COLUMBUS, IN – Used heavy truck prices in the U.S. during May took a break from their increasing pace.

Commercial vehicle data provider Act Research reports the average cost in April experienced a leveling off, in keeping with the trend of flattening age and mileage, coming in just shy of US$50,000.

Compared to April, the average price is up eight percent from last year, with the gains in line for ACT’s expectations of five percent to 10 percent price growth in 2015 in the Class 8 sector.

Total reported sales volumes of used Class 8 trucks fell to 2,496 units in May, down 11 percent month-over-month, but up three percent year-over-year.

“Volume softening can be seen in the retail and wholesale markets, with month over month declines of 12 percent and 14 percent, respectively,” said Steve Tam, vice president, commercial vehicle sector with Act Research. “Auction transactions saw a nine percent increase month over month, eight percent above volumes from May 2014. Our guidance for full year 2015 sales remains unchanged.”

Meantime a separate report shows trailer net orders during May in the U.S. came in at just over 16,000 units, down 10 percent from April, according to Act Research.

“While recent order volumes have been low and year-over-year comparisons appear weak, this is not indicative of current customer demand,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research at Act. “Instead, the combination of the huge surge of orders late last year and a shortage of available build slots this year continues to dampen additional fleet order placement.”

Maly noted that Act Research’s comments remain consistent for the third successive month.

“Freight volumes at advantageous rates will support fleets, and their investment plans will remain robust, he said. “Our view that 2015 will be the best trailer market since the late 1990s remains unchanged.”