Class 8 Used Truck Market Stabilizes as Prices Rise in April

Key Details Used Class 8 truck sales remained largely flat in April, with ACT Research reporting 24,900 units sold - a 5.5% increase year-over-year but unchanged from March. Same-dealer retail sales declined 3.3% month-over-month, though this seasonal pullback was less severe than the typical 11% drop. Average retail prices climbed to $59,122, up 1.9% annually and 4.2% from the prior month. Why It Matters The mixed results across retail, auction, and wholesale channels suggest the market is finding equilibrium. ACT Research noted that April ranks as the sixth-strongest sales month historically, running just 2% below average. Auction volumes dropped 52% month-over-month due to typical quarterly patterns, while wholesale dealer activity gained 6.1%. Market Outlook J.D. Power data indicates auction pricing rebounded 8.5% sequentially after a weak March, though wholesale prices declined 2.1% month-over-month. Industry experts attribute pricing stability to strong freight spot rates and healthy retail demand. Chris Visser from J.D. Power notes that used truck pricing has historically tracked freight rates, with both metrics showing positive momentum since Q4 last year. Dealership retail sales ranked as the second-strongest month in over four years, signaling the market has returned to positive territory.