Why Used Semi-Truck Values Are Trending Down – What That Means for Buyers and Sellers
Published on RigResale.com | [10/27/2025]
Opening: The Big Shift
If you’re in the business of buying or selling heavy trucks, here’s the truth: The driver base is shifting. A substantial number of professional drivers are exiting the business, fleets are shrinking or consolidating, and as a result — used truck resale values are under pressure. At RigResale.com we believe in telling it like it is: this creates opportunity for smart buyers, and risk for sellers who aren’t paying attention.
1. Driver Exodus: What’s Happening
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), more than 80,000 drivers are needed today, and the shortfall could be over 160,000 by 2030.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reports that “driver shortage” ranked as the #1 issue for the industry from 2017-2021, and while its ranking has slipped as freight softens, the underlying issue remains.
Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows heavy-truck-driver employment has remained stable, but the long-haul / truck-load segment is suffering high turnover and exits.
Put simply: fewer drivers, more trucks idle, more fleet contraction. For you (the serious buyer or seller), this trend matters.
2. Used Truck Values: Why They’re Under Pressure
Data from ACT Research shows that for the U.S. Classes 3-8 used truck market, average retail price for same-dealer used Class 8 trucks in September 2025 was $55,745, down 1.9% m/m.
ACT also notes used equipment market “showing early signs of stabilization, though resale prices remain down nearly 30% y/y.”
According to J.D. Power used truck pricing for late-model sleeper tractors auctioned in September 2025 shows that although volumes rose, “pricing edged downward across the board.” For example, 2023 model year average: $63,516 (down ~11.2% vs August) and 2022 MY: $50,183 (down ~1.8%).
Even though some reports show “steady” pricing, the trend is clear: weaker freight demand + oversupply of used units + driver/fleet contraction = downward pressure on resale values.
3. How The Driver Exodus Creates Pressure on Resale Values
Here’s the mechanism, plain and simple:
Fewer drivers = fewer trucks actively needed.
Fleets scale back, defer replacements, or liquidate older units.
Used trucks pour into the secondary market (auctions, dealer lots) → supply increases.
Simultaneously, freight volumes are softening (see ACT’s 2025 trucking industry forecast: “freight volumes remain soft … capacity is beginning to tighten gradually.”)
Oversupply + weak demand = used unit value correction.
Buyers with cash or strong buying discipline can exploit this. Sellers who expect “pandemic-era pricing” may be disappointed.
4. What That Means For RigResale.com Customers (You)
For Sellers
Be realistic on pricing. Expect that your 5-7 year old sleeper may not command the peak values of 2022/23.
Focus on marketing the value-add: low miles, well maintained, spec matched to active fleets. These units will hold value best.
Consider quick turn strategies. Since depreciation is accelerating in weaker segments, lingering inventory burns money.
Use the driver shortage story: if you can find a good driver/owner-operator buyer, emphasize how fewer trucks and fewer drivers fuel demand for quality rigs.
For Buyers
Right now is prime time to buy. With values down, you can pick up late-model trucks (3–5 yo) with decent specs for less.
Factor in the driver shortage and fleet consolidation: fewer trucks in service may translate to better resale or more demand medium-term.
Condition and spec matter even more: As the market tightens, buyers will pick best units; weaker spec/truck will trade down fast.
Stay agile: When freight picks up and capacity tightens (which analysts suggest could be trending into 2026), you’ll want to be positioned.
5. Outlook: When Might the Turncome?
ACT’s October 2025 forecast indicates we are in an “extended correction cycle.” Replace the boom with discipline.
J.D. Power sees that while late-model value is holding somewhat, “average depreciation for this year has now evened out.” The key word: “evened out,” not booming.
Bottom line: we may see stabilization, but not a full blast recovery until freight fundamentals improve, driver supply tightens further, new regulations or fleet renewals kick in.
6. Final Thoughts & What You Should Do
If you’re in semi truck sales (as you are), this is the moment to position yourself as the market-savvy expert. Use the driver-exodus and used value drop story in your marketing:
“Drivers are leaving. Fleets are slimming. Good trucks are harder to find. That means it’s a buyer’s market now — for the right rig at the right price.”
In your blog/SEO copy target keywords like: used class 8 truck values 2025, semi truck resale market drop, truck driver shortage impact used trucks, buy used tractor trailer today etc.
On RigResale.com, use this post as anchor content and link to your inventory listings, highlighting how you’re positioned to help both sellers and buyers navigate the market shift.
For sellers in your audience: reinforce urgency. For buyers: reinforce opportunity.
