Volume 28 • Issue 5 • 05/20/2026 |
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IN THIS ISSUE
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BOARD NEWS & VIEWS: We See it First and Keep the Industry Moving by Katie Baker
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News From Your UTA Elections Committee by Nick Lombardo
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DEALER GROUP – May Update by Ryan Labat
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UTA Truck Talk Podcast – Episode 11
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Taking the Lead: How This Year's Red River Shootout Set the Standard by Rocky Carden
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S13 Integrated Powertrain: A Smarter, More Efficient Future for Trucking by Alyshia Hull UTA Kansas City Golf Scramble & Reception – Register and Sponsor Today! UTA Scholarship Applications are on the UTA Website -
MARKETING – Mastering the Digital Handshake: Lead Handling for the Modern Used Truck Dealerby Charles Bowles
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OPINION –The Train Had It Right All Along: Why Diesel-Electric Hybrids Are the Smartest Bet in Commercial Trucking Right Now by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long
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Step-by-Step Guide for Getting a Semi-Truck Loan by Ian Sifuentes
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Women In Trucking Blog Used Truck Market Review & Forecast Awards & Accolades Industry News Briefs Electric & Alternative Fuel News |
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June 3 & 4 Wednesday Reception NEW TIME: 4:00 -7:00 PM |
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Katie Baker is a member of the UTA Board of Directors and is President of MC2 Finance. Katie can be reached at: katie@mc2finance.com |
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This is my first column for the newsletter, and I’m grateful for the chance to serve on the board alongside so many of you whose work I’ve admired for years. |
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When I entered this industry in 2012 as a Finance Manager for Arrow Truck Sales, Chad Fine told me something I’ve thought a lot about ever since: you can tell the good ones because the good ones stay in—even when times get tough. That line has shaped how I built MC2 Finance 11 years ago and how I’ve approached every cycle since. This downturn has been longer and deeper than the usual ebbs and flows of our industry, and the operators, dealers, lenders, and brokers who are still at the table are the ones who matter. I’m one of them, and if you’re reading this, you probably are too.
I want to start with something I think most of us know but don’t always say out loud: our industry sees the economy before anyone else does. Freight moves before GDP reports. Orders shift before retail sales print. When something is about to turn, trucking feels it first—and right now, we’re feeling a lot. |
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Election Season is Here! Wait… what? For the Used Truck Association Board of Directors and the Marvin F. Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award, that is.
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There has never been a better time to be an active member of the Used Truck Association than right now. Our industry continues to evolve, and strong leadership has never been more important.
Board Member Nominations
With members representing a wide range of companies, business models, and perspectives, it is essential that our Board of Directors reflects the full strength and diversity of our association.
This is your opportunity to make your voice heard by nominating industry leaders you believe will best represent you, your company, and the future of the Used Truck Association.
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Ryan Labat is the Salvage Purchasing Director from Vander Haag's. Ryan can be reached by phone at 605-250-3448 or by email.
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Turning End-of-Life Trucks Into Real-World Value
In 1939, John C. Vander Haag Sr. opened a small salvage yard in Sanborn, Iowa with a straightforward belief that would come to define an entire company for generations to come: what others see as scrap often still holds value.
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Built in a time of uncertainty and shaped by the demands of the war era, the business grew on a simple but enduring promise—treat people fairly and never overlook the worth in anything you handle.
Nearly nine decades later, that philosophy remains unchanged. What has evolved is not the foundation of the company, but the scale, precision, and technology behind how that principle is applied every day.
In the heavy-duty truck industry, equipment is never just metal and machinery. Each unit represents miles driven, loads delivered, and livelihoods supported. Eventually, however, every truck reaches a point where decisions must be made about repair, replacement, or retirement—and understanding how to recover its remaining value becomes critical to keeping businesses moving forward.
