Semi Supply Is Good, Prices Are Up

If you find a used semi that fits your needs and budget, don't delay on buying.

- Karen Jones

The prices for used semis in agriculture are up about 25% over last year but supply is stable, according to Andy Campbell, Tractor Zoom director of insights.

Prices may continue to climb through the summer as the market reacts to tariffs and normalizes.

"We saw a peak in April, after the major tariff announcement, because everyone was looking for trucks to transport goods while they were still available," Campbell said.

Normal price spikes on semis occur in the third and fourth quarters, with increased consumer demand for the holidays, and trucking companies looking for tax benefits at the end of the year. When seeking a good deal, Campbell encourages farmers to think more like logistics coordinators.

"Historically, lower auction values show up in late spring and early summer," he said. "Also, in the fourth quarter, a lot of fleets pause buying to finalize their year-end financials, weather kicks up, and holiday goods have already been located to stores, so prices can dip, which is somewhat counterintuitive to farm auction cycles."

Data collected by Tractor Zoom Pro shows units sold in the last year peaked in March of 2025, followed by December, August, and June 2024.

Jeff Vap, owner of TMJ Auction in Nebraska, recommends taking advantage of opportunities to buy whenever they present themselves.

"If there's a need, just be watching to find one priced right for you and in a location you're able to go get it," he said. "Right now, freight companies are liquidating fleets or downsizing, and there's more used units coming into the market."

Recent Sales Data

The three biggest drivers of price, Vap said, are brand, engine, and transmission.