Volume 28 • Issue 3 • 03/23/2026 |
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IN THIS ISSUE
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BOARD NEWS & VIEWS: Exploring Artificial Intelligence in the Used Truck Industry by Steve Tam
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DEALER GROUP March Update by Nick Guess UTA Truck Talk Podcast: Episode 8 With Joe Bowers MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: James Amos In Memoriam: Rick W. Dodson, 2/28/1959 - 2/24/2026 - MARKETING: Truckload Spot Rate Spikes: What an 8% Jump Signals for 2026 by Ian Sifuentes
- OPINION: Autonomous Trucks: The Question Isn't If, But Who Survives When by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long
Can I Buy a Semi-Truck Without a CDL? (And Other FAQs) by Ian Sifuentes -
UTA Kansas City Golf Scramble & Reception—Register and Sponsor Today!
Women In Trucking Blog -
Used Truck Market Review & Forecast
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Awards & Accolades
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Industry News Briefs
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Electric & Alternative Fuel News
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So Much More Than Fishing! April 21-23, 2026 It's filling up fast! |
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Steve Tam is Vice President, ACT Research Co. He can be reached at (812) 379-2085. |
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I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t have a conversation, hear a news story, or read an article about Artificial Intelligence (AI). The discussion seems fairly balanced. Not surprisingly, some extol its virtues and benefits, while others raise concerns about potential negative impacts. Personally, I fall into both camps. I’m intrigued by the possibilities for increased efficiency, yet genuinely concerned about protecting data and intellectual property. |
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Regardless of how you feel, AI appears to be here to stay. With that in mind, I thought I would take this opportunity to consider how AI might impact the used truck market. To be clear, I have no insight into any company’s specific plans for AI. Rather, these thoughts are simply an exploration of what may be possible. |
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Nick Guess is an employee of Integrity Truck Sales. He can be reached at 816-896-2542. |
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A Transitioning Used Truck Market Heading Into 2026 A transitioning market in 2026 will bring its own set of challenges. After more than three years in a down cycle, many of us are finally beginning to feel some relief. As the market shifts, I want to focus on three topics I hear about most often from customers: inventory, reconditioning, and trade-ins—and how each will impact the used truck side of the business in 2026.
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Inventory Challenges
One of the biggest issues we are already seeing is availability. Trucks with fewer than 500,000 miles are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Much of today’s used inventory stems from the COVID-era production years, when manufacturers simply did not build enough units to meet what is now current demand. |
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UTA Truck Talk Podcast Episode 8 With Joe Bowers
Owner/Salesman, C8 Truck & Trailer, LLC
Hosts Scott Wynn - Corporate Buyer/Wholesaler, American Equipment Sales and Leasing
Steve Bootsma - Wholesale Unit Dept Manager, Vander Haag's Inc.
Mike Gardecki - Buyer, Used Truck & Trailer, TransWest
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In this episode, Joe Bowers shares his transition into an independent dealer. Joe has always taken pride in his chosen title of Salesman.
He has some great tips for growing relationships and the importance of membership in the UTA. Being either new to the industry or a veteran, there is value in this discussion. Joe is a man of true integrity, and we are proud to have him as our guest. |
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Networking • Cornhole • Poker Games • Golf & Casinos Nearby • Fishing |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: James Amos |
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James Amos is an Owner / Partner of KC Truck and Equipment Sales. He can be found at
816-916-1398 or by email james@kcequip.com |
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James Amos, Owner/Partner
KC Truck and Equipment Sales – Bates City, MOJames Amos has been a member of the UTA for nearly nine years and has built his career on relationships, integrity, and a deep understanding of truck values. |
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As Owner and Partner of KC Truck and Equipment Sales, he works on the front lines of the industry every day, serving trucking companies of all sizes as well as individual buyers. James’ path into the truck industry came at a pivotal moment. After time in the restaurant business, he was ready for a change when a close friend in trucking encouraged him to make the transition. Having loved trucks since childhood, the move felt natural and ultimately proved to be the right decision. |
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In Memoriam: Rick W. Dodson, 2/28/1959 - 2/24/2026 |
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Rick W. Dodson was known for being kind, reliable, generous, competitive and athletic. Friends describe him as someone who enjoyed telling stories, sharing jokes and occasionally pulling harmless pranks. He was also dependable and giving with his time.
“Rick was a wonderful storyteller and had a great sense of humor,” said Melissa McCombs, a friend, and coworker. “He was a great friend to many and was always giving an encouraging word or helping someone gain perspective in a kind way. He wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone who needed it,” she explained.
Service was a central part of his life. Dodson served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment and retired as a First Sergeant, an E-9 leadership rank responsible for guiding and mentoring soldiers. His military career reflected the discipline and commitment that also shaped his life at home.
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Truckload spot rate spikes have captured attention across the freight market after an 8% jump recorded over a recent two-week period. |
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For owner-operators, first-time buyers, and small fleets, this is a data point that hints at how fragile current market conditions remain and how quickly opportunity and risk can appear. Many drivers are still operating through a prolonged freight recession, with demand remaining weak in several lanes and elevated costs continuing to pressure margins.
Understanding why sudden rate spikes happen and what they may signal for 2026 helps drivers decide when to secure financing before the next swing. |
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Scholarship Applications Are Now Online Send the deserving students in your life to the website for details! |
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Ricardo Rodriguez-Long works in Asset Management. He can be found on LinkedIn and reached at his email: ricardoCA1999@gmail.com
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The question is no longer whether autonomous trucks will transform our industry, it’s when — and more importantly, who will still be in business when they do. |
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I’ve watched this industry evolve for 40 years. I’ve seen diesel engines move from mechanical workhorses to computer-controlled machines. I’ve watched emissions regulations reshape manufacturing. I’ve tested technologies that promised to “revolutionize trucking,” many disappeared, and a few changed everything. Autonomous trucking isn’t going away. But it’s also not what the press releases would have you believe.