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Episode 11 • UTA Truck Talk Podcast |
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UTA Truck Talk Episode 11 with Jimmie Jackson, EquipLinc Auction GroupJimmie has 30 years of experience in the auction industry. If you are looking to purchase or sell equipment, Jimmie provides some great insight. |
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Rocky Carden is a UTA Board Member and an employee of Wilson Logistics. He can be reached at: rcarden@wilsonlogistics.com |
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This year’s Red River Shootout was a strong reminder of what happens when people come together and put in the work. Steve Bootsma, with board support, took the lead on organizing and executing the event from start to finish. I was glad to be alongside him helping bring it together, but make no mistake—Steve, along with Angela and KWMG, set the tone, and it showed in how smoothly everything ran. From communication to execution, this was one of the most well-run shootouts we’ve had. |
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Alyshia is the UTA Editor and a freelance journalist. She can be reached at: utaeditor@uta.org |
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The Used Truck Association’s recent webinar offered a closer look at the International S13 Integrated Powertrain, positioning it as a major step forward in truck performance and efficiency. |
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Designed from a clean slate, the S13 system brings together the engine, transmission, and aftertreatment into a fully integrated solution, an approach shaped by shared insights and scale from the global TRATON Group.
At the core of the system are the S13 engine, T14 automated transmission, and a dual-stage aftertreatment setup. Rather than operating as separate components, these elements are engineered to work in sync, delivering smoother shifting, improved fuel economy, and longer service intervals. The result is a more streamlined experience not just for drivers, but also for technicians and fleet owners managing maintenance and uptime. |
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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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Previous applicants who did not receive a scholarship may reapply as long as they're still enrolled in their college or vo-tech school. |
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This annual event is sure to be another hole-in-one, bringing together industry partners for an evening of networking and connection. With more than 250 attendees expected at the reception, it’s one of UTA’s largest events of the year—and a great opportunity to support the scholarship foundation. Today is the final day to sponsor to get your logo on event posters! |
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The landscape of used truck sales has shifted. The buying journey no longer begins on your lot; it starts months earlier on a screen. |
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By the time a prospect finally reaches out, they have already conducted a disciplined evaluation of your inventory and your competitors’. In this environment, your digital listing is not merely a marketing asset — it is your first sales conversation. To win the deal, dealers must treat every digital interaction with the same rigor and professionalism as a traditional in-person handshake.
The Foundation: High-Impact Digital Merchandising
Before a lead is even generated, your listing must do the heavy lifting of building trust. A disorganized or incomplete listing is a silent deal-killer. To optimize visibility and engagement, leverage the "PAID" mnemonic for every unit in your inventory:
P – Price: Market-based pricing is non-negotiable. Units listed without a price see significantly lower engagement because buyers perceive a lack of transparency.
A – Appearance & Categorization: Precision matters. If a wrecker is miscategorized as a chassis cab, it becomes invisible to the right buyer. Ensure every unit is tagged by its specific vocation and body type.
I – Images: Aim for a minimum of 15 high-impact photos. Beyond static shots, show the “upfit in action” — capture a liftgate operating or a dump bed mid-cycle to demonstrate functionality.
D – Description: Lead with the solution, not the specs. Use the opening sentence to define the use case (e.g., “Perfect for landscaping crews...”) rather than simply repeating OEM features. |
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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 Uncomfortable Truth Nobody in the Industry Wants to Say Out Loud
Let me be direct with you, because I've spent enough time on dealer floors, at fleet auctions, and inside lenders' offices to know that the trucking industry is navigating one of its most complex crossroads in a generation. |
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The mandate from regulators, the pressure from OEMs, and the noise from Wall Street all point in one direction: full electrification. But here in the real world — the world of owner-operators running routes from Phoenix to El Paso, fleets managing 40 trucks out of a Dallas distribution center, and dealers trying to move iron off the lot — the math doesn't quite add up yet. |
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Trucking is a critical part of daily life and the economy, but getting approved for semi-truck financing is not as simple as applying for a standard auto loan. Lenders look at your full financial situation, including your experience, down payment, the type of commercial truck you are buying, and your ability to manage monthly payments over time. |
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If you understand what lenders are evaluating and how the financing process works, you can improve your approval odds and secure the right loan for your trucking business.
How to Get a Loan for a Semi-Truck
Getting a semi-truck loan follows a clear process. The more prepared you are at each stage, the smoother your approval will be. |
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Priorities in Keeping Trucks Road-Ready
Women In Trucking Staff, Apr 13, 2026
Keeping commercial trucks well-maintained is no small task. For fleet managers and owner-operators, it’s a balancing act of safety, compliance, cost, and uptime. While routine maintenance is critical, several ongoing challenges make it harder to keep trucks road-ready.
