Preliminary used Class 8 volumes (same dealer sales) contracted 8 percent month-over-month in March, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research. Longer-term, volumes rose 5 percent compared to March 2019, and grew 15 percent against the first three months of last year.

Other data released in ACT’s preliminary report included month-over-month comparisons for March 2020, which showed that average prices were down 1 percent, while average miles and age both increased, up 2 percent and 1 percent, respectively.

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.

According to Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research, “In normal times, sales increase around 15 percent from February to March, but these are not normal times, and the disconnect is likely the result of COVID-19.”

He continued, “Freight was relatively strong for a good portion of March, as retailers and grocers scrambled to restock empty shelves. With that work largely complete, freight is falling and used truck sales and prices are expected to do the same.”

Tam concluded, “The economy is expected to descend into recession, if it has not already done so, and with uncertainty about virtually everything high, the well prepared will plan for the worst while hoping for the best.”