Volume 27 • Issue 09 • 9/17/2025 |
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IN THIS ISSUE
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- UTA Truck Talk Podcast #3 Now on YouTube
- 2nd Annual TWOK Fishing Event Registration Extended
- DEALER GROUP September Update by Steve Bootsma
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MARKETING COMMITTEE: The Value of Relationships by Charles Bowles
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Semi-Truck Accident Compensation | What You Can Expect by Ian Sifuentes
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Chisam Cain
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OPINION: The Demise of the O/O by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long
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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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For more than a quarter of a century, the Used Truck Association (UTA) Annual Convention has been the gathering place for industry professionals to connect, learn, and celebrate the best in our business. This year, from November 5–8, 2025, the tradition continues—bigger, better, and in one of the most beautiful locations in the country: San Diego, California. |
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If you’ve attended before, you already know that the UTA Convention offers unmatched opportunities to grow your knowledge, expand your network, and recharge your enthusiasm for the year ahead. If you haven’t—2025 is your year to join over 700 of your peers for an unforgettable experience.
A Destination Worth the Trip
Our host hotel, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, is perfectly situated for both productivity and pleasure. With its modern amenities, stunning marina views, and walkable access to restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions, you’ll find yourself in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant waterfront.
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Are You Arriving Early or Staying Late After Convention? Here’s More to Explore in San Diego |
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If you’re heading to San Diego for the convention, it’s worth building in some extra time. Whether you arrive a day early or stay a bit longer, the city has plenty to offer beyond the conference halls. Here are a few favorites to help you make the most of your trip:
For the Sightseers: Iconic San Diego Spots
• San Diego Zoo – One of the most famous zoos in the world.
• Balboa Park – Gardens, museums, and Spanish-style architecture.
• La Jolla Sea Caves – Kayak or take in the coastal views.
For the Golfers: Scenic Courses to Play
• Coronado Golf Course – Affordable with skyline and bay views.
• Torrey Pines Golf Course – Legendary cliffside course overlooking the Pacific.
• The Grand Golf Club – Private, lush, and resort-style.
• Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course – Classic course set in rolling hills.
For the Foodies & Night Owls: Dining, Drinks & Good Vibes
• La Puerta – Mexican food, great margaritas, and a fun crowd.
• The Whiskey House – Massive whiskey list and charcuterie boards.
• barleymash – Two-level sports bar with hearty plates and people-watching.
• The Crack Shack – Fried chicken favorite in Little Italy.
• Waterfront Bar & Grill – San Diego’s oldest bar, with burgers and brews.
For the Romantics: Chic Dining & Scenic Strolls
• Cafe 222 – Walkable breakfast spot with quirky charm.
• Animae – Sleek Asian fusion steakhouse with stunning design.
• Cowboy Star – Rustic-chic steakhouse with a cozy vibe.
• Callie – Mediterranean fine dining with lively bar energy.
• Wolf In The Woods – Intimate, upscale spot in Mission Hills.
• Spa Pendry San Diego – Luxe downtown spa experience.
• Spa Kingston – Serene day spa near Balboa Park.
• Coronado Ferry – Scenic ride across the bay to explore Coronado.
• The Rady Shell – Outdoor amphitheater with live waterfront music.
• Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge – Beautiful walk near Petco Park and the Convention Center.
Don't worry — We've included these on the Activities Page for future reference! |
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UTA Truck Talk Podcast!
Episode 3, September, 2025
Mike Gardecki – Buyer, TMSI
Scott Wynn – Corporate Buyer/Wholesaler, American Truck Centers
Kevin Ratliff – Finance, Vanguard Truck Centers |
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Annual UTA TWOK Event Registration Extended until this Friday, September 19! Don't miss another great exclusive fishing event! Upscale Cabins • Chef-prepared meals • 2 guided fishing outings! |
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Steve Tam was our guest speaker for the August Dealer Group meeting. We thank him for taking the time to join us, as he was also the very first guest on the newly released UTA Podcast Truck Talk. His dedication to the UTA has always been respected and appreciated. |
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Steve reflected on current market opportunities and challenges. He noted that the North American economy appears to be in good shape, that “Big Beautiful Bill” offers both short- and long-term benefits, and that reduced regulations could ease future industry burdens.