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One of the biggest hurdles is wear and tear from heavy use. Large commercial vehicles log hundreds of miles daily, and constant strain on brakes, tires, engines, and suspensions means parts wear out quickly. Staying ahead of those breakdowns requires both proactive inspections and predictive maintenance strategies, says Lynn Murphy, CEO with TruckSuite, which offers commercial vehicle aftermarket warranties, preventative maintenance, and tire and wheel protection programs to fleets, Owner-Operators, truck dealerships and repair shops. |
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USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST |
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VOLUME TRENDS: March same dealer used Class 8 retail truck sales built on February’s momentum. Sales increased 9.8% m/m, directionally consistent with, but not quite as strong as, the expected 12% seasonal gain. March is the strongest sales month of the year, running 10% above average. The auction and wholesale markets both improved in March. Auction volumes rose 25% m/m on top of a second month of the quarter surprise. Wholesale dealer activity increased 40% m/m. Combined, March’s total market same dealer sales volumes were 29% higher m/m. Relative to March 2025, the retail market held steady. Auctions and the wholesale segment also advanced (4.0% and 12%, respectively). |
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SELLING PRICES In April, auction pricing recovered from a weak March. Retail pricing was largely unchanged. SALES VOLUME Auction volume rebounded modestly in April following an atypically soft March. Dealership retail sales pulled back from March’s exceptional performance but still ranked as the second-strongest month in over four years. RETAIL METRICS Retail truck age is stabilizing near 58 months — a full year younger than the long-term average — as waning retail demand for trucks older than five years becomes an entrenched market pattern. |
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Used Truck Fleets Continue to Age Amidst Ongoing Inventory Decline
According to the latest Sandhills Global market reports, inventory levels of used trucks on TruckPaper.com and other Sandhills platforms are down over 20% compared to last year and is continuing a downward trend.
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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The Pete Store Acquires Two East Coast Locations
TPS (May 4, 2026) — The Pete Store, four-time Peterbilt North American Dealer of the Year, has acquired G.L. Sayre, a family-owned Peterbilt dealership with locations in Conshohocken, Pa., and New Castle, Delaware. |
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Why Spring is a Prime Time to Buy a Commercial Vehicle Commercial Truck Trader (April 8, 2026) — For many commercial vehicle shoppers, timing is everything. Purchasing a truck, van, trailer, or another utility vehicle as an upgrade or expansion to a fleet requires insight with a marketplace that is constantly in flux.
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Higher Oil Prices Send Shivers Through Bond Market
Transport Topics (May 15, 2026) — The U.S. stock market fell from its records May 15 and joined a worldwide drop for stocks, as higher oil prices sent a shiver through the bond market. Stocks that had been caught up in the euphoria around artificial intelligence technology led the way lower.
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Toyota Files to Build $2 Billion Assembly Plant in Texas
Transport Topics (May 15, 2026) — Toyota Motor Corp. has filed for approval to build a new manufacturing facility in Texas, building on momentum in the U.S. as President Donald Trump pressures carmakers to bolster domestic production.
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Honda Records Its First Annual Loss on Costly EV Strategy
Transport Topics (May 14, 2026) — TOKYO — Honda racked up a 423.9 billion yen ($2.7 billion) loss May 14, the first-ever full year loss for the Japanese automaker, acknowledging heavy costs for its electric vehicle plans, stemming from President Donald Trump’s pro-U.S. policies.
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Oil Prices Climb on Pessimism Over Quick End to Iran War Transport Topics (May 12, 2026) — Rising oil prices and a sudden halt for technology stocks are knocking Wall Street off its record highs on May 12. The S&P 500 fell 1% from its all-time high set the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 77 points, or 0.2%, as of 1 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was down 2% from its own record.
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Tesla Sees ‘Many Thousands’ of Semis Being Built in 2026 Transport Topics (May 12, 2026) — Tesla expects to build “many thousands” of its Class 8 battery-electric Semi tractors before the end of 2026, Semi program director Dan Priestley said. The company, a newcomer to the heavy-duty truck sector and the world’s most valuable passenger car manufacturer, remains committed to ramping up to manufacturing 50,000 a year, he added. |
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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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