Economic trends: Page 2

Outlook and Benchmarking

ACT shifts forecast, sees factors to mitigate severe downturn

ACT Research last month shifted forecasts last month to incorporate an inbound recession, and this month’s forecast changes were mostly characterized by smaller adjustments, both higher and lower, as the shape of their downturn forecasts were fine-tuned.

August 11, 2022

New Freightliner on a highway

Should you sell trucks on consignment?

Selling used trucks on a consignment basis or at auction can be a win-win for the truck dealer and the owner of the truck.

March 14, 2018

A Taylor & Martin auction in Las Vegas.

Reports: Class 8 truck orders weak in July

Class 8 net orders for July fell to their lowest level since November 2021, according to FTR, which is reporting preliminary orders at 10,600 units. ACT Research reports July orders at 11,400 units.

August 3, 2022

FTR chart of Class 8 sales in July 2022.

Class 8 NG truck retail sales increase 11 percent YTD

For the first five months of 2022, U.S. and Canadian Class 8 natural gas truck retail sales rose 11 percent year-to-date against comparisons of the same time period in 2021.

August 2, 2022

ACT Research Vice President Steve Tam

Used Class 8 truck sales show little change month over month

Used Class 8 retail volumes were 1 percent higher month-over-month, according to the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks by ACT Research.

July 26, 2022

Customer shaking hands with truck sales rep.

Class 8 tractor dashboard records third straight negative reading

The top line of ACT Research's Class 8 Tractor Dashboard was unchanged in May, the third month of moderately downbeat readings, the company announced Monday.

July 25, 2022

ACT Research tractor dashboard

Report: Inconsistent trailer orders continue in June

June net trailer orders of were 31 percent higher compared with last month, and nearly 122 percent above the year-ago June level, according to ACT Research.

July 22, 2022

ACT Research June trailer net orders chart

June trailer orders fall without build capacity

June was a continuation of the status quo for new new trailer production, ACT Research and FTR report. The firms say until build slots and production capacity grow, orders are likely to remain steady but inconsiderable — considering demand.

July 18, 2022

June 2022 preliminary trailer orders from ACT Research

ACT sees uptick in retail used truck sales but price contraction

ACT Research reported last week it saw preliminary used Class 8 retail sales volumes (same dealer sales) rise by 6 percent last month though price was down by that same 6 percent figure.

July 18, 2022

Row of similar black tractors

Used truck pricing plummets in June

J.D. Power reported in its July 2022 Commercial Truck Guidelines industry report that prices fell dramatically again in the auction and retail spaces in June as the used truck industry continues to course correct after more than a year of record growth.

July 15, 2022

Group of Volvo used trucks parked on a truck lot

ACT Research adds mild recession into base forecasts

ACT Research announced this week it has updated its GDP forecast to account for a potential mild recession, but still believes there is enough pent-up demand, and built-up purchasing power among consumers, albeit mitigated by inflation, to support growth.

July 14, 2022

Numbers illustration showing a chart going up and down

Class 8 orders see minor bump in June

Though 2022 build slots continue to dwindle, new truck orders saw a minor increase in June. ACT Research reported preliminary Class 8 orders of 15,500 units and FTR reported 15,000 units.

July 6, 2022

Three trucks parked in rest area in Rocky Mountains

Recession trending closer to likely reality, ACT reports

“Some have called the current period of turbulence, unprecedented, and there is a growing consensus around the notion that we promote here: A slowdown is coming. We don’t know if it will be shallower or deeper.”

June 30, 2022

Truck on highway driving toward setting sun

Class 8 tractor dashboard slips again as business conditions evolve

The top line on ACT Research's Class 8 Tractor Dashboard dropped again in April, the company announced Tuesday.

June 28, 2022

Tractor dashboard chart from ACT Research

Used truck demand appeared strong in May despite industry fears

According to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research, used Class 8 retail volumes (same dealer sales) were 8 percent higher month over month in May.

June 27, 2022

A line of multiple OEM used trucks parts on a lot

ACT says 'expect backlogs to contract' in trailer market

ACT Research finalized its May trailer order number to 19,445 units on Thursday, down just 0.8 percent from April and 93 percent higher than May 2021.

June 23, 2022

ACT Research net trailer order ratio, three month moving average

As recession risk grows, predicting the future for CV production is hazy

“We believe the likelihood of a U.S. economic recession is growing and probability of a mild recession is now about as likely as that of our base-case scenario,” says ACT Research.

June 17, 2022

Crystal ball with chart inside for market conditions

ACT Research bearish about used market after May sales scuffle

ACT Research confirmed Wednesday what was first reported by J.D. Power on Tuesday — May was the first poor month in a long time for used truck sales.

June 15, 2022

A row of black Freightliner tractors parked

Page 2 of 196

Rihm Kenworth wins 2022 Successful Dealer Award

Rihm Kenworth has won the 2022 Successful Dealer Award. The announcement was made Tuesday during a special awards banquet in Nashville, Tenn., to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the award program.

Bunch of trucks in a row on the highway

Labor shortage beginning to weaken industry growth potential

Doggett Freightliner store counter

2022 Successful Dealer Award finalist Doggett Freightliner

Trucks through mirror.

Analysts expect softening in freight market in months ahead

Rihm Kenworth store front

2022 Successful Dealer Award finalist Rihm Kenworth

Learn how to move your used trucks faster

With unsold used inventory depreciating at a rate of more than 2% monthly, efficient inventory turnover is a must for dealers. Download this eBook to access proven strategies for selling used trucks faster.

Used Truck Guide Cover

Fullbay’s Guide to Starting a Mobile Repair Shop

If you've ever thought about starting a mobile repair business or adding a mobile tech to your shop, you need to read this guide.