Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026:
- Used Class 8 truck market closed 2025 on a high note.
- Two large fleets acquired to begin 2026.
- Truck driving school investing in expansion of training.
Used truck sales, prices surge to close 2025
The retail used truck market saw a surge in both sales and pricing to close out 2025, according to preliminary numbers from ACT Research.
In addition to higher sales and prices, average miles and age of sold Class 8 trucks declined in December.ACT Research
“The [sales volume] gain was better than expected based on historical seasonality, which called for a 9% m/m increase,” said ACT Research VP Steve Tam. “Auction sales saw an even bigger jump, expanding 50% above November. Wholesale activity extended decline to a second month in December, shrinking 7% m/m. Total reported December preliminary sales came in 22% above November.”
For pricing, the increase was the first in five months, Tam said, with the average price for a Class 8 used truck coming in at $57,135.
For Overdrive's Price Digests by Fusable index tracking values of Class 8 sleepers market at 2, 5 and 10 years old, the picture's been more mixed through November, the last month for which complete data is available. Over the final months of the year excluding December there, pricing gains driven by demand have been seen for both 5- and 10-year-old units, though generally the trend is flat there for value.
Steve Tam of ACT Research concluded that December pricing in the Class 8 markets overall "lagged seasonal expectations, which called for a 10% increase" in the ACT analysis.
Keep an eye out for the December update to the Price Digests trackers.
[Related: Ways to assess truck market value for purchase, trade or sale, insurance]
Dart Transit acquired by private equity firm; USA Truck back under U.S. ownership
Large trucking fleets Dart Transit and USA Truck have both been sold in the first weeks of 2026.
Minnesota-based Dart was acquired by Avkha Equity Holdings, effective Jan. 1, ending nine decades of stewardship by the Oren family, who founded the carrier in 1934. The acquisition included Dart Transit, Dart Express, and all related subsidiaries. While financial terms were not disclosed, Avkha -- a San Francisco-based private investment firm -- indicated that the purchase is a "long-term interest" intended to provide a stable platform for future growth.
"After more than 90 years of ownership, the Oren family is transitioning its legacy of leadership," Dart stated in its official release. Avkha views the acquisition as a strategic entry into the heavy-duty trucking market, leveraging Dart’s existing infrastructure of approximately 971 power units and 855 drivers.
As part of the ownership change, longtime industry figure Don Oren has officially retired. The transition follows a succession plan initiated in July 2024, when David Oren took over as President of Dart Express. David Oren will remain in his current role.
The acquisition will not alter day-to-day operations, the companies said, and the Dart brand name will remain.
Then on Jan. 9, DSV, which acquired DB Schenker last year, sold USA Truck to private, Arkansas-based owners, bringing one of the region’s most recognizable logistics names back home.
Overdrive sister publication CCJ’s Jason Cannon reported that DSV finalized an agreement to sell 100% of the shares in USA Truck and its subsidiaries to UTAC, LLC, a private entity formed by industry veterans with deep ties to the carrier’s history. UTAC, LLC is owned by three principals:
- George Henry: Current and ongoing Chief Executive Officer. Henry will remain actively engaged in the daily leadership of the business as CEO.
- Zachary King: Former USA Truck CFO. King will support the transition of the business as acting CFO.
- James Reed: Former USA Truck CEO; Chairman of Kodiak Robotics & Loram; and Operating Partner at Banner Capital. Reed will support Henry and the business in an advisory capacity.
The acquisition marks a full-circle moment for the 42-year-old carrier, Cannon added in his reporting. Under the new banner, "USA Truck: Back and Built to Last," the company pivots from global corporate ownership to re-embrace its identity as a U.S.-based carrier.
USA Truck was acquired by DB Schenker in 2022 for approximately $435 million.
Roadmaster expanding truck driver training with new investments
The Roadmaster Drivers School this month announced more than $2.5 million in investments at two of its training facilities.
The truck driver training school will invest $1.5 million to renovate its Jackson, Mississippi, location featuring completely resurfaced CDL training, testing areas and upgraded instructional spaces.
The investment aims to provide a clear path to stable, high-paying careers in the trucking industry, the company said, helping individuals and families throughout Mississippi provide themselves with a better life.
Roadmaster also announced a $1.1 million investment in its relocated and fully renovated training facility in Atlanta. The facility is now open and accepting applications. Prospective students are invited to visit the campus to learn more about available training programs and career pathways in the trucking industry.
"We are looking forward to meeting adventurous Georgia residents ready to embark on their new and exciting vocation," said Brad Ball, President of Roadmaster Drivers School. "Trucking isn't just a job; it's an essential, respected, and increasingly well-paying gig these days. Just stopping by to see us could lead you down the path to a thrilling and lucrative new career."
[Related: FMCSA auditing 1,500 CDL schools as part of training provider registry purge]
