Fleet Operators Report 15% Increase in Used Class 8 Truck Prices Year-Over-Year

Used Class 8 Truck Prices Rise

The used Class 8 truck market has experienced a significant price increase of approximately 15% year-over-year, according to data from ACT Research and J.D. Power Valuation Services. The average retail price for a three-year-old Class 8 sleeper tractor with 350,000 to 450,000 miles has risen to approximately $78,000, up from $68,000 a year ago.

Driving Factors

Several factors are contributing to the price increases. New Class 8 truck prices have risen by approximately 12% over the past 18 months due to increased component costs, particularly for emissions aftertreatment systems and advanced safety technology. Additionally, new truck order-to-delivery lead times remain elevated at 16 to 20 weeks for most OEMs, pushing buyers who need trucks immediately into the used market.

Segment Analysis

The strongest price appreciation has been in the three-to-five-year-old segment, which represents the sweet spot for small fleet operators and owner-operators seeking reliable trucks with remaining warranty coverage. Day cab configurations have seen even higher appreciation at 18% year-over-year, driven by demand from construction and regional haul operators. Trucks equipped with automated manual transmissions command a premium of $5,000 to $8,000 over comparable manual transmission units.

Market Outlook

Industry analysts expect the elevated pricing to persist through at least the first half of 2026, as new truck production constraints continue. However, some moderation is expected in the second half as OEMs ramp up production capacity and the first wave of EPA 2027-compliant trucks begins entering the market.