Volume 27 • Issue 11 • 11/25/2025
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IN THIS ISSUE
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BOARD NEWS & VIEWS: Something a Little Different — Seed Oils and Your Body by Mike Gardecki UTA WEBINAR: December 5 • 2:00 PM ET • Cummins' Mario Sanchez-Lara DEALER GROUP October Update by Mark Fishel MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Marc Hess OPINION: Why Now is Our Time: Moving Forward While Others Stand Still by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long What is a Commercial Truck? Definition, Types, and Uses by Ian Sifuentes Women In Trucking Blog
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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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What an Amazing Convention in Beautiful San Diego! Thanks to All Who Attended… And a Special Thanks to Our Amazing Sponsors. We Could Not Do it Without Your Generous Support.
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Soon to your in-box: The Convention Wrap-Up e-newsletter in December!
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For those who know me, my passions—beyond used trucks and the UTA, of course—include health and wellness. Seed oils have been getting a lot of attention lately. While the “other” reasons are interesting, I’ll be focusing on their history and their impact on health.
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Traditional Cooking Fats
Before seed oils were introduced, common cooking fats included:
- beef tallow
- whole raw butter
- lard
These foods are incredibly nutrient-dense and support essential functions such as:
- cellular health
- protection against oxidation
- overall brain function
In contrast, the manufacturing process and chemical makeup of seed oils can alter how our bodies function, leading them to operate in ways that are not optimal for long-term health.
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Webinar for UTA Members Friday, December 5 • 2:00 PM ET Cummins' Mario Sanchez-Lara General Manager Private Carriers Business
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• Cummins Product Plan Update • Current Engine Updates • Encore Warranty
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As we enter the final days of 2025, we look back to review the year in commercial truck and trailer sales and, just as importantly, to forecast what 2026 may bring for our industry.
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In an era when markets of all kinds are changing rapidly, we still operate within a supply-and-demand-based economy. It is the economic news posted on a daily basis that sets new boundaries, governed by interest rates, truck tonnage to be hauled, freight rates, truck and trailer production, tariffs, and a renewed scrutiny of CDL drivers’ ability to perform safely and demonstrate command of the English language.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Marc Hess
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Marc’s introduction to the trucking world came at a turning point in his life. In 2001, the technology sector economy took a sharp downturn, leaving Marc looking for a new direction. His father, Al Hess, was already a seasoned professional in truck sales. Out of work, Marc decided to give used truck sales a try — and he hasn’t looked back since.
His first official role in the industry was with MHC Kenworth in Denver, Colorado, where he joined as a Used Truck Salesperson. “I spent a lot of time cold calling trucking companies, taking pictures of equipment, and loading them on our advertising platforms,” he recalls. He also learned to drive a truck and worked with the service department to get a better understanding of what different repairs cost.
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I know many of you are worried. You’re hearing about AI and technology taking jobs. You see competitors cutting back, freezing hiring, and sitting on their cash. Every day, the news talks about economic uncertainty — and you might find yourself wondering, “Is my company or job safe?”
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I want to be honest with you. Yes, times are uncertain. Yes, the market is slower than we’d like. But uncertainty isn’t our enemy: inaction is. Right now, I see competitors making critical mistakes. They’re waiting. They believe that by freezing, cutting back, and playing it safe, they’ll survive until things improve.
But here’s the truth about the trucking industry: goods still need to move. Trucks still break down. CPAs are still advising companies to replace aging equipment. The freight market hasn’t come to a halt — thousands of loads are being moved every single day. The population hasn’t decreased, and demand hasn’t disappeared.
Eventually, things will rebound. And when they do, who do you think will win — the dealers who stayed silent, or the ones who showed up when their customers needed them most?
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From delivering goods across the country to transporting heavy construction equipment, commercial trucks form the backbone of American commerce. But what exactly is a commercial truck, and how do you decide which type fits your business needs?
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This guide explores the definition of commercial trucks, how they're classified, and the different types by weight and use. You’ll also find useful buying strategies and tips for choosing trailers.
Exploring your options at a commercial truck dealership, considering new commercial trucks, or browsing used commercial trucks for sale? This guide will help you make informed decisions.
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When Norfleet was a child, she had no idea that her fascination with big trucks would one day lead to a career on the open road. Like many kids, she loved road trips, often signaling truckers with the classic arm pump to hear their horns blare. Back then, seeing women driving 18-wheelers was rare. The idea that she could become one never crossed her mind.
Fast forward to today, and Norfleet is a proud professional truck driver with a decade of experience, a finalist for the WIT 2025 Driver of the Year award, and a voice of encouragement for women entering the field.
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USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST
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VOLUME TRENDS: Same dealer used Class 8 retail truck sales increased m/m for a second time in September. The 2.4% m/m gain was just about on pace with the expected seasonal performance. September is typically the fourth best sales month of the year, running more than 5% above average. The auction market poured on the steam in typical quarter-end fashion. Auction volumes surged 37% higher m/m in September. Dealers also found it easier to sell amongst themselves. The wholesale channel advanced 11% m/m. Combined, total market same dealer sales volumes rose 15% m/m in September. Compared to September 2024, the retail market was 4.6% stronger. The wholesale segment rose 27%, while auction trans-actions withered (-26%). Total reported market volumes were 7.8% lower y/y.
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Auction Update At Class 8 auctions in October, sales volume dipped mildly from September and depreciation was consistent. Looking at late-model sleeper tractors, average auction pricing for our benchmark truck in October was: • Model year 2023: Not enough data for comparison • Model year 2022: $43,093; $7,090 (14.1%) lower than September • Model year 2021: $36,760; $706 (1.9%) lower than September • Model year 2020: $30,866; $1,295 (4.4%) higher than September • Model year 2019: $22,225; $938 (4.0%) lower than September
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Used Heavy-Duty Truck Inventory Is Down From Last Year, With Values Trending Sideways
According to Sandhills Global’s market reports covering October 2025 data for used trucks, trailers, and equipment on Sandhills’ U.S. platforms, inventory levels of used heavy-duty trucks are down 11.6% compared to year-ago levels. Asking prices and auction values, meanwhile, are holding steady with sideways trends. Inventory levels, asking prices, and auction values for medium-duty trucks are all trending downward. 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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UTA Presents Lifetime Achievement, Annual Award Winners TPS (November 6, 2025) — Mark Fishel, owner of Vandeventer Truck Sales, was named the winner of the UTA Marvin F. Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Used Truck Association (UTA) Convention Thursday at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego.
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Nick Lombardo (left) awards Mark Fishel (right) with the UTA's most prestigious award. More details and awards coming in our Convention Wrap-Up eNewsletter next month.
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Groendyke’s Greg Hodgen Aims to Be Trucking’s Superhero Transport Topics (October 28, 2025) — ENID, Okla. — It is a familiar scene when the Hollywood summer blockbuster season banks on a superhero to save the day. This past summer, Tinseltown’s superhero was none other than the Man of Steel himself — Superman.
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GM Slashes EV Workforce After Trump Ends Tax Breaks
Transport Topics (October 29, 2025) — General Motors Co. notified about 5,500 employees across three plants that they are being laid off at least temporarily as the carmaker reassesses electric vehicle production in the wake of President Donald Trump’s move to eliminate crucial tax credits.
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