Used Commercial Trucks: Inventory Drops 36%

Used heavy-duty truck inventory levels across North America continued their multi-month decline in July, dropping 36 percent year-over-year according to the latest market report from Sandhills Global.

Derived from the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI)—which tracks retail and auction transactions across platforms like TruckPaper.com and AuctionTime.com—the metrics show used Class 8 sleeper and day cab inventories steadily trending back toward post-pandemic levels.

Key Commercial Vehicle Market Highlights:

• Used Heavy-Duty Trucks: Overall inventory fell 8.2% month-over-month and 36% year-over-year. Used sleeper truck availability recorded the steepest decline, down 40.3% year-over-year.
• Used Semi-Trailers: Inventory dropped 33.8% year-over-year. Refrigerated trailers (reefers) saw the sharpest inventory contraction (-44.8% Y/Y), pushing average reefer auction values up by 18% year-over-year.
• Used Medium-Duty Trucks: Inventory levels decreased 37.4% year-over-year, marking 11 consecutive months of inventory contraction.

"OEM order boards are nearly full and used inventory continues to leave the retail markets," stated Scott Lubischer, Truck Paper Sales Manager. "All of these are very good signs for stronger retail values through the remainder of the year and into 2027."

For Canadian commercial fleet operators, cross-border freight carriers, and heavy truck dealerships, the inventory contraction across North American auction and retail networks indicates shrinking supply and strengthening asset valuation for used Class 6 through 8 equipment.