Volume 27 • Issue 04 • 4/15/2025

IN THIS ISSUE

• Scholarship Applications are Online Now
• UTA In-Person Training, Renton, WA, May 7-8, 2025
• BOARD NEWS & VIEWS: 2025 UTA Golf Event in Kansas City — A Hole-in-One for Education by Nick Lombardo
• VOCATIONAL GROUP: March Madness in Our Industry — Navigating the Challenges Together
• MARKETING COMMITTEE: Boost Your Brand with UTA’s Exclusive Promotional Opportunities! by Charles Bowles
• MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Kelly Rolfe
• Save the Date for the 26th Annual Convention
• Nominations Opening Soon for UTA Board of Directors and Lifetime Achievement Awards
• Women In Trucking Blog
• Used Truck Market Review & Forecast
• Awards & Accolades
• Industry News Briefs
• Electric & Alternative Fuel News

UTA Training Creates Confidence & Motivation for your Sales Force! 

Two days filled with learning, training, and a little recreation! 

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2025 UTA Kansas City Golf Scramble and Reception, happening June 25–26 in Kansas City! This exciting two-day event offers plenty of golf and networking opportunities, with all proceeds benefiting the UTA Jerome Nerman Family Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships will award $6,000 each to 12 deserving students.

A New Venue: Argosy Casino and Hotel
This year, we're excited to announce a new venue for the event—Argosy Casino and Hotel! Conveniently located just off I-635 and Hwy 69, and only 15 minutes from Kansas City International Airport, the Argosy offers much better accommodations for our members. With luxury rooms, top-notch amenities, and a convenient location, it's the perfect spot to stay, unwind, and enjoy the event. Plus, it's just a short Uber ride from some of Kansas City's top attractions, including the National World War I Museum, the Steamboat Arabia Museum, and Chicken N Pickle in North KC.

Greetings from the

Vocational Committee!

By now, you’re likely aware of the NCAA champion—and hopefully, your bracket aligns with the outcome! Whether or not you cashed in on your winnings, I hope you enjoyed the excitement of the tournament with family and friends.

As wild as March Madness can be, our industry is experiencing its own brand of chaos. We're all facing uncertainties tied to EPA regulations, the potential repeal of the Federal Excise Tax (FET), and various tariffs. Navigating these challenges can feel like a high-stakes game. So, how do we move forward in this ever-evolving landscape of truck sales?

I want to take a moment to highlight the benefits of being involved with the new UTA Vocational Group. Despite the uncertainties we face, we have the opportunity to maintain a level playing field, working towards growth and success. If you are not already involved, I strongly encourage you to check us out. Networking with a group of seasoned professionals and suppliers in our industry can provide valuable advantages.

The UTA Marketing Committee is excited to unveil a dynamic suite of high-impact promotional opportunities designed to elevate your brand and connect you with key decision-makers across the used truck industry.

With over 800 engaged members—including franchise and independent dealers, OEMs, suppliers, and industry affiliates—UTA offers an unparalleled platform to showcase your business to the people who matter most. Whether you’re looking to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or strengthen industry relationships, UTA’s promotional programs deliver targeted exposure and powerful engagement.

Exclusive Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities

• Advertise on the UTA’s home page ‘hero’ image 
• Advertise in the Widely Read UTA Newsletter 
• and MORE…

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Kelly Rolfe

Kelly Rolfe, Executive VP Business Development & Marketing, NXTLVL Driveaway, and member of the UTA Marketing Committee

Kelly Rolfe brings over a decade of experience, a passion for people, and a deep-rooted commitment to the trucking industry. 

Kelly’s journey into trucking wasn’t planned—it began with a call from family. In 2010, her sister asked her to help run their company. At the time, Kelly was working as a Director of Nursing. Though hesitant, she leaped—and quickly discovered her true calling. “After getting into the industry, I realized this is where I was meant to be,” she says.

Building a Thriving Workplace Culture

Courtney Bloom (March 25, 2025) — Creating and sustaining a positive workplace culture is crucial for employee engagement, retention, and overall business success. Montiqua Mathers, Founder of People First Consulting, explores the importance of workplace culture.