On the other hand, challenges remain. We are still feeling the effects of inflation, flat manufacturing and housing starts, and the uncertainty of tariffs. Steve also pointed out that private fleets are increasingly focused on growing their market share. |
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Don't Let Relationships Rust
In business—and in life—it’s easy to take relationships for granted. Whether with family, friends, or long-time customers, we often assume those connections will stay strong without much effort. But over time, neglect can quietly erode even the best bonds—especially when the other person starts to feel they’re no longer a priority.
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What’s ironic is that relationships take a long time to build. In the beginning, we pour our energy into earning trust, proving our value, and showing up consistently. But like a garden, if we stop tending to them—no watering, no weeding—they start to wilt. And by the time we notice, the damage is often done. |
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When you're involved in a semi-truck accident, the aftermath can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. Considering there has been an 18% increase in truck accidents since 2020, you can see the merits of good accident coverage. |
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The sheer size of a semi-truck (some weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded) means that any collision can result in catastrophic damage, severe injuries, and a long, challenging recovery journey.
Under these circumstances, understanding semi-truck accident compensation and the overall legal process is critical for compensation and recovery. |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Chisam Cain |
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Building a Career and a Life on Relationships, Resilience, and Peterbilt Pride
For Chisam Cain, a career in trucking was both a choice and a calling.
After graduating from Tarleton State University in 2008, he took a job in the oil field industry. |
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The work was rewarding, but it kept him away for weeks at a time. When his wife, Kimberly, became pregnant with their first child, Chisam made a decision to pursue a career that would allow for more family time.
He joined Peterbilt Motors Company in March of 2011—a company he’s been with ever since.
In many ways, the foundation was already there. Growing up, his father owned and operated a livestock auction. Chisam vividly remembers the trucks lining up outside the stockyard and how intriguing they were. |
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The Great Trucking Shake-Out: How Mass Company Closures Are Reshaping The Heavy-Duty Truck Market The trucking industry is experiencing an unprecedented consolidation that threatens to fundamentally alter the landscape of commercial vehicle sales and service. |
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The numbers paint a stark picture: Since 2022, more than 48,000 trucking authorities have been revoked, and CarrierOK data shows 88,000 trucking closures in 2023 alone—a net loss not seen in 25 years. But these aren’t just statistics. They represent the systematic elimination of small trucking companies and independent owner-operators, long the backbone of America’s freight transportation system. |
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Those investing wisely in technology, workforce stability, security, and sustainable practices stand a better chance of emerging stronger. Some of the most serious issues are reflected in topics covered at the upcoming Women In Trucking Association’s Accelerate! Conference Nov. 9-12 in Dallas:
Challenge 1: Freight Recession, Trade Instability and Market Volatility
There is a prolonged downturn in demand and freight volumes continue to decline. However, there’s currently volatility that is making this market difficult to predict – and to plan for. |
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USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST |
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VOLUME TRENDS: Same dealer used Class 8 retail truck sales decreased for a fourth consecutive month in July. The 6.0% m/m drop was counter to the small expected seasonal increase the industry typically experiences. July is usually the fifth weakest sales month of the year, running about 1% below average. The auction market’s performance fell in line with its normal patterns of slowing following the third month of the quarter. Auction volumes were down 29% m/m in July. The wholesale channel also turned in a weaker performance relative to June, giving up 20% in July activity. Altogether, total market same dealer sales volumes were 18% lower m/m in July. Compared to July 2024, the retail market was 12% lower. Both the auction and wholesale segments also contracted, 6.6% and 9.9%, respectively. Total reported market volumes fell 9.8% y/y. |
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Auction Update with Commentary
At Class 8 auctions in August, sales volume ticked up from July and pricing moved downward. Looking at late-model sleeper tractors, average auction pricing for our benchmark truck In August was: • Model year 2023: $71,527; $11,798 (14.2%) lower than July
• Model year 2022: $51,123; $5,754 (12.7%) higher than July
• Model year 2021: $35,593; $6,610 (15.7%) lower than July
• Model year 2020: $29,970; $4,757 (13.7%) lower than July
• Model year 2019: $25,908; $1,782 (7.4%) higher than July |
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Used Trucks & Semi-Trailers Show Mixed Trends In Asking & Auction Values
According to the newest market reports from Sandhills Global, which cover used trucks, trailers, and equipment on Sandhills’ U.S. platforms, asking price and auction value trends were mixed in August. Inventory levels, meanwhile, maintained steady trends across the U.S. used heavy-duty truck, semi-trailer, and medium-duty truck markets. 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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2025 I Heart Trucking Photo Contest Results Over 130 participants showcased their love and pride for the trucking industry in our tenth annual photo contest. From posters and t-shirts to signs and balloons, we are so impressed with the creativity! Over 6,000 votes were cast to determine the People's Choice Winners and a panel of judges determined their favorites for the Judges' Choice Winners.
