Jul 14, 26

The Used Truck Market Is Holding Strong

This article is based on reporting originally published by The Trucker and ACT Research. You can read the original article here.

Not long ago, we talked about how buying and selling trucks online is becoming more common across the industry. As more buyers gain confidence in researching, comparing, and purchasing equipment digitally, one thing becomes even more important: understanding what's happening in the used truck market itself. The latest numbers from ACT Research offer another encouraging sign for anyone thinking about buying, selling, or trading equipment.

According to ACT's preliminary June report, same-dealer retail sales of used Class 8 trucks jumped 11% from the previous month, far exceeding the typical seasonal increase of around 2%. At the same time, the average retail price climbed another 5%, pushing the average selling price above $61,000. For a market that many expected to cool off, those numbers suggest demand remains stronger than anticipated.

What's especially interesting is that this strength is showing up where it matters most: retail sales. While auction activity slowed unexpectedly during June and wholesale transactions also declined, buyers purchasing trucks directly from dealers continued to drive the market forward. That tells us confidence hasn't disappeared. If anything, many buyers appear willing to invest in quality equipment when they find the right truck at the right price.

Higher freight rates, tighter truck capacity, and replacement demand have all started influencing buying decisions throughout 2026. For many fleets and owner-operators, purchasing a well-maintained used truck still makes more financial sense than waiting for a new unit, especially when lead times and equipment costs remain a consideration. That helps explain why used trucks continue attracting steady interest even as the market keeps evolving.

Of course, one strong month doesn't tell the entire story. ACT Research noted that the unusual slowdown in auction sales is worth watching because it could signal changes elsewhere in the market over the coming months. But taken as a whole, June's results reinforce something we've been seeing throughout much of this year: the used truck market has remained remarkably resilient.

Whether you're planning to expand your fleet, replace an older truck, or thinking about selling your current equipment, the latest ACT data points to a market that continues to hold its value better than many expected. Buyers are still buying, sellers are still finding opportunities, and used trucks continue to play an important role across the industry.

The real question now is—

if you've been thinking about buying or selling a truck, do these market trends make you more confident about making a move this year?