Volume 27 • Issue 03 • 3/26/2025 |
|
|
IN THIS ISSUE
- Scholarship Applications are Online Now
- UTA Webinar ACT Steve Tam. March 27 2:00 pm CDT
- BOARD NEWS & VIEWS: Embrace the Ambiguity by Steve Tam
- 6th Annual Red River Shootout Fishing Trip
- New UTA Sponsorship Store – Secure Your Spot
- UTA In-Person Training, Renton, WA, May 7-8, 2025
- MARKETING COMMITTEE: Commercial Truck Dealership Marketing Strategies by Ian Sifuentes
- MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Bill Black
- Save the Date for the 26th Annual Convention
- OPINION: Navigating Real-World Inflation: Strategic Approaches for Trucking and Automotive Businesses by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long
- Women In Trucking Blog
- Used Truck Market Review & Forecast
- Awards & Accolades
- Industry News Briefs
- Electric & Alternative Fuel News
|
|
|
|
|
Steve Tam, Vice President ACT Research Co., will discuss: |
|
|
- Current State of the Used Truck Market
- Tariffs
- The Regulatory Landscape
- Potential Outcomes for the UT Market
|
|
|
Over the course of my professional career, there have been times when I gave presentations that encouraged people to shoot their television sets. While that might seem a little extreme, the suggestion is more a commentary on what is being broadcast, than a literal instruction. It’s also useful to keep in mind that newscasters make bombastic, polarizing comments as a way to attract viewers and improve ratings. |
|
|
Unfortunately, the practice can have an unintended effect. The comments may serve to rile viewers up, increasing their levels of worry and anxiety, and sometimes, their blood pressure.
Now is one of those times when I feel compelled to counsel folks to take aim at their TVs. The current presidential administration has an awful lot on its mind. So much so that it seems like we don’t go a week, day, or hour without hearing or reading about yet another change, executive order, or policy decision. As a result, there is a tremendous amount of uncertainty in the country and the world. While shooting your TV might be fun, here are some ideas on how to navigate these crazy times, without the fear of unwanted law enforcement interference. |
|
|
|
|
This Ain't Just Fishing… It's Business
with a Side of Bait!
The 6th Annual Red River Shootout Fishing Trip on Lake Texoma |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forget boring conference rooms. The best deals happen where the fish bite!
UTA’s Fishing Trip at the Red River Shootout is where you can:
✅ Cast a line while making connections
✅ Swap truck stories over cold drinks
✅ Reel in some of the biggest names in the biz
And Don't Just Go Fish… |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW UTA SPONSORSHIP STORE – Secure Your Spot Today |
|
|
We are excited to announce that the 2025 sponsorship opportunities for the Used Truck Association (UTA) are now available. This year, we have introduced a new, streamlined process to make securing your sponsorships easier than ever. For the first time, you can now reserve your sponsorships for the entire year in one place through our new Sponsorship Store. |
|
|
Instead of waiting for individual event registrations, you can select your preferred events, choose your sponsorship level, and confirm your participation in just a few clicks. |
|
|
|
|
UTA Training Creates Confidence & Motivation for your Sales Force!
Two days filled with learning, training, and a little recreation!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by Ian Sifuentes, UTA Marketing Committee
Mission Financial Services Group |
|
The commercial trucking industry is fiercely competitive—survival isn’t just about selling trucks, it’s about standing out. For smaller dealerships, grabbing the attention of owner-operators, fleet managers, and logistics companies can feel like an uphill battle, especially without a massive budget. The good news? You don’t need billboards or expensive ads to make an impact. With buyer habits shifting online, digital marketing is the most powerful way to grow your dealership.
|
|
|
Winning in today’s market means taking a digital-first approach—boosting your online presence, engaging customers where they already are, and using data to make smarter decisions. Not sure where to begin? Here are the top marketing strategies to expand your reach, turn leads into buyers, and build long-term success.
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Bill Black |
|
|
Reflecting on a long career in the transportation business, Bill Black said he wouldn’t change a thing.
