Volume 27 • Issue 05 • 5/15/2025

IN THIS ISSUE

• Scholarship Applications are Online Now
• Advertise in the UTA Industry Watch Newsletter!
• BOARD NEWS & VIEWS: The Heart of the Used Truck Association—Why Your Participation and Feedback Matter by Jeremi Guditis
• DEALER GROUP: The Sixth Annual Red River Shootout Was a Success by Steve Bootsma
• Now Taking Nominations for UTA Board of Directors and Lifetime Achievement Awards
• MARKETING COMMITTEE: Protect and Grow—How Smart Dealers Thrive During Times of Shortages and Uncertainty by Charles Bowles
• Register and Sponsor the UTA KC Golf Scramble & Reception!
• MARKETING COMMITTEE: Commercial Truck Insurance Questions: FAQ About Coverage by Ian Sifuentes
• MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Katie Baker
• Advertise on the UTA home page hero image!
• OPINION: Yet Another Obstacle by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long
• Save the Date for the 26th Annual Convention
• Women In Trucking Blog
• Used Truck Market Review & Forecast
• Awards & Accolades
• Industry News Briefs
• Electric & Alternative Fuel News

I've been a member of the UTA since 2018, and one key insight has consistently stood out to me: participation and feedback are the driving forces behind the UTA.

As an active board member, I can't emphasize enough how important it is for us to hear from you—whether the feedback is positive or negative.

Your input helps us shape the organization and its events in ways that genuinely serve and resonate with our members. 

When you share your thoughts and challenges, you give us a clearer understanding of the realities you face each day. This invaluable input empowers our board and committee members to make informed decisions that truly reflect the needs of our membership. Our goal is to ensure that our strategies align with your experiences and expectations.

We had a fantastic time networking and raising money for the Jerome Nerman Family Foundation Scholarships.

Once again, the event took place near Kingston, Oklahoma, with fishing on beautiful Lake Texoma. This year, we upgraded our accommodations to cabins at West Bay Casino and Resort —thanks to Jeremi Guditis and Bobby Williams, who negotiated the new lodging at last year’s event. Great work!

Who Will Join the Ranks of Esteemed Recipients?

The annual UTA Marvin F. Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award is the UTA's most prestigious award and recognizes individuals who have made numerous and significant contributions to the used truck industry.

Attributes considered for this award:

• Has this person had a proven career record of accomplishments in the used truck industry?
• Have they demonstrated their capacity for maintaining the highest business practices and standards?
• Do their actions advance the goals and objectives promoted by the UTA?

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner will be announced at the 26th Annual UTA Convention in San Diego, California.

Nominations Close June 6, 2025

In times of uncertainty—when trucks, parts, and pricing are all in flux—dealerships face a tough balancing act: protecting hard-earned relationships with current customers while still finding ways to grow and attract new ones.

This isn’t easy, but it is possible—and it starts with one key action: communicate.

When inventories tighten and prices climb, the dealerships that succeed are those that double down on understanding their customers’ businesses. They ask the right questions. They listen closely. They uncover what those customers need now—and what they’re likely to need next. That insight helps them make smarter, faster decisions on where to allocate limited resources and how to manage tough conversations about availability or price.

Wednesday, June 25 Reception

Thursday, June 26

Golf Scramble

Golf is Limited to 144 Players. 

Registration and pairings are first-come-first served

Don't Wait!

SPONSORSHIPS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

Get your logo on the UTA website, Social Media, Event Posters…
all while supporting the Scholarship Foundation!

Are you the owner or operator of a trucking business? When you’re hauling cargo over long distances, anything can happen. A commercial auto policy with truck insurance coverage will give you and your drivers peace of mind. 

As experts in the commercial vehicle financing industry, we are often asked about commercial vehicle insurance. Here, you will find the answers to the most commonly asked commercial truck insurance questions.

Insurance for Commercial Trucks: Frequently Asked Questions

Unsure about your need for truck insurance or what coverage to get? These are the 12 most common commercial truck insurance questions we’ve come across.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Katie Baker

Katie Baker, CLFP, President, MC2 Finance, a commercial finance brokerage, and Bluegrass Lakes, an insurance agency

Katie Baker, CLFP, has been a proud member of the Used Truck Association (UTA) since 2015. 

Originally joining during her time at Maxim Commercial Capital, she continued her membership when she launched her own finance brokerage, MC2 Finance, in 2020. 

