Used Trucks in a Time of Transition

Pandemic Boom → Freight Recession:
- In 2020, trucking surged as people spent on goods during COVID lockdowns.
- As services reopened, demand for freight dropped, leading to excess trucking capacity.
Ongoing Freight Recession:
- Now entering its 13th consecutive quarter, longer than typical freight downturns.
- Profits are at a generational low, causing fleets to delay equipment investments.
Trade & Tariff Uncertainty:
- 2025 trade tensions, especially new tariffs, added instability and paused recovery.

New Truck Sales Slowing:
- Fleets are postponing purchases due to high costs, low freight rates, and interest rate concerns.
- EPA regulation rollbacks may trigger truck demand spikes in California.
Used Truck Market Trends:
- Prices stabilized briefly but are now cooling again.
- Buyers are cautious due to fluctuating regulations and freight conditions.
April–May 2025 Demand Drop (Commercial Truck Trader data):
- Used sleeper trucks: -5.5%
- Used daycabs: -13%
- New trucks: -11.2%

Higher Truck Age & Mileage:
- Fleets bought heavily during the pandemic boom but now hold onto trucks longer.
- Used trucks on the market often have over 500,000 miles.
Loan Defaults & Repos:
- Some fleets have defaulted, but banks are avoiding repossession, keeping trucks on the road.

Average Used Sleeper Price (2024):
- $59,300, slightly above pre-pandemic average of $56,000.
- Low-mileage trucks still command premium prices.
Brand Resale Strength:
- Premium brands like Volvo (sleeper) and Mack (vocational) retain higher values.
- Oversupply has forced OEMs and dealers to cut prices.

If It’s Not Urgent—Wait:
- Price increases are slow and subtle, so buyers won’t miss big savings by waiting.
- ACT Research suggests waiting 3–6 months could pay off.
For Sellers:
- Used truck values may rise as capacity tightens, but timing is uncertain.
- Market is currently **s

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