For two decades, he worked in the parts and service side of a dealership, before he founded his own service company, National Fleet Management Inc., which is based in Statesville, North Carolina. When he’s not busy running his business as CEO, he enjoys spending time with his wife of nearly 40 years, his three children, and eight grandchildren. |
|
|
Always a family man, Bill was first introduced to the transportation business through his father’s welding and repair business. As soon as he could walk, he was lending a hand in the shop. Those skills carried into Bill’s career as a mechanic in the Marine Corps. “After my service, I continued in the industry—and I’ve enjoyed the ride ever since,” he said. |
|
|
|
|
In today's economic landscape, trucking and automotive business owners face a challenging reality: the inflation affecting your day-to-day operations often runs much higher than official Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures suggest. While government reports place inflation around 3%, the on-the-ground reality for our industry tells a different story - with commercial auto insurance premiums up 9%, operating costs climbing steadily, shortage of techs, and parts availability still causing headaches. |
|
|
The disconnect between reported figures and business reality isn't just a statistical curiosity—it's a serious threat to your bottom line. When I see the government say inflation is 2.7%, but my insurance costs are up 9%, meat at the market is up 15%, house insurance is up 34%, and fuel price fluctuating by 10% each month, I think us citizens may not be living in the same economic reality. |
|
|
|
|
Giving A Face to Women In Trucking at Industry Eventsby Women In Trucking Staff (March 13, 2025) — Did you know that in 2024 the WITney® Educational Trailer traveled to 40 events? This resulted in nearly 7,500 visitors – most of them women and girls looking to become more educated about the many career opportunities for females in the trucking industry at job fairs, community events and corporate events, and industry conferences.
|
|
|
|
|
USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST |
|
|
|
|
Truck Sales Resilient Despite Uncertain Times
February preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales volumes built on January’s strength, adding 12% m/m. The market easily outperformed historical seasonality, which called for an increase of 6% m/m. Gains in preliminary auction activity were muted, up 2.2% from January. Moving in the opposite direction, wholesale transactions contracted 4.9% y/y. Altogether, February preliminary sales strengthened 7.9% m/m. The gain is a testament to the stalwart nature of truckers, but also somewhat counterintuitive considering all the economic and political uncertainty they are currently facing. See full report |
|
|
|
|
|
Summary
Sales volume at auctions and on dealer lots was seasonally low in February 2025. Auction pricing dipped from January 2025, while retail pricing was stable.
CLASS 8 AUCTION UPDATE
February is historically the second-lowest month of the year in terms of sales volume. February 2025’s volume met this expectation, and pricing showed mild to moderate depreciation compared with January.
Looking at late-model sleeper tractors, average pricing for our benchmark truck in January. See full report |
|
|
|
|
|
Used Truck & Semitrailer Asking Prices Continue Downward Trend
According to the newest Sandhills Global market reports, which cover February data for used trucks, trailers, and equipment in Sandhills’ U.S. platforms, February was a significant month for construction equipment auction results among late-model, low-hours heavy equipment. Similar trends occurred in the used truck and trailer markets, as values have stabilized over the past few months, and auction results signal market confidence.
See full report |
|
|
|
|
The UTA wants to recognize the wins of the people and companies in our industry! If you want to share news about an award or accolade, please send the details and article link to our newsletter editor at utaeditor@uta.org. |
|
|
Successful Dealer Award — 2025 Nomination Form | Trucks, Parts, Service Nominate a dealer for the 2025 Successful Dealer Award! — Trucks, Parts, Service is thrilled to again recognize our industry's strongest dealer groups by opening the nomination period (see the form below) for our prestigious Successful Dealer Award. Created to honor our industry's best (not just biggest) dealers, the Successful Dealer Award highlights truck dealers who consistently showcase customer service excellence, employee empowerment and engagement, community leadership, industry engagement and more.
|
|
|
|
|
Volvo Trucks Celebrates 2024 Canadian Dealer Group of the Year Volvo Trucks, Press Release (February 20, 2025) — Volvo Trucks North America proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of Gerry’s Truck Centre as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Canadian Dealer Group of the Year award. This recognition underscores their exceptional contributions in critical areas, including sales volume and market share, customer satisfaction, parts sales, and commitment to sustainability initiatives.