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A Changing of the Guard at Country Truck Sales
by Craig Kendall
Grady and his wife Diane, founders of Country Truck Sales, are retiring. Grady and Diane, started their dealership in 1983. Cars were the first thing they sold. After a couple of years, they began selling trucks.
Grady is known for hard work, integrity and working to find solutions for his customers. Diane served as the company bookkeeper for 38 years before her retirement.
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Country Truck Sales will often add or change the body of the trucks they sell to meet the customer needs. Although retired, Grady will still come to the office some.
Grady and Diane’s son Grant will continue to operate Country Truck Sales. Grant said, “I started working here when I was 11 years old and I still have the spread sheet from my first year, and I made $4.25/hour.”
When asked about Grady’s activities in retirement, Grant said, “Dad works out three days a week at the Rock Steady Boxing gym in Bluffton, IN, then he comes to the office. If I don’t have work for him or he doesn’t like the jobs I have, he just goes home and works around the house or farm.
The Shaner's have built a great business that has served their customers and their community in Ohio well. Please congratulate Grady and Diane on a great career, a solid business, and the ability to have Grant lead Country Truck Sales going forward.
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Assurant Partners With Arcadium Technologies to Optimize Truck Protection Product Sales by Commercial Truck Dealers
Partnership will enhance the sales journey by expediting the quoting and selling process
ATLANTA (August 26, 2025) – Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), a premier global protection company that safeguards and services connected devices, homes and automobiles in partnership with the world’s leading brands, today announced a partnership with Arcadium Technologies, LLC, a leading provider of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), vehicle inventory, and vehicle sales management tools to heavy-duty truck, trailer, and equipment dealers. |
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What’s Next for Used Truck Pricing, Demand? Trucks, Parts, Service, Lucas Deal (September 7, 2025) — If there’s been a silver lining to this year’s weak freight environment, it’s been the stability of inventory in the used truck space. This was supposed to be the year of freight’s bounce back—the year of the pre-buy and its cascading flurry of big trade packages. Instead it’s been the year of tariffs, of economic uncertainty and reduced capital expenditure.
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Used Retail Prices Slip for First Time Since December Trucks, Parts, Service Staff (September 2, 2025) — Volume decreased in the auction lanes in July 2025, but dealers sold more trucks off their lots. J.D. Power announced last week in its August Commercial Truck Guidelines report. Pricing also declined in both channels in July.
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Tier 1 Commercial Truck Suppliers Reveal 2025 Business Challenges
Trucks, Parts, Service Staff (August 29, 2025) — Production rightsizing, discussions on budgetary limitations and sustaining customer communication are dominating daily operations for commercial vehicle suppliers in 2025 while the industry ebbs and flows in an uncertain business setting. A full-scale recession hasn’t hit the commercial vehicle marketplace but the year has not progressed the way many suppliers hoped or anticipated.
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ACT Research Sees Freight Market Challenges Ahead TPS Staff (August 25, 2025) — ACT Research says freight volumes will hit additional headwinds in coming quarters. At the same time, ACT says, tariffs will raise equipment prices and heavy truck makers are reducing production.
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Aftermarket Sales are Rising, but Mostly Thanks to Price Inflation
TPS Staff (August 19, 2025) — Rising prices accounted for most aftermarket sales growth through the first half of 2025 and macroeconomic factors are likely to limit growth opportunities in the second half, MacKay & Company reported during MEMA’s monthly Pulse webinar Tuesday.
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Volkswagen’s Elli Expands Into Energy Trading
Transport Topics (August 26, 2025) — Volkswagen AG’s Elli division has started to offer energy trading as a service to its customers, expanding a business it opened two years ago. Elli is handling clean-power procurement for a major industrial customer, leveraging its access to the Epex Spot market, Vice President Energy Ingo Müller said Aug. 26, without identifying the client.
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Greenlane Targets Interstate 10 for Next Charging Corridor
Transport Topics (August 12, 2025) — Greenlane plans to establish a second commercial electric vehicle charging corridor connecting Southern California to Phoenix via Interstate 10, the charging infrastructure developer said Aug. 12.
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Used Truck Association
Kautter Wenhold Management Group, LLC
222 S Westmonte Drive, Suite 111 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Phone: 877-438-7882 (877-Gets-UTA)
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