Class 8 used truck volumes, prices rise in September

Total reported volumes of used Class 8 trucks rose 6% month over month and 4% year over year in September, according to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Class 3 to 8 Used Trucks, published by Act Research.

“Year-to-date, sales remain down 4%,” said Steve Tam, Vice President-Commercial Vehicle Sector with ACT, “but given the inventory constraints the industry has been dealing with for the past several years, the September year-to-date figures are encouraging.”

Tam said that the average selling price of total reported Class 8 trucks hit a new high in September. “Given the stronger than expected pricing performance, we have increased our guidance on price expectations to a gain of 10 to 15% for 2014,” he said.

The report from ACT 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 OEM’s – Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo).

Fontaine Specialized announced the new Magnitude 75 lowbed trailer. This 3+3+2 modular multi-purpose trailer is designed to transport a diverse range of loads, according to Fontaine, who adds that the Magnitude 75 comes in three distinct deck options: flat (MFLD), drop side rail (MDSR), and beam (MBMD)."The Magnitude 75 epitomizes versatility in heavy-haul lowbeds. It accommodates loads of up to 75 tons in 16 feet as a 3+2 or with five close coupled axles," said Heather Gilmer, vice president of sales. "Furthermore, it adeptly handles 70 tons in just 12 feet configured with the tandem axle EQ2 spreader. This adaptable trailer features a hydraulic detachable gooseneck and a tridem axle bogie, each providing seven ride height positions. This enhanced flexibility is invaluable for operators maneuvering heavy loads across obstacles or beneath bridges.”Fontaine says the Magnitude 75 was made with 100,000-lb. minimum yield steel main beam flanges; and the flat and beam decks boast a 24-in. loaded deck height, while the drop side rail deck reduces it to 15-in. At full load, all modular decks offer 6-in. of ground clearance.