|
|
|
|
|
Volvo Trucks Celebrates Nextran Truck Centers’ Jon Pritchett on Receiving Horatio Alger Award Press Release, Volvo Trucks NA (March 13, 2025) — Volvo Trucks North America congratulates Jon W. Pritchett, co-founder, president, and CEO of Nextran Truck Centers, for being named recipient of the 2025 Horatio Alger Award. The prestigious award honors individuals who have overcome adversity to achieve professional success and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to philanthropy and education. Pritchett’s leadership has been instrumental in Nextran Truck Centers’ expansion and success, transforming it into one of Volvo Trucks’ largest dealer groups in North America.
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Spotlight: How Barry Walker Won Over NW White Press Release, The Pete Store (March 5, 2025) — For over two decades, salesman Barry Walker pursued NW White as a client, facing consistent roadblocks. NW White, a leading dump truck company in the Southeast, had grown from a single tractor-trailer in 1952 to an impressive eight divisions and over 300 trucks.
|
|
|
Despite his unsuccessful attempts to get in the door, Barry kept calling them year after year. His persistence finally paid off when a conversation with salesman Gary Reagan revealed a shared connection: Gary had played football at the University of Tennessee with NW White owner, Richard Jackson. This connection opened the door for a meeting. During the meeting, Barry's phone rang playing "Rocky Top," the Tennessee fight song; this made Richard laugh and broke the ice leading to an initial five-truck deal. That initial deal grew into a thriving partnership, making NW White one of our largest customers. NW White currently has 85 trucks on order and will take delivery of them from Jan-Nov 2025. The moral of the story is never give up, because you never know how close you are to an opportunity. Without Barry’s persistence, we would’ve missed a big opportunity and a long-term partnership. |
|
|
J.D. Power's Visser Looks at Used Market Dynamics During Webinar Trucks, Parts, Service Chief Editor, Lucas Deal (February 20, 2025) — Early 2025 data shows trucking business conditions are trending up again, a good sign for all corners of transportation but particularly the used truck space, which is approaching three years since its last market high, J.D. Power Director of Specialty Vehicles Chris Visser reported during a Used Truck Association (UTA) webinar Thursday.
|
|
|
|
|
Bruckner’s Expands Dealer Network to Idaho and Montana and Further into Washington Bruckner’s Truck’s, Press Release (February 26, 2025) — Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment is proud to announce its expansion into Idaho and Montana, as well as deeper into Washington state, through the acquisition of Transport Equipment, Inc. (TEI). For over 40 years, TEI has been a trusted name in the trucking industry, operating from three locations in Lewiston, Missoula, and Spokane.
|
|
|
|
|
“TEL is known as a leading provider of commercial truck and trailer leasing, sales and remarketing to truck fleets and owner-operators in the US,” Alexander said. “The new equipment finance division is a natural outgrowth of our strengths in financing and transportation. We are diversifying by expanding financing services to cover a broader range of equipment used in transportation and logistics, and in related industries including construction, and food and beverage.”
