Preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales held steady in October, up 0.3% 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 fell short of historical seasonality, which called for a 2.8% m/m increase. Auction sales, uncharacteristically strong in October, bucked their typical first month of the quarter drop to expand by 19% m/m. Wholesale transactions expanded, gaining 10% m/m,” according to Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “Total reported October preliminary sales were up 9.5% from September.”
“The preliminary average retail price (same dealer sales) of used Class 8 trucks softened m/m for a third consecutive month in October, shedding 3.5% m/m to $54,160. October’s decay was contrary to seasonal expectations, which called for a 1.8% bump,” Tam concluded.
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
According to the latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks by ACT Research, same dealer used Class 8 retail truck sales increased m/m for a second time in September. The 2.4% m/m gain was just about on pace with the expected seasonal performance.
“September is typically the fourth best sales month of the year, running more than 5% above average,” said Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. He continued, “The auction market poured on the steam in typical quarter-end fashion. Auction volumes surged 37% higher m/m in September. Dealers also found it easier to sell amongst themselves. The wholesale channel advanced 11% m/m. Combined, total market same dealer sales volumes rose 15% m/m in September. Compared to September 2024, the retail market was 4.6% stronger.”
“Relative to August, average miles dipped 1.3% m/m, to 410,000. Miles were 4.2% lower y/y. Trucks sold in September were slightly older m/m (+1.2%) and aged even more y/y (+4.2%) at 79 months,” Tam explained.
Compared to August 2025:
- Average retail volumes increased 2%.
- Retail price declined 1%.
- Miles declined 1%.
- Age increased 1%.
Compared to September 2024:
- Average retail volumes increased 4%.
- Price increased 3%.
- Miles declined 4%.
- Age increased 4%.
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