Understanding Workplace Culture 

Workplace culture is more than just company policies or occasional team-building events. It is the collective behavior, values, and beliefs that shape how work gets done. A positive culture fosters trust, engagement, and productivity, while a toxic culture leads to disengagement, burnout, and high turnover.

USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST

Full April Report will be in May's Edition

Auction Update with Commentary

Auction volume increased notably in March, following the typical seasonal pattern. Pricing generally increased mildly as the market fully opened up.

Looking at late-model sleeper tractors, average pricing for our benchmark truck in March was:

· Model year 2023: $80,263; $1,437 (1.8%) lower than February

· Model year 2022: $59,610; $1,522 (2.6%) higher than February

· Model year 2021: $46,588; $8,248 (21.5%) higher than February

· Model year 2020: $34,489; $2,642 (7.1%) lower than February

· Model year 2019: $28,498; $3,826 (15.5%) higher than February

See full report

Ongoing Market Uncertainty Fuels Used Truck Market Stagnation

The Sandhills Global market reports with March data for used equipment, trucks, and trailers on Sandhills’ U.S. platforms show inventory and values trending down for used heavy-duty trucks. Used truck inventory was particularly lower compared to year-ago levels.

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.

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.

Nominate a Business for the Trailblazer Award!

Being a trailer dealer in today's transportation industry is a challenging job. Customer expectations are high, equipment is hard to come by and employees are always eager to better understand how they can excel in their work.

Dealers who are able to navigate those challenges and thrive deserve credit for their excellence, and that's what we do with our Trailblazer Award, powered by Successful Dealer.

Bendix Earns Ohio Award for Environmental Excellence

Truck, Parts, Service staff (March 25, 2025) — Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems earned Ohio's Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Gold Award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the company announced Tuesday. 

"Environmental stewardship has always been a core value at Bendix," says Maria Gutierrez, Bendix senior director of environmental, social and governance. "Earning E3 Gold reflects the measurable progress our teams have driven across Bendix operations. Our LEED Silver-certified headquarters in Avon has played a key role in advancing our sustainability strategy and this award is a testament to how far we've come." 

Nominate a Business for the 2025 Distributor of the Year!

Trucks, Parts, Service loves recognizing the best operations in the independent aftermarket.

Since 2002, more than 50 aftermarket businesses have been honored as finalists or crowned winner of our annual Distributor of the Year Award. We've recognized large, multi-state and regional entities and we've shined our light on small, local, single-location operations doing everything they can to serve the customers in their marketplace.

Mack Announces 2024 Dealer of the Year

Trucks, Parts, Service staff (April 11, 2025) — Mack Trucks has announced Tri-State Truck Center of Memphis, Tenn., as its 2024 North American Dealer of the Year.

The award was presented Wednesday during Mack's annual dealer executive meeting, with Mack recognizing Tri-State's exceptional performance across sales, service and customer satisfaction metrics. Mack presents its dealer of the year awards to dealers that exceed business targets for sales, parts, leasing and financing through Mack Financial Services (MFS), as well as those that continue to grow the business and score highly among customers for satisfaction.

Kenworth shows off W900 Legacy Edition

Truck, Parts, Service staff (March 26, 2025) — Kenworth Truck Company announced on Thursday it will make 1,000 W900 Legacy Edition trucks as part of the final production run of the iconic tractor. The company made the announcement at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. 

"Our W900 Legacy Edition is a way to celebrate the history and importance of the truck model with our customers," says Kevin Haygood, Kenworth's assistant general manager for sales and marketing. "We will produce 1,000 of these limited-edition trucks, and they're sure to become a collector's item.

Truck Sales Hitting ‘Dead End’ in ACT Rule Opt-in States

Lucas Deal, TPS Chief Editor (March 26, 2025) — More than 30,000 orders were placed for Class 8 trucks across the United States and Canada in December. That total was down slightly from November, but far outpaced December 2023 and showed an industry on an upswing during its peak order season.

