Used truck prices to surge by double digits in 2027, predicts Ryder CEO

Ryder System CEO John Diez forecasts at least a 10% year-over-year spike in used truck and tractor prices for 2027 as market conditions tighten. The prediction follows a 6% annual increase in used tractor pricing and a 3% rise in used truck pricing during Q2 2026, despite an 18% drop in sales to 5,100 units. Diez attributes the price surge to the early stages of a used-vehicle sales recovery, driven by a rebound in the spot freight market. He also expects new truck prices to climb by high single digits to low double digits in 2027 due to upcoming EPA regulations, which could add up to $6,000 per vehicle in emissions-related warranty savings but may also push OEMs to raise prices by up to $10,000 if warranty terms are limited. Used tractor pricing rose 7% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, while used truck pricing increased 3%, reversing declines seen in the first three months of the year. Ryder’s used vehicle sales fell 18% year-over-year in Q2 2026 but climbed 10.9% sequentially. Industry analysts note that improvements in the used-truck market often precede gains in new truck sales, though price fluctuations can occur as fleets offload existing equipment. Diez emphasized that carriers are prioritizing replacement demand over fleet expansion, with freight activity remaining flat despite higher rates. Truck and engine manufacturers, including Cummins and Traton Group, are staggering the rollout of model-year 2027 engines to ease the transition.