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 returned to sequential growth in December. The 12% m/m increase was directionally consistent with, but a little stronger than, the 9% seasonal gain.

“December is usually the fifth strongest sales month of the year, running almost exactly at average,” said Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. He continued, “The auction and wholesale markets were mixed in December. Auction volumes surged 33% m/m in typical quarter end fashion. Dealers saw activity slow 15% m/m. Combined, total market same dealer sales volumes were 16% better m/m in December.

“The Class 8 average retail sale price added 6.1% m/m in December, climbing to $57,048. Longer term, prices declined 0.5% y/y,” Tam explained.

ACT’s Used Classes 3-8 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.