Work Truck Solutions' analysis of first quarter numbers shows tightening in new vehicle availability and signs of downstream pressure for used vehicles.
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"The commercial vehicle market is clearly shifting," says Aaron Johnson, CEO of Work Truck Solutions. "After a period of strong competition and healthy inventory levels in late 2025, we're now seeing meaningful tightening, particularly in new vehicle supply. Although sales remain steady relative to availability, reduced inventory is beginning to ripple into the used market, where higher prices and rising days to turn reflect growing friction."
New work truck and van market
The tightening in new vehicles suggests cost and sourcing challenges, such as those influenced by tariffs, affecting commercial vehicle supply. The average price for new work trucks remained steady, rising 0.4% quarter over quarter and 0.3% year over year to $59,217. Availability, however, plunged 20.7% from the fourth quarter and 21.2% year over year.
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Sales declined, dropping 25.8% quarter over quarter and 4.2% year over year. Days to turn were also down 5.5% quarter over quarter. That's the second quarter with a drop even though year over year numbers remain higher.
Work Truck Solutions says with fewer new vehicles on the lot, buyer options are becoming more limited and sales are constrained.
Used work truck and van market
The average final price for used commercial vehicles rose 4.8% quarter over quarter and was up 6.3% year over year to $38,685. Inventory was down 3.6% quarter over quarter and year over year and sales were down 9.1% on both accounts as well. Days to turn was up to 62 days, up 12.7% quarter over quarter and year over year, indicating slower turnover as buyers are working with higher prices and limited selection, Work Truck Solutions says. The average mileage rose 4% quarter over quarter, but it's still down 4.8% year over year.
New commercial battery electric work trucks
This market saw modest price increases, Work Truck Solutions says, rising 2% quarter over quarter and 2.1% year over year. BEV pricing is more steady than other markets, the company says, but broader supply constraints and lagging demand may hit the sector in the future.
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Sales were down in the first quarter, slumping 17.6% from the fourth quarter, but are still above last year's levels. The softer quarter activity and annual growth reflect a segment that continues to develop at its own pace, Work Truck Solutions says.
"While it's too early to draw firm conclusions, some of these patterns are consistent with the early effects of upstream cost and sourcing pressures, including those related to recent tariff activity," Johnson says. "These kinds of shifts often begin subtly, showing up first in inventory flow and downstream pricing. Commercial dealers who stay proactive — leveraging digital merchandising, optimizing inventory visibility and maintaining strong buyer engagement — will be best positioned to navigate whatever comes next."
