According to the numbers from ACT Research Co., used truck sales declined 3% month-over-month in May, but sales are up 12% year-to-date compared to 2017. ACT noted that sales usually fall in May so this drop was not unexpected. The report also indicated that the average price of total used Class 8 trucks rose 11% y/y, while average mileage fell 1% y/y.

“Dealers are reporting that used truck sales are very good, but some are reporting difficulties finding enough trucks to meet demand,” said Brian Armstrong, information systems manager at ACT Research. “As the used truck market stays strong, many fleets opt to sell their own used trucks themselves, since they can make more money that way, rather than by trading the trucks.”

Individual market segments yielded mixed results in May. “The auction and wholesale market segments fell 15% and 10%, respectively month-over-month, while the retail sector improved 1%,” Armstrong said. “On a year-over-year basis, however, the retail and wholesale markets were up 18% and 14%, respectively, while the auction market fell 12%. Looking forward, we expect full-year totals to remain at or near current levels.”