Baker’s journey into the trucking industry began at Arrow Truck Sales in Cincinnati, where she worked as a Finance Manager. What was supposed to be a temporary role quickly became a long-term passion. 

It was ‘love at first sight’ when I began working with the hardworking truck drivers of America,” she shares. “Every day, I felt honored to work alongside some of the most genuine, salt-of-the-earth individuals.”

This Could Be Your Key to Reaching Your Target Market.

Looking to get your brand in front of decision-makers in the used truck industry There’s no better spot than the UTA.org homepage hero banner!

Each month, only three exclusive advertisers get this powerful 1000x300 spotlight, placing your brand alongside key UTA news and events — right where members are already engaged.

• Prime real estate on the homepage
• Maximum visibility with every rotation
• Affordable rates starting at just $300 per ad
• Trusted audience of industry professionals

Whether you're promoting inventory, services, or events, this banner space puts your message front and center.

Reserve your spot now — deadlines close fast!

Make your message impossible to miss. Advertise with UTA.

In an industry already facing headwinds, the new tariffs on Mexican-manufactured trucks, parts, and components imported from around the world have added another layer of complexity for truck dealers and the broader economy. 

With roughly 40% of America's Class 8 trucks built in Mexico, the tariffs imposed by the current administration aren’t just a concern for manufacturers—they represent a potential seismic shift that could ripple across nearly every aspect of American commerce and daily life.

With tariffs in place, this uncertain regulatory environment is particularly impactful for the Class 8 truck market, where Mexican manufacturing is now a deeply embedded part of the supply chain.

Rolling with the Best: WIT’s Salute to Women Behind the Wheel 2025

Jenny Fall, (Apr 1, 2025) 

If there’s one thing we know about women in trucking, it’s that they don’t just keep the wheels turning—they set the road on fire! This year’s Salute to Women Behind the Wheel at the 2025 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) was a celebration of grit, grace, and good old-fashioned horsepower. With close to 250 guests, including nearly 125 female CDL holders, the celebration this year was one for the books. 

USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST

VOLUME TRENDS: Same dealer used Class 8 retail truck sales increased in March. The 7.3% m/m gain was directionally consistent with but not as robust as the expected 12% seasonal advance indicated by history. March is typically the strongest sales month of the year, running more than 9% above average. The auction segment also improved m/m, adding 43% over February. The wholesale channel saw the largest increase, rising 23% sequentially. Collectively, total market same dealer sales volumes were 22% higher m/m in March. Compared to March 2024, the retail market advanced 6.6%. Wholesale activity was also better, up 8.5% y/y.

See full report

Auction Update with Commentary

Auction volume dipped in April, but pricing continued to trend upward.

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

· Model year 2023: $96,735; $16,472 (20.5%) higher than March

· Model year 2022: $63,152; $3,542 (5.9%) higher than March

· Model year 2021: $43,470; $3,118 (6.7%) lower than March

· Model year 2020: $35,917; $1,428 (4.1%) higher than March

· Model year 2019: $28,639; $141 (0.5%) higher than March

See full report

Economic Uncertainty Clouds Used Truck Market, Inventory Remains Steady

The newest Sandhills Global market reports, which cover used trucks, trailers, and equipment on Sandhills’ U.S. platforms for the month of April, underscore market uncertainty but point to more affordable options for buyers. Inventory levels of used trucks and trailers in April were steady or, in the case of medium-duty trucks, trending up.

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.

Who Should Win Our Successful Dealer Award?

The Successful Dealer Award highlights truck dealers who consistently showcase customer service excellence, employee empowerment and engagement, community leadership, industry engagement and more. 

FleetPride Names Dana 2025 Supplier of the Year

TPS Staff, Truck, Parts, Service, (April 29, 2025) — FleetPride named Dana Incorporated its 2025 Supplier of the Year Award.

"This award is given to the supplier partner who excelled in all aspects of communication, partnership, innovation training and growth," says Michael Keller, FleetPride vice president of category management and strategic sourcing."

Bruckner's Expands in Northwestern U.S., Adding Three Stores

TPS Staff, Truck, Parts, Service, (April 3, 2025) — Bruckner's Truck & Equipment has acquired Transport Equipment Inc. (TEC), adding three locations in the Pacific Northwest and expanding its dealer network to more than 40 locations in ten states.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the Northwest and continue the legacy built by the Bidlake family. As a second-generation dealership, they have established a reputation for exceptional customer service and a ‘do what it takes’ attitude. We are committed to upholding that standard with the existing team,” says Brian Bruckner, president of Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment.

