Used Class 8 truck volumes exceeded seasonal expectations in March

Used Class 8 truck volumes exceeded seasonal expectations in March

When compared to March 2022, the retail and wholesale markets declined by -13% and -40%, respectively.

According to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research, used Class 8 retail volumes (same dealer sales) jumped 18% month-over-month in March. Average mileage declined by 5%, with average price up 4% and age down 2%. Longer term, average price, age, and volumes were lower, with miles higher year-over-year.

“Same dealer Class 8 retail truck sales continued their topsy-turvy run in March, jumping 18% from February. Granted, sales normally experience a boost in March, but the increase is usually smaller, about 12%,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research. “The litmus test will come next month, with history indicating sales typically decrease around 10% from March.”

According to Tam, the total market combined rose 44% in March compared to February. When compared to March 2022, the retail and wholesale markets declined by -13% and -40%, respectively. The reductions more than counter-weighed by the gain in the auction channel (+48%), resulting in a total market improvement of 4% y/y.

“As the year progresses, the year-to-date scenario continues to diverge from y/y performance,” Tam concluded. “The overall market held onto a narrow gain [+1%]. Our best estimate suggests that inventory continues to increase, supporting buyers working to refresh their used truck fleets. Units are flowing from both increased new truck purchases/trades, as well as owners exiting the market. The most recent fleet bankruptcy data available show failures have increased but remain well below historical levels.”

You May Also Like

Growth rate of parts aftermarket sales continues to gradually decelerate

CMVC’s Parts Aftermarket Sales Leading Indicator signals slowing growth in commercial vehicle parts sales.

parts-aftermarket-sales-leading-indicator

Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting's (CMCV) Parts Aftermarket Sales Leading Indicator (PLI) decreased 0.5% in March, following a decrease of 0.8% in February, according to the organization. PLI decreased for the seventh consecutive month and the March Index was 1.1% lower than March 2022. In spite of the downward trend, the organization notes that PLI remains at a relatively high level, so is signaling slowing growth in parts aftermarket sales in the coming months.

Eight fleets selected to participate in NACFE’s electrification initiative

The transition to electric vehicles is about much more than just the trucks themselves. It is about charging, infrastructure and more.

NACFE-Run-On-Less
Optimizing your electrical system spring maintenance schedule 

The seven-way connection is the most prone area to the onset of corrosion.

electrical-maintenance-1400-copy
U.S. trailer industry is committed nearly through 2023

Overall build rose 14% m/m due to three more build days in March as opposed to February.

trailer-lights-generic
Sysco unveils first heavy-duty EV hub

The Riverside project is a foundational step toward Sysco’s goal to reduce its direct emissions by 27.5% and add 2,800 electric trucks to its U.S. fleet by 2030.

Sysco-EV-Hub

Other Posts

Pacific Drayage Services shares emissions reduction trucking equipment strategy

With its Class 8 EV deployment underway, Pacific Drayage Services aims to provide sustainable transportation solutions.

IMC-Electric-Truck-feature-1400
New fleet electrification solutions deliver cleaner air, cost savings in Mexico

The Mexico City government is making strides in reducing pollution in the city as part of their 2019-2024 climate change plan.

Shell Starship 2.0 completes final run before transition to natural gas engine

Shell Starship 2.0 achieved 3.1-3.3 times freight ton efficiency improvement, according to Shell findings.

Shell-Starship-2.0-naturalp-gas
Steady rise of inventory impacts commercial truck sales

With new inventory levels only 46.3% of what they were in 2019, used vehicles continue to help fill the demand.

Work-truck-solutions-truck-sales