Used Class 8 truck sales slip in May despite year-over-year gain

Used Class 8 truck sales in May rose 5.3% year-over-year to 23,800 units but fell 4.4% from April’s 24,900 units, according to ACT Research. The market showed mixed signals: auction volumes surged as wholesale dealer activity contracted. Average retail prices climbed 5.1% to $59,723 compared to $56,813 a year earlier but dipped 1% from $60,347 in April. Average mileage slightly decreased to 400,000 miles from 401,000 a year ago and 403,000 miles in April. Analysts attribute the price strength to limited new truck supply and fewer trade-ins, though softer financing in May and potential fuel price declines could pressure demand. Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research, noted May is typically the third-weakest sales month of the year, with carriers exiting the market offset by new entrants boosting volumes. Charles Smith, regional business development manager at Mission Financial Services, reported a slowdown in May after a strong April, citing global market uncertainty and higher used truck prices driven by tight new truck availability. J.D. Power’s separate report highlighted a second consecutive month of increased auction volume, while dealership retail sales retreated again, with retail prices down 1.3% month-over-month but up 2.9% year-over-year. Wholesale prices rose 6.7% sequentially but fell 0.1% from last year, while auction prices dropped 3.2% from April and 4.3% from 2025. Chris Visser, director of specialty vehicles at J.D. Power, warned that a potential Middle East de-escalation could lower fuel prices and spot rates, creating headwinds for used truck demand and values. He also pointed to declining retail sales per dealership as a sign that recent spot rate spikes and trade-in activity may have peaked.