Even with challenges, there are also some bright spots in Q3 results

The leading authority on commercial vehicles, Work Truck Solutions®, released its third quarter ComTrend Analysis of new and used commercial vehicles. Continuing supply chain issues with new commercial vehicles induced predictable results in used work trucks and vans, but there was also a bit of good news for dealers and buyers alike.

Although persistent manufacturing obstacles have kept new inventory per dealer drastically lower than last year, there was an uptick in inventory of almost four more vehicles per dealer compared to last quarter. The good news here is that this builds on the increase of two vehicles per dealer in Q2, which indicates inventory levels are improving, even if slowly.

New Work Trucks and Vans

Average prices across new commercial vehicles have remained relatively steady and still significantly higher than pre-pandemic, showing only a 0.2% increase Q3 over Q2, reflecting a three-quarter trend in 2022, and a 1.5% average increase YoY. 

The proliferation of last-mile delivery service businesses is evident as new vans have continued to increase in price across class and body types. For example, although Light Duty Upfitted Cargo Van average prices remained almost constant QoQ, Year over Year there was a 5.6% increase from $39,789 in Q3 2021. In terms of web searches, Empty Cargo Vans led the charge in percentage point increase from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022.

Used Work Trucks and Vans

Used work trucks saw a QoQ average price drop of 6.4%. Contrast that with the fact that the median mileage of used work trucks rose 8.2% QoQ, up to 58,301 from 53,865. This marks a dramatic 23.7% YoY mileage increase from Q3 2021.

Work van prices, however, did not follow suit with trucks. Overall, used van prices continued to climb, especially compared to this time last year. Averaged across all categories, QoQ prices were up more than 4.5%, and soared 32.05% YoY.

“The data from the first three quarters of this year tell the story of how the market is reacting to a prolonged manufacturing crisis,” said Aaron Johnson, CEO of Work Truck Solutions. “Used inventory per dealer has been increasing the past few quarters, while new inventory remains at historic lows, even though we’re encouraged with this year’s marginal increases. The fact that used van pricing remains aggressive is a testament to the evolving landscape of modern businesses. If dealers want to succeed in such uncertain times, they must stay informed and armed with tools that help them thrive, rather than just survive.”