Used Class 8 Retail Sales Fall, Total Volume Rises

September used Class 8 sales were mixed across channels, with same-dealer retail volume falling 7% month over month (M/M) while total preliminary sales increased 6%, according to ACT Research.

Auction sales jumped 28% M/M, offsetting the retail decline and a 6% drop in wholesale transactions. Retail sales fell for the second consecutive month.

ACT said the sequential increase in total sales suggests underlying demand for used trucks remains resilient despite tighter inventory, higher interest rates, driver availability challenges, and fuel costs.

Used Truck Prices Also Ease

The preliminary average retail price for same-dealer used Class 8 sales declined 1.5% M/M to $61,000. ACT said the decrease was greater than normally expected on a seasonal basis.

Pricing also declined in the auction and wholesale channels. The combined preliminary average sale price across all units fell 7.1% M/M.

“While tighter inventories have been a persistent theme, it’s clear that higher interest rates and ongoing challenges in the driver pool and fuel costs are also influencing the used truck market,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research.

“Despite these headwinds, the sequential uptick in total sales and continued strength in freight activity suggest that underlying demand for used equipment remains resilient.”

The September used Class 8 sales figures come from ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks Flash report.