Thompson Truck Group Acquires Lee-Smith, Inc., Expanding Dealership Footprint and Sales & Service Capabilities

Press Release (April 8, 2025) — Thompson Truck Group (TTG), a division of Thompson Distribution, has acquired Lee-Smith Inc., a trusted leader in the trucking industry for over 53 years. The transaction was officially completed on Feb. 28, 2025.

With this strategic acquisition, Thompson Truck Group embarks on an exciting new growth phase, expanding its dealership network and strengthening its market presence in the Chattanooga, Tenn., area. 

Used Truck Sales Surge in March 2025 as Prices Hold Steady

Pamella De Leon, Commercial Carrier Journal (April 29, 2025) — The new and used truck markets continue to show varying trends.
Preliminary data for March showed a 17% month-over-month increase in Class 8 same-dealer used truck retail sales, according to ACT Research.

“Used truck buyers kept their foot on the pedal in March,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research.

Kenworth Launches Two New Vocational Trucks

TPS Staff, Truck, Parts, Service, (May 8, 2025) — Kenworth Truck Company on Tuesday announced its newest Class 8 vocational trucks, the Kenworth L770 and the battery-electric L770E. The latter is the third electric truck model introduced by the company in the past two weeks.

Mack's New, Bigger and More Capable MD

Jason Cannon, Commercial Carrier Journal (May 9, 2025) — Mack's medium duty MD model is getting a refresh barely four years after its initial launch.

The most notable change is a cab borrowed from Mack's on-highway Anthem model that is 4 inches longer than the previous MD version, giving drivers more seat travel and leg room. That's something fleets had been asking for, according to Bruce Graham, Mack sales manager for Birmingham, Ala.-based truck dealer Nextran Truck Centers.

Driving Efficiency in Your Business Starts with You

Lucas Deal, Chief Editor, Truck, Parts, Service (May 9, 2025) — Ever feel so busy working that nothing gets done? You spend so much time fighting fires and keeping everyone on task that you’re not able work on your own projects? That your task list is the one that never gets completed?

That’s not your fault, says Alex Tremble, CEO at GPS Leadership Solutions. It’s a common problem leaders experience, particularly in small businesses. Being a leader and being a manager are two very different roles that are too often thrown together.

These 13 Fleets are Coming to NACFE's 'Run on Less' Event this Fall

Jay Traugott, Clean Trucking (April 15, 2025) — The long-haul freight transportation industry is undergoing the most drastic changes in its history as local, state, and the federal government continue to push for the modernization of this sector for the 21st century with cleaner, more efficient engine technologies.

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has announced its next Run on Less event beginning on September 8 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Windrose R700 EV Semi Comes to U.S.

Jay Traugott, Clean Trucking (April 17, 2025) — The manufacturer, together with Phoenix-based JoyRide Logistics and EO Charging, has officially launched its pure battery-electric long-haul tractor in the U.S. - months before rival Tesla's own Class 8 rig, conveniently named Semi, is slated to begin series production.

Peterbilt’s EV-olution continues: Launches vocational 567EV, next-gen 579EV

Josh Fisher, FleetOwner (April 28, 2025) — Five years after launching its first Class 8 EV, Paccar has a new ePowertrain for Peterbilt’s extended heavy-duty EV lineup, featuring the next-generation Model 579EV and new vocational Model 567EV.

Kenworth Debuts Vocational-Focused Class 8 EV: The T880E

Jade Brasher, FleetOwner (April 28, 2025) — The all-new T880E features a Paccar-developed ePowertrain that the company will also implement into its battery-electric T680E. Logos can often be iconic. Just one graphic, patch, or emblem can represent an entire brand or an entire company.

Those in the trucking industry know the Kenworth logo. It rests on every grille of Kenworth trucks: the vertical red-and-white stripes and the bold K and W in white.

Love's Subsidiary Acquires CNG Dispensing Network, Rebrands

TPS Staff, Clean Trucking, (May 1, 2025) — Trillium Energy Solutions, a member of the Love’s Family of Companies, announced Friday has completed the acquisition of U.S. Energy’s compressed natural gas (CNG) dispensing network.

The company followed that news with an announcement Monday it has rebranded to Love's Alternative Energy. The company says this is part of an effort to streamline and maximize Love’s brand equity across driver-facing offerings in the marketplace. Love’s Alternative Energy branding and messaging will be introduced at the company’s booth during the ACT Expo that begins today in Anaheim, Calif.

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