According to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks by ACT Research, the Class 8 average retail sale price slipped 2.3% lower m/m in May. On a year-over-year basis, prices were down 3.1%.
“Compared to April, miles increased 2.8% m/m, contributing to weaker pricing,” said Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. He continued, “May is usually the third weakest sales month of the year, running nearly 5% below average. Combined, total used sales lagged the first five months of last year by 6.7%, leaving our outlook for 2025 unchanged.”
“The used truck market is awash in uncertainty that seems to have a stranglehold on both buyers and sellers. The phrase analysis paralysis comes to mind. Parties on both sides of the used truck sales transaction are wondering about everything from tariffs to the status and future of emissions regulations to inventory levels. Of course, top of mind is how and when these dynamics will impact prices,” Tam explained.
State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks Report Overview
ACT’s Classes 3-8 Used Truck report 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 OEMs – Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). This report is utilized by those throughout the industry, including commercial vehicle dealers to gain a better understanding of the used truck market, especially as it relates to changes in near-term performance.
ACT Research Overview
ACT Research is recognized as the leading publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasts for the North America and China markets. ACT’s analytical services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as banking and investment companies. ACT Research is a contributor to the Blue Chip Economic Indicators and a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel. ACT Research executives have received peer recognition, including election to the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics, appointment as Consulting Economist to the National Private Truck Council, and the Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Economic Indicators’ Most Accurate Economic Forecast over a four-year period. ACT Research senior staff members have earned accolades including Chicago Federal Reserve Automotive Outlook Symposium Best Overall Forecast, Wall Street Journal Top Economic Outlook, and USA Today Top 10 Economic Forecasters. More information can be found at www.actresearch.net.
Additional Resources
May preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales volumes decreased 1.0% m/m, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research.
“The market moderately outperformed historical seasonality, which called for a 3% m/m decrease,” according to Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “Auction sales were extremely strong, exploding 141% m/m. Wholesale transactions struggled, giving up 22% m/m.”
“In total, May preliminary sales were 33% higher m/m. The spot freight market saw a tightening of capacity in May, perhaps contributing to the steadiness of the used truck market. Regardless, sellers and buyers appear laser-focused on developments and remain agile, ready to react accordingly,” Tam concluded.
Compared to February 2025:
- Average retail volumes increased 7%.
- Retail price jumped 6%.
- Miles declined 2%.
- And age was flat.
Compared to March 2024:
- Average retail volumes were up 7%.
- Price declined 6%.
- Miles increased 1%.
- And age increased 4%.
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