Class 8 Sales Dip Slightly, Still Top Expectations

Despite a 6.4 percent drop in Class 8 truck sales in November, analysts say it still handily beat historical expectations.

ACT Research reported Dec. 23 that despite the dip in same-dealer sales for the month, it was “better than the expected 18 percent seasonal contraction indicated by history” for November, which is “typically the weakest sales month of the year.”

The results were part of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks report.

Other month-to-month indicators were essentially flat, with dealers reporting a $230 price increase on models in November, a 0.4 percent bump. Average mileage was also flat, while the average vehicle age climbed 1 percent.

Year-over-year results showed a little more movement, with units sold dropping 2 percent compared to November 2023, the average sale price dropping 4 percent from this time last year. The average vehicle mileage rose 1 percent year over year, while the average vehicle age dipped 2 percent.