#USA #Lincoln #Sandhills Global #Inventory Trends #Used Trucks

October Market Report on Used Trucks and Trailers

The automotive industry is witnessing dramatic shifts in the market for used trucks and trailers, as illustrated by the most recent reports from Sandhills Global. Released on November 6, 2026, these findings highlight a substantial decline in inventory levels across various market segments in October. The report aggregates data from influential platforms like TruckPaper.com, TractorHouse.com, and MachineryTrader.com.

Overview of Inventory Trends

According to the report, nearly every category of used trucks is experiencing a downturn, with the only exceptions being inventories of aerial lifts and forklifts. The steepest decreases were found in used heavy-duty trucks, semi-trailers, and medium-duty trucks, reflecting a broader market trend that is spanning over several months.

Heavy-Duty Trucks

For instance, the inventory of used heavy-duty trucks has seen a decrease of 0.83% month-over-month (M/M) and 37.25% year-over-year (Y/Y). This downward trend has continued for an alarming 11 months, with day cab trucks leading as the category with the largest M/M change at down 8.39%. Surprisingly, despite the scarcity in supply, the asking values for these trucks saw an increase of 2.12% Y/Y, indicating sustained demand despite dwindling stock.

Semi-Trailers

Similarly, the inventory levels for used semi-trailers dropped 3.85% M/M and 33.92% Y/Y. These semi-trailers have now been trending downward for the last 15 months. However, auction values experienced an uptick of 3.18% M/M and 19.64% Y/Y, suggesting that while available inventory is low, the value of existing units is on the rise. The demand for dry van and refrigerated trailers is particularly noteworthy.

Medium-Duty Trucks

Inventory levels for medium-duty trucks also reflected a decline, decreasing 0.19% M/M and dropping a staggering 29.42% Y/Y. Asking prices, however, saw a marginal increase of 0.2% M/M despite a broader trend downward over the past six months.

Insights on Auction Values

Scott Lubischer, the manager at Truck Paper, highlighted that despite the reduced inventory, prices for used units remain robust, particularly for those with lower mileage. This is a positive sign, as higher-mileage units are not performing as well in comparison. The market is responding favorably to these low-mileage units as buyers look for increased durability and reliability in their trucks and trailers.

Agricultural Equipment

The report also delves into agricultural machinery, such as high-horsepower tractors, which saw an annual decline of 12%, despite a month-over-month increase. The performance of this segment further underscores the complexities of the current inventory landscape, as some equipment categories may not align with broader market trends.

Conclusion

The Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI) serves as a crucial tool for understanding these market dynamics, offering insights that enable buyers and sellers to navigate these challenging waters effectively. This indicator monitors both auction and retail market trends while providing efficient strategies for acquisition and liquidation.

With the current trend where inventory continues to dwindle, stakeholders in the trucking and equipment industries must strategically manage their resources and assess market valuations closely. Industry players are encouraged to monitor these developments closely, as they could hold significant implications for future investments and operational planning.