2020 Fact Book: Equipment [Photos]
While both tractor and trailer sales saw a surge in October of 2019, those numbers quickly started dropping, with a COVID-19-related low in April 2020 of 1,680 tractors and 209 trailers.
Source: ACT Research
Source: Ward's Communications
Source: Ward's Communications
The trade cycle of Class 8 trucks among private fleets accelerated to 6.3 years from last year's 6.5 years, while the overall trade mileage dropped to 610,000 miles, down 20,000 miles from 2019. Both of this year’s results were quicker than any other trade cycles ever reported in the history of the National Private Truck Council's annual survey. Five years ago the figures stood at 8.7 years and 713,900 miles.
Source: National Private Truck Council
Source: Ward's Communications
Source: Ward's Communications
Looking at the average price of the benchmark sleeper tractor sold through the two largest nationwide no-reserve auction companies, Class 8 auction volume increased in June, reflecting high levels of off-lease supply and mild to moderate increase in demand. Pricing was fairly stable for late-model trucks, and low-mileage trucks look to be increasing in value. Conditions in the second half will depend on the degree of economic reopening.
Source: J.D. Power
The economic shutdown largely killed demand for used Class 8 trucks in April and May, but conditions improved in June. Incoming supply of trades should be similar in 2021 and increase in 2022. This forecast assumes a return to normal economic activity by mid-2021.
Source: J.D. Power
In every class, retail sales saw year-over-year decreases, presumably caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Class 8 market saw the biggest decline, with sales plummeting more than 60% in May 2020 compared to May 2019.
Source: Ward's Communications