Preliminary used Class 8 volumes (same dealer sales) dropped 20% month-over-month in November, but are 18% higher year-to-date compared to the first 11 months of 2019, according to the latest preliminary numbers from ACT Research. Compared to November of 2019, volumes gained 32%.

Other data released in ACT’s preliminary report included month-over-month comparisons for November 2020, which showed that average prices increased 9%, while average miles dropped 2% and average age was 3% lower, compared to October. Year-to-date, average price, miles, and age were all lower, down 8%, 3%, and 8%, respectively, compared to the first 11 months of 2019.

“Other than the preliminary used Class 8 sales volume contraction, there wasn’t much not to like about the used truck market in November,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. “Our preliminary used truck dashboard revealed a lot of positive data, and the drop in sales was consistent with typical seasonality. That said, because of November’s softness, December volumes typically enjoy a strong sequential rebound.”

“Generally speaking, the freight markets are still quite robust, which bodes well for continued sales and price gains for the used truck industry,” he continued. “Capacity is still being constrained by drivers sidelined directly or indirectly by COVID-19.”