Volume 28 • Issue 2 • 02/18/2026 |
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IN THIS ISSUE
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BOARD NEWS & VIEWS: How to Identify Used Heavy-Duty Truck Buyers Before Your Competitors Do
by Bo Johnson
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DEALER GROUP February Update by Robert Massey MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Alyshia Hull OPINION: The Robot Revolution: Why Truck Dealerships Must Embrace AI or Risk Being Left Behind by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long Guide to Common Trailer Types in the Trucking Industry 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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Join the Fishing on Lake Texoma April 21-23, 2026 |
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Selling used heavy-duty trucks starts with one critical skill: knowing exactly who your customers are — and how to spot them before your competitors do. Unlike new truck buyers, used-truck customers are often driven by urgency, cash flow, and immediate operational needs rather than brand loyalty or long-term spec planning. Identifying them early gives a dealership a major advantage. |
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A letter, some encouragement, and niche markets, too
As I write this in early 2026, I know we all share the renewed sense of enthusiasm that comes with the start of a new year.
That feeling is no different for me when it comes to the truck market. I sincerely hope we see the pickup we’re all looking for and waiting on.
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While the last few years haven’t been all valleys—there have certainly been bright spots—the anticipation of growth and a near-term upswing is very encouraging. As we weather the downturns, I’m thankful to be involved with the UTA, which serves as a helping hand in many areas. The encouragement and tenacity of this organization—especially from older, wiser members who have weathered many market cycles—gives me a strong sense of positive anticipation. |
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UTA Truck Talk Podcast Episode 7
J.D. Power Market Forecast
Chris Visser — Director of Specialty Vehicles, J.D. Power Steve Bootsma — Wholesale Unit Dept Manager, Vander Haag's Inc.
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Help Support the Event and the Scholarship Foundation |
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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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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Alyshia Hull |
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I can’t believe it has been nearly a year since I joined you here at the UTA.
I joined the Used Truck Association last March, bringing a background that’s a bit different from many of you. I work as a journalist in the business space, most often reporting for outlets like Business Insider, Fast Company, SUCCESS, and, at times, USA Today. Much of my work focuses on careers—telling stories about how people work, grow, and navigate change across industries.
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At UTA, I serve as the editor of the newsletter, where I help tell and shape the stories of the people, businesses, and issues driving the trucking industry forward today. My path began in journalism, where I developed experience as a reporter, editor, and content creator. That foundation ultimately led me to UTA, where I found an industry full of complexity, innovation, and stories that deserve thoughtful coverage. |
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Fun question before you begin: How many robotics companies can you name?
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has become the premier venue for showcasing America’s latest technology.
This year, without question, it was all about robots. |
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From surveillance and manufacturing to companionship, names like DYNA, ClOi, Atlas, Figure, Tesla, and Agility may soon be as familiar as Ford and Chevrolet.
Hyundai Motor Group announced it will begin rolling out robots in its factories starting in 2028 as part of its global manufacturing strategy. Throughout the week, conversations echoed about Amazon, BYD, and Tesla exploring similar moves.
Today, we stand at the threshold of perhaps the most significant shift yet: the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence into our sales processes.
The question isn’t whether this technology will reshape commercial vehicle sales—it’s whether your dealership will lead the charge or scramble to catch up. |
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Choosing the wrong trailer is a mistake many owner-operators and small fleets make early, and it can be an expensive one. A mismatch between trailer type and freight can lead to missed loads, higher operating costs, compliance issues, and financing headaches that slow business growth. In an industry where downtime and rejected loads cost real money, knowing what trailer actually fits your work matters.
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Fortunately, we’re here to help you by going over the most common trailer types in the trucking industry. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a fleet owner planning your next move, understanding the types of trailers for semi-trucks will help you choose the equipment that matches your towing vehicle. |
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Volunteer Spotlight: Advancing Women Technicians Through Community
by Courtney Bloom (January 19, 2026)
This article is part of WIT's new "Volunteer Spotlight" series, which recognizes volunteers who are giving their time and talents to move forward our mission. Keri Pfeifer and Louise Azzopardi are highlighted in this January 2026 Volunteer Spotlight. As part of their volunteer efforts, Pfeifer and Azzopardi are launching a new networking initiative for women working in technician and shop environments. |
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Beginning with a kickoff call in March, the group will provide a space for hands-on professionals to connect, exchange real-world insights, and develop a strong sense of community within the industry. |
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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 growth in December. The 12% m/m increase was directionally consistent with, but a little stronger than, the 9% seasonal gain. December is usually the fifth stronger sales month of the year, running almost exactly at average. The auction and wholesale markets were mixed in December. Auction volumes surged 33% m/m in typical quarter end fashion. Dealers saw activity slow 15% m/m. Combined, total market same dealer sales volumes were 16% better m/m in December. |
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SUMMARY: As 2026 begins, new truck orders suggest pent-up demand is transitioning into replacement and used truck metrics show continued strength. Trucking capacity may be tightening quicker than predicted, which would counteract, to an extent, increased trade volume driven by higher new truck deliveries. Higher freight rates mean increased demand for late-model, low-mileage trucks.
