Trends in the UK used truck market

Availability and supply chain challenges

The used truck market is impacted by the availability of new trucks. Manufacturing challenges, such as the uncertain supply of specialist components and raw materials, effect productivity and output, making new trucks more expensive. These disruptions have a knock-on effect on the used market, increasing both demand and prices.

However, when manufacturers are operating at full capacity, offering incentives such as discounts on brand-new vehicles are attractive because of their reliability and lower maintenance. The used market becomes more challenging and the demand for used trucks reduced.

Condition

In any market condition, demand is always high for trucks that are well-maintained, have lower mileage, and are fuel-efficient.

Dawsondirect is part of Dawsongroup and all the  vehicles we sell come from the Dawsongroup truck and trailer rental and contract hire fleet. They are all maintained to the highest standards and supplied with:

• Recent service.
• Complete and documented service and maintenance history.
• Minimum 6-month MOT.
• 3-month limited drive-line warranty.
• Multipoint check.
• Certified mileage.
• LOLER inspections and certificates.
• Full valet.

Compliance

Tightening legislation is pushing more operators to upgrade their fleets to comply with stricter environmental standards.

Sustainability and compliance are becoming increasingly important with operators looking for trucks that:

• Align with their environmental goals.
• Have eco-friendly technologies.
• Meet the legislative requirements of Clean Air Zones.

All the trucks we have for sale are Euro 6 and CAZ-compliant, and we also supply vehicles equipped to meet London’s DVS standards.

Although registrations of zero-emission trucks are increasing annually, they represent a very small percentage of the total. We’re looking ahead at Dawsongroup: the zero-emission vehicles currently being invested in by our truck and trailer business will only take a few years to filter through into the used market.

Technology

Technological innovations are transforming the haulage industry and the trucks within it.

Telematics and advanced fleet management systems are helping operators to improve their businesses’ operational efficiency, safety, and fuel consumption.

Buyers are becoming more data-savvy, seeking detailed information on vehicle performance, maintenance history, and operating costs.

Here at Dawsondirect, we provide comprehensive information for each vehicle we sell, enabling our customers to make confident purchasing decisions.

As technological advances make their way into the used market, it’s embracing new sales technologies.

Digitisation makes it quicker and easier for buyers to find and acquire the trucks they need, and the increased transparency allows more buyers to make better informed decisions, worldwide.

Specialised vehicles and sector performance

A significant factor in the demand for used trucks is the health of specific industry sectors, such as logistics, construction, and e-commerce. When buoyant, these sectors help to fuel the used truck market.

The changing way in which the supply chain operates often determines the demand for particular types of trucks, such as refrigerated vehicles for food transport or flatbeds for construction.

Part of our role at Dawsondirect is to work with our customers, ensuring we find the right vehicle for their operational requirements.

Driver shortages

Despite efforts to address driver shortages, factors such as difficult working conditions, an aging workforce and high turnover rates still impact the sector.

A shortage of drivers not only has implications for supply chain efficiency and reliability, but it also influences what types of trucks operators purchase. Operators are more able to attract and retain good drivers if they run good trucks.

However, buying new assets and maintaining them over their lifetime can be very expensive and a lot of hassle. In these circumstances, good quality and well-equipped used trucks become more attractive.

Finance

Financing plays a significant role in the used truck market. Many buyers, including small businesses and independent operators, use it to afford quality used trucks without large upfront payments, reducing financial strain on their businesses.

During periods of high interest rates, loans are more expensive, pushing some buyers to opt for older or lower-cost models. As a result, demand for used vehicles increases.

In times of uncertainty, however, lenders are more concerned about the residual value of used trucks, and some will offer better deals for newer, fuel-efficient, or low-emission trucks, impacting both the demand and prices of used vehicles.

Additionally, manufacturers and large dealerships often offer in-house finance options with competitive terms, giving buyers an alternative to traditional banks, stimulating demand for specific marques.

Here at Dawsongroup, we offer a free asset finance consultation service through our in-house Dawsongroup finance business.

Finance is a key part of our offering to businesses looking to invest in their fleets. It’s part of our job to help operators protect and grow their businesses and facilitate access to assets when they need them.

Our colleagues at Dawsongroup finance are experienced specialists who really know their markets and can advise on tailored funding solutions.

With a professional approach and quick response times, our finance specialists use their expertise to make a difference. They’re on-hand to provide independent advice and assistance and will:

• Discuss your requirements for now and the future.
• Find suitable options tailored to your individual business needs.
• Guide you through the process.

Conclusion

The used truck market is forever dynamic, driven by availability, a focus on sustainability, technological innovation, workforce challenges, and an evolving regulatory landscape.

Dawsondirect is at the forefront of these developments by offering high-quality trucks and industry-leading customer service.

Whether you’re a fleet manager, entrepreneur, or independent operator, our goal is to provide the right advice and assets to help your business prosper.

Jack Lagdon, Sales Executive, Dawsondirect – 07880 464600