decrease,” Visser said. “March’s used truck market data reflects the first partial month of these high fuel prices, so the full impact may show up more clearly in April’s results.”
J.D. Power also noted in a report that the wholesale selling price was up 3.5% sequentially but down 2.8% from the prior year, suggesting that dealers are more actively looking for specific inventory. The auction selling prices were down 7.1% from the prior month and 11.6% from 2025. The report noted auction volume and pricing were the exceptions to the positive trends.