Economic and trade policy uncertainty is the new normal, but as long as consumers continue to spend, freight and equipment metrics should continue to move in the right direction. |
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Used Heavy-Duty Truck Inventory Down Year After Year & Still Trending Down
According to the Sandhills Global market reports covering January data, inventory levels of used heavy-duty trucks on Sandhills platforms are down 11.37% year over year and are continuing to trend downward. Inventory levels of used medium-duty trucks increased slightly in January but are trending down overall. Asking prices and auction values are trending down for heavy- and medium-duty trucks but sideways for semi-trailers.
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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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Incoming ATD Chairman Kevin Holmes (left) speaks with Terry Martin of Martin's Peterbilt after the latter was named the 2026 ATD Truck Dealer of the Year Thursday at the ATD Show in Las Vegas.
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M&K Truck Centers accepts the Volvo Trucks North America 2025 U.S. Dealer Group of the Year award
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Mid-Ontario Truck Centre accepts the Volvo Trucks North America 2025 Canadian Dealer Group of the Year award.
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Volvo Names U.S, Canadian Dealer Groups of the Year
Truck Parts and Service (February 7, 2026) Volvo Trucks North America named its top dealers for the United States and Canada during an awards banquet this week in Las Vegas. M&K Truck Centers, headquartered in Byron Center, Mich., was named the 2025 U.S. Dealer Group of the Year while Mid-Ontario Truck Centre earned the 2025 Canadian Dealer of the Year.
In Canada, Volvo recognizing the family-owned Mid-Ontario dealer group for exceptional performance across a number of areas, including sales, customer satisfaction and parts sales performance.
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Kevin Haygood, left, Kenworth's assistant general manager for sales and marketing, stands with Rick Greene, Kenworth Sales Company COO (west); Kyle Treadway, Kenworth Sales Company president and dealer principal; Elliott Morgan, Kenworth Sales Company assistant corporate service director; Tucker Morgan, Kenworth Sales Company general manager; Mike Carwile, Kenworth Sales Company COO (east); and Jim Walenczak, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president. Kenworth Sales Company was named Kenworth's 2025 Dealer of the Year for North America. |
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Kenworth Sales Company Named Kenworth Dealer of the Year for 2025
Truck Parts and Service (February 12, 2026) — Kenworth Sales Company, headquartered in Utah, was named the 2025 Kenworth Dealer of the Year for the United States and Canada recently.
"It is an honor to be named Kenworth's North American Dealer of the Year," says Kyle Treadway, president of Kenworth Sales Company. "Customer service has been a top priority since our business was founded 80 years ago, and I believe that commitment — paired with delivering best-in-class products, services and facilities — has played a significant role in our long-term success and growth. I appreciate our partnership with Kenworth, am incredibly proud of our team, and look forward to many more years of serving this great industry." |
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Charles Pigott Obituary Seattle Times (February 2, 2026) — Medina, WA - Charles McGee Pigott often said that he enjoyed a wonderful life. His life was a remarkable journey, filled with adventure, purpose, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and the values he held dear.
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January 2026 Class 8 Truck Orders Up +20% Year Over Year
Truck Parts and Service (February 3, 2026) — The Class 8 truck order turnaround that began in December mostly continued in January, another positive sign for dealers and OEMs, but skepticism remains among research firms about the true potential of the recent market turnaround due to freight and other economic factors.
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Trailer Manufacturer Wabash Shutters Plants Following Difficult 2025 Truck Parts and Service (February 6, 2026) — Trailer maker Wabash announced layoffs at four sites, including the closure of its Goshen, Ind., plant. The reduction in force will affect more than 300 workers, according to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications (WARNs) filed in each affected state.
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Stellantis Takes $26 Billion in Charges Tied to EV Retreat Transport Topics (February 6, 2026) — Stellantis NV is taking more than 22 billion euros ($26 billion) in charges mainly linked to reversing course on its electric vehicle strategy, prompting a record plunge in the Jeep and Fiat owner’s shares.
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Newsom's New EV Rebate Framework Would Boost Musk's Tesla
Transport Topics (February 2, 2026) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined plans for a $200 million electric vehicle subsidy in the Golden State that would represent a major boost to Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc. and other EV makers in the state. |
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Natural Gas Futures Cool on Warmer Outlook Transport Topics (February 2, 2026) — U.S. natural gas futures plummeted Feb. 2 as weather forecasts for mid-February shifted significantly warmer, marking the largest daily loss for the front-month contract on a percentage basis since 1995, excluding contract rollover days. |
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Used Truck Association
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