Glass’s is reporting lower attendances in auction halls and an increase in internet sales – the latter due in part to an unwillingness to travel to auction to see the same trucks week after week.
“Nevertheless, those dealers brave enough to stock rarer or unusual vehicles – typically units with big cabs or a higher horsepower – are relatively busy,” says Andy Picton, senior commercial vehicle editor at Glass’s.
On trucks in the 7.5—12 tonnes range, Picton advises that ex-daily rental trucks, especially those with good condition dropside or tipper bodies, have been gaining attention – although not always leading to sales.
“Tidy examples of fridges are few and far between, as are box vans and curtainsiders,” he says. “Even those fitted with tail lifts are struggling … as most need remedial work,” he says.
“Any high-roof sleeper cabs or those with bigger horsepower engines are proving popular, with the best examples exchanging hands for guide money.”
Moving up to 13—18 tonne mid-weight trucks, good condition vehicles are seeing sensible residuals, he says.
“However, the trade is particular in what they want. Tippers with or without a crane are still seen as a good investment, as is any clean and tidy skip loader. Dropsiders, if straight and not converted to a scaffold body, should also find a home.”
When it comes to box vans though, numbers at auction are high but condition poor, so sales are few.
“Curtainsiders have to be high bodied and clean to gain any interest whilst sleeper cabs have to be coupled with a high roof to stand a chance of receiving a sensible bid.”
It’s a similar story in the 26—35 tonne range, with Glass’s reporting recent auctions seeing a run on low-mileage tippers, particularly those with grabs, and also higher horsepower curtainsiders with sleeper cabs.
“Flats will also find a home without too much difficulty if fitted with extras such as a crane,” says Picton. However, fridges have to be in good condition and low mileage.
Finally, on tractor units, Picton suggests that, with the value of the pound falling, the trade is turning to export avenues, albeit with little profit in each sale.
“Nice late-plated tractor units with low miles and extra equipment are rare and will sell without difficulty,” he says.
“However, the majority of stock seen at auction is low horsepower 6x2 offerings that have seen their value drop rapidly over the last six--nine months due to the sheer volumes available.”