He noted that Jennifer Sablowski has been appointed Vice President of Equipment Finance to lead the new division. She is an active member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association and brings more than two decades of equipment finance experience to her post. |
|
|
|
|
Peterbilt Announces Availability of New LED Headlights for Medium Duty Models Peterbilt Motors Company, Press Release (March 3, 2025) — Peterbilt is pleased to announce the availability of new LED headlights as optional equipment across its medium duty vehicle lineup. Designed specifically for medium duty applications, the new LED headlights offer greater light output, improved range and increased beam spread for superior visibility on roads and jobsites. |
|
|
|
|
Cummins Unveils B7.2 Diesel Engine for Medium-duty Applications
Columbus, Ind. BUSINESS WIRE (Mar 5, 2025) — Today global power and technology leader Cummins Inc. announced an update to the legendary B-Series engine platform, unveiling the new Cummins B7.2 diesel engine at NTEA Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, IN. This press release features multimedia. |
|
|
|
|
Volvo VNR Gets Big Update, New 13-Liter Engine
Trucks, Parts, Service, Jason Cannon (March 10, 2025) — Anyone with a sibling knows that anything big brother/sister gets, little brother/sister wants, too. At the Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville Monday, the Volvo VNR got the update its bigger sibling – the on-highway flagship VNL – got last year: a "90% redesign" over the previous generation truck. Production will kick off at Volvo Trucks New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia, and sales start in the coming months. |
|
|
|
|
2023 UTA LTA Award Winner Jim Zimmerman is now with Hess Auctioneers
Recent UTA Marvin F. Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Jim Zimmerman is now with Hess Auctioneers in Marietta, PA. Jim recently completed 21 successful years at KW of PA and is changing his pace as the latest addition to the Hess Auctioneers Sales Team. Please reach out to Jim on his cell phone 717-666-4731 or email JimZ@hessauctioneers.com You can also reach our Sales Team at Sales@HessAuctioneers.com www.HessAuctioneers.com
|
|
|
Volvo Trucks Launches the All-New Volvo VNR to Redefine Regional Haul with Enhanced Safety and Fuel Efficiency Volvo Trucks, Press Release (March 11, 2025) — As demand for safer and more efficient fleets grows, Volvo Trucks North America continues to answer the industry's call with the launch of the all-new Volvo VNR—delivering the safest, most versatile, and fuel-efficient solution purposefully designed to reshape the regional haul market. Featuring a 90 percent redesign over the previous generation truck, the all-new Volvo VNR integrates the latest proprietary safety systems from the ground up.
|
|
|
|
|
Cass Transportation Index Report February 2025
(March 17) — North American freight volumes in the for-hire market recouped some of January's losses in February, increasing 10.5% m/m. Almost half was due to normal seasonality. Compared to last year, shipments were down 5.5%, less than January’s 8.2% decline. Freight expenditures in the for-hire market rose 3.6% from January. |
|
|
|
|
Kenworth Discontinuing W900, T800 and C500 models
Truck, Parts, Service Chief Editor, Lucas Deal (March 19, 2025) — The sun will soon set on a Kenworth icon. The company announced Wednesday it will end production of its legacy 1.9-meter cab Class 8 trucks, which includes Kenworth’s W900 (W900L and W900B models), T800W (wide-hood), and the C500 in 2026.
As first reported by TPS sister publication Overdrive on Tuesday, Kenworth says the decision is due to evolving emissions regulations and component constraints as the industry moves forward with new, more efficient and better integrated technologies and products.
A final call for truck orders will be announced later in 2025, the company says. |
|
|
|
|
TMC Panel Shares How California, EPA Regs Could Force ZEV Sales Trucks, Parts, Service Chief Editor, Lucas Deal (March 11, 2025) — “This is the most crowded and uncertain regulatory landscape we as OEMs have ever worked with,” says Alissa Recker of Daimler Truck North America. Speaking Tuesday during a panel discussion at ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting in Nashville, Recker is referring to cluttered mix of EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations currently implemented and forthcoming for California, its opt-in partner states and the trucking industry at large.
|
|
|
|
|
CATL 2024 Profit Climbs 15% on Strong EV Battery Demand Bloomberg News, Danny Lee (March 14, 2025) — Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. posted record annual earnings for 2024, the strong financials further evidence of its commanding market position at a time some rivals are faltering. The world’s biggest maker of electric vehicle batteries posted a 15% rise in net income to 50.7 billion yuan ($7 billion) for the 12 months ended Dec. 31, according to a statement March 14. |
|
|
|
|
FOLLOW • LIKE • ENGAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
|
|
|
|
Used Truck Association
Impact Association Management
1502 W Broadway, Suite 102 • Madison, WI 53713
Phone: 877-438-7882 (877-Gets-UTA)
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. If you no longer wish to receive these emails you can unsubscribe at any time.
|
|
|
|
