Sales of Used Class 8 Trucks Rose in December: Market Shows First Signs of Reversal

In December, the U.S. market for used Class 8 trucks unexpectedly showed growth after several months of decline. According to industry analysts, both transaction volumes and average prices increased, which may indicate a gradual stabilization of the heavy truck segment.

According to industry data, retail sales of used Class 8 trucks in December grew at double-digit rates compared to November. The average transaction price rose to $57,135, breaking a nearly six-month streak of declines. A detailed analysis of December's statistics was published by FreightWaves in the article Used Class 8 truck sales jump in December as prices rise to $57,135.

Analysts from ACT Research, whose data formed the basis of the report, note that December's growth exceeded typical seasonal values. Company representatives described the situation as the first signs of market balancing, emphasizing that "indicators are still below historical norms, but the dynamics have shifted in a positive direction" (December 2025).

The rise in prices and sales in the used Class 8 segment may have several reasons:

• Carriers and small fleets are increasingly choosing used equipment due to the high cost of new trucks;
• Some fleets are actively selling equipment through auctions, which increases the overall market liquidity;
• Expectations regarding regulation and the economy are causing companies to be more cautious in updating their fleets.

These trends are also confirmed in analytical materials from ACT Research, which are regularly published on the company's official website: ACT Research – U.S. Classes 3–8 Used Truck Market.

It is important to note that federal regulators do not directly comment on the prices or sales volumes of used trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is primarily responsible for safety, driver requirements, and the technical condition of commercial vehicles. These rules, fixed in federal standards, indirectly affect the market but do not regulate its economy directly. Current FMCSA requirements and explanations are available on the agency's official website: FMCSA Regulations.

Although December's data looks promising, experts warn that it is too early to talk about a full market recovery. The sustainability of the trend will only become clear after several months of consistent growth. Nevertheless, for carriers and fleet owners, this may be a signal that the period of sharp depreciation of used trucks is coming to an end.