Imports hit reefers
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Cheap imports are hammering the used refrigerated trailer market in the UK, causing values to plummet, says Robert Reed, editor, heavy commercials, of price guide CAP Red Book. He's reduced guide prices by thousands of pounds over the past few months. "Remember that you can now buy a Spanish-built trailer for £7,000 less than you'd pay for the equivalent product from Gray & Adams," he says.
Difficulties experienced by exporters in selling used trailers overseas thanks to the strength of the pound aren't helping either, he says, with unsold stocks building up. "There's still life at 7.5 tonnes for trucks, and the 17-tonne sector isn't too bad, especially if the vehicle concerned is equipped with a grab. Six and eight-wheeler tippers have had a good run this year, although we've probably seen the best of it, but there are still too many tractor units and not enough buyers. And once again, the strength of sterling makes exporting problematic."
The need to achieve maximum fuel economy, thanks to the high price of diesel, is hitting used tractor sales, Reed believes. Operators view 1 Ompg at 38 tonnes as the Holy Grail, but know they may only achieve 8mpg or less with a three to four-year-old truck, he says; so if they can, they look at buying new.