Fighting back
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There is an air of optimism across the used truck market as operators return to the forecourts.
Words: Steve Banner
Britain's used truck market continues on an upward curve, say dealers. Demand remains healthy, according to Jonathan Bownes, sales executive at Volvo dealership Thomas Hardie's Middlewich, Cheshire used truck centre. 'We had a strong first half of the year, and business remained buoyant throughout most of July too," he reports.
"OK. the holiday season means that sales towards the end of July and during August and early September arc usually nothing to write home about, and the number of enquiries we're receiving has fallen. However, the ones that are coming through are high-quality."
Extra traffic
"The ranks of hauliers have been thinned, so many of those that have survived have been able to pick up extra traffic," reckons Bownes. As a consequence. they need vehicles to handle it.
That is good news, but only if the stock callers are looking for is available. "There are still plenty of FH tractor units about, but at present I haven't got an FM in the yard," he says. "The reason there are so few FMs around is that the major fleets that operate them have extended their leases and are hanging on to them," he adds.They are not appearing on the second-hand market in large numbers.
"The holidays mean that things have gone a little quiet, but we're still receiving some enquiries— and finding stock to satisfy them is a real challenge," says Paul Diamond, used sales specialist at Mercedes-Benz dealership Road Range, with branches in Liverpool, Llandudno and on Deeside.
"I had a customer the other day who wanted seven 08 and 09 7.5-tonners," he continues."Unfortunately, vehicles like that are almost impossible to locate."
"Stock is around, but you have to look hard for it and it's certainly not plentiful." says Paul Prewett. general manager, used sales at Scania dealership TruckEast. At the time of writing, he was about to join Scania's own used truck operation.
Bownes believes operators looking for a used truck should seriously consider buying now because prices are edging steadily upwards. "They're hardening, no question about it. and in my view they're gradually moving back to where they should he." he observes.