The Hype Vs. The Highway
Currently, more than 400 self-driving trucks operate on U.S. public highways. Not in five years. Not “when the technology matures.” Today.
Kodiak Robotics runs 10 fully driverless Class 8 trucks hauling frac sand in West Texas — no safety driver, no remote operator, just silicon and sensors moving freight 24/7. Aurora Innovation operates a commercial service between Dallas and Houston. PlusAI’s SuperDrive system runs autonomous trials on Interstate 35, backed by TRATON Group’s $25 million investment across International, Scania, and MAN brands.
This is real. It’s happening. |
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Buying a semi-truck often raises the same questions for first-time buyers, especially those entering the trucking business from the ownership side rather than the driver’s seat. One of the most common concerns is whether you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to buy or finance a semi-truck. |
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The answers below break down what is legally allowed, what lenders look for, and when buying a semi-truck without a CDL makes sense.
Can I Buy a Semi-Truck Without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?
Yes, you can buy a semi-truck without holding a CDL. Ownership and operation are two separate things in the trucking industry.
You don't need a CDL to purchase or own commercial motor vehicles because the person buying the vehicle doesn't have to be the same person driving it. |
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Are You Ready for the UTA Kansas City Golf Scramble & Reception Earlier Dates: June 3 & 4 Argosy Casino & Hotel Staley Farms Golf Club |
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Black Women in Trucking Making A Difference Every Day by Brian Everett (Feb 16, 2026) Every year, Black History Month is an occasion to celebrate the contributions of so many Black Americans who have indelibly shaped our nation’s history. |
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Black Americans have been among the country’s most consequential leaders shaping the cultural and political destiny of the United States in profound ways. American heroes such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, Justice Clarence Thomas, and countless others represent what is best in America and her citizens. |
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USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST |
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VOLUME TRENDS: Same dealer used Class 8 retail truck sales returned to sequential decline in January. The 12% m/m decrease was directionally consistent with, but greater than, the expected 6% seasonal drop. January is usually the second weakest sales month of the year, running about 6% below average. The auction and wholesale markets also both cooled in January. Auction volumes shriveled 56% m/m in typical first month of the quarter fashion. Wholesale dealer activity was off 10% m/m. Combined, January total market same dealer sales volumes trailed December by 31%. Compared to January 2025, the retail market was 25% lower. |
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SELLING PRICES
After an encouraging start to the year, February’s selling prices were disappointing in all channels.
SALES VOLUME
February auction volume was substantially higher than January, which is typical. Retail sales volume increased incrementally and continues to recover. RETAIL METRICS The average age of trucks retailed remains lower than historically-typical, at 57 months old in February, a full year newer than the long-term average. |
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Used Truck & Trailer Inventory Levels Trending Down Inventory levels are trending down in used truck and trailer markets, according to the Sandhills Global market reports covering February data. Used heavy-duty truck asking and auction values are also trending down, while used semi-trailer and medium-duty truck values are mixed.
Sandhills Global market reports cover used trucks, trailers, farm machinery, and construction equipment on Sandhills’ U.S. platforms. The key metric in all of Sandhills’ market reports is the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI). Buyers and sellers can use the information in the Sandhills EVI to monitor equipment, truck, and trailer markets and maximize returns on acquisition, liquidation, and related business decisions.
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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. |
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Photo Credit: @ErinEllePhoto
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Paula Harper: Living the Dream, Leading the Way
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Paula Harper as its March 2026 Member of the Month.
Harper still remembers the feeling of sitting in the car with her family as a little girl, pumping her arm in the air and waiting for a truck driver to answer with a blast of the horn. She was about nine years old, mesmerized by the sight of drivers in western shirts, blue jeans, cowboy hats, and boots with big belt buckles. To her, they were larger than life.
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The C580 is set to combine the existing severe-duty C500 chassis with the comforts of Kenworth’s latest cab platform. (Kenworth)
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Drivers are trying to protect stability as much as possible, the People. Data. Analytics. retention report found. (photovs/Getty Images)
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Truck Drivers Seek Predictability as Freight Market Shifts
Transport Topics (March 6, 2026) — Truck drivers are prioritizing reliability in the current uneven freight market as they assess whether to remain with a carrier. The People. Data. Analytics. annual retention report released Feb. 24 identified predictability as the defining factor in driver retention during the freight market conditions of 2025. These drivers prioritized reliable execution and predictable outcomes over promises of improvement or short-term incentives, especially regarding their equipment, miles, pay and communication.
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Acura Integra Type S (Honda)
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A ChargePoint station in Hudson, N.Y. (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg)
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(SK Battery America via YouTube)
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SK Lays Off Nearly 1,000 Amid Cooling Automaker EV Plans Transport Topics (March 6, 2026) — Battery company SK Battery America Inc. laid off nearly 1,000 workers at a manufacturing plant northeast of Atlanta on March 6 amid automakers' changing electrification plans and uncertain consumer demand for EVs.
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A Chevrolet Suburban High Country SUV at the Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 14. (Emily Elconin/Bloomberg)
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US Embraces Gas Guzzlers While World Goes Electric Transport Topics (March 6, 2026) — By gutting climate regulations, the president has freed U.S. automakers to sell as many gas-burning trucks and SUVs as they can. Muscle cars powered by rumbling V-8s and Hemi engines are back, with beasts like the Dodge Charger and Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse laying down rubber at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Electric vehicles, pushed by years of federal policy, are now purely optional. |
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Used Truck Association
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Phone: 877-438-7882 (877-Gets-UTA)
Email: admin@uta.org
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