Used Truck Market: Why Supply & Pricing are So Strong Now

Daimler Trucks Remarketing reports that the supply of used sleeper trucks has fallen to its lowest point since before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to FreightWaves, this scarcity is driving up equipment values and allowing transport companies to secure higher profits when offloading aging units. Previous semiconductor shortages limited vehicle production between 2021 and 2023, preventing the typical market oversupply that usually depresses secondary market pricing. Company president Chris Backeberg noted that “the supply of sleeper inventory is now below where it was in COVID,” highlighting a significant shift for leasing firms and fleet operators. Beyond sleepers, demand for day cabs is also rising due to increased port and intermodal activity. The buyer demographic has transitioned over thirty years from primarily owner-operators to small fleets, including freight forwarders and regional contractors. Strategic modeling of residual values and maintenance cycles remains critical as trucks reach a reliability threshold at roughly four years of age. While new truck orders are beginning to increase after a long period of stagnation, the market for used equipment is expected to remain tight. Elevated resale prices currently discourage fleets from accelerating trade-ins, which keeps inventory levels low across the industry.