January used truck sales increased for the third month in a row, according to a report by the ATD/NADA Official Commercial Truck Guide.


"This increase was likely due to trade-in activity as the last of the pre-2010 emissions trucks were delivered to customers," said Chris Visser, editor of the guide. "With new Class 8 sales numbers down for January versus December, we predict a relaxation of used truck sales volume as well."

Despite the boost in sales volumes, prices have remained relatively the same, Visser said. Depreciation reflected in January sales data remained moderate, with the mileage and cab configuration determining the value of a used truck.

Class 8 construction trucks seems to be losing value, with demand for these trucks low and overall supply low as well, Visser said. "These factors are likely keeping selling prices from decreasing too heavily."

Meanwhile, the medium-duty used truck market did not see the same boost in sales volume, an indication that the segment did not experience a pre-buy effect.

"We have not noted any real change in selling prices for most segments of that market except for the heaviest weight classes, which have exhibited a more noticeable downward trajectory," Visser said. "This movement may be due to the exposure of those vehicles to the construction market."