From September through December, Class 8 orders were up 6% year over year, FTR reported at the time, while ACT Research President and Senior Analyst Kenny Vieth said, “Strength continues to be the applicable descriptor of Class 8 order activity as the industry looks to 2025.”

Used Pricing Fluctuations Make it Hard to Know What’s Next

Truck, Parts, Service staff (March 26, 2025) — Class 8 retail used truck prices suffered their largest month over month drop in eight months in February, slipping 6.2% month over month, ACT Research reported Wednesday in its latest State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks report.

And the data wasn't better when evaluating against 2024.

Market Moves: M&A Activity Ginds to a Halt in March

Truck, Parts, Service staff (April 3, 2025) — March was a heavy news month due to tariff and regulatory uncertainty and, thanks to the Work Truck Show and ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting, an incredibly busy month for new product announcements. It was not, however, a busy stretch in the transaction space.

ATA Wants Congress to Scrap California Emission Autonomy

Truck, Parts, Service staff (April 2, 2025) — The American Trucking Associations believes it is time to end California's regulatory autonomy regarding fuel economy and emissions standards. 

ATA President & CEO Chris Spear sent a letter to House and Senate Republican leaders Tuesday calling on them to take away California's regulatory autonomy that the state has had for more than 40 years.

How Peterbilt and Transition Overwatch are Bringing Tech Careers to Veterans

Lucas Deal, TPS Chief Editor (April 4, 2025) — Peterbilt’s successful partnership with Transition Overwatch is paying dividends for both parties — supporting veterans as they transition into post-military careers while Peterbilt continues to supplement its national dealer technician network with hardworking, capable veterans eager to enter the trucking industry.

Peterbilt partnered with Transition Overwatch in 2023 and was immediately impressed with the program.

Truck Production Facing 'Substantial Downside Risks' Amid Tariff, Regulatory Activity

Truck, Parts, Service staff (April 4, 2025) — Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting (CMVC) reported Thursday in the aftermath of another weak new truck order report and President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement that Class 8 production could be in for a rough waters in the months ahead.

Mack Trucks Launches Pioneer Class 8 Tractor

Enhanced Seating Among Designs Focused on Driver Comfort

Transport Topics (April 8, 2025) — Mack Trucks unveiled its newest Class 8 model, the Mack Pioneer, which officials touted as its most aerodynamic and driver-focused highway truck to date.

Against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, Mack’s new vehicle was unveiled in front of media and special guests during its premiere event April 8.

Order Boards Open for Newest Cascadia

Truck, Parts, Service staff (April 11, 2025) — Freightliner announced Thursday ordering is now available for its highly anticipated fifth generation Cascadia. 

According to Freightliner parent company Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), this latest addition to the Freightliner family, first introduced in October, continues the legacy of the industry’s most popular Class 8 truck, setting new standards in safety, efficiency and profitability.

15 New Volvo VNR Electrics Deploy at Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach

Jay Traugott, Senior Editor for Clean Trucking (Mar 24, 2025) — Fleets making the change from traditional diesel to battery-electric rigs face a number of challenges, specifically infrastructure and other related costs. Despite this, drayage firms like Compton, California-based Tradelink Transport are pushing ahead, and the company's latest major purchase is proof.

Bipartisan Effort Introduces Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act of 2025

Jay Traugott, Senior Editor, Clean Trucking (April 4, 2025) — A bipartisan effort has been put forward by a group of lawmakers in the House and Senate to introduce the Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act of 2025, which is designed to "jumpstart the transition to cleaner fuels, slash emissions, and drive American innovation and job creation."

Tesla Semi Reportedly Faces Price Increase, Delayed Again

Jay Traugott, Senior Editor, Clean Trucking (April 4, 2025) — In what was previously billed as the year of the Tesla Semi, a new report is claiming the sleek-looking battery-electric Class 8 semi is delayed yet again. 

Earlier reports claimed that the Semi was set to begin series production later this year at a new Nevada facility, which will have the capability to produce 50,000 units annually.

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