Trucking news and briefs for Friday, March 20, 2026:
- Anybody seeing deals on 2-year-old used trucks? Latest on pricing
- Emergency regs relief in Nebraska with potential fuel stipend.
- Operate a Mack daily? Get in the 2027 Mack calendar.
Used-truck prices continued fall in February
There should be deals to be had for used late-model sleeper tractors, according to data from Overdrive parent company Fusable’s Price Digests.
Compared to February 2025, average prices for used, two-year-old sleeper tractors were down about $10,000 in February 2026. Prices for older, 5- and 10-year-old units were essentially flat year-over-year.
Some explanation for easing of pricing might be located in J.D. Power's March 2026 Commercial Truck Guidelines report, which said fleets "continue to offload excess capacity, and repossessions processed late last year cycled into the secondary market during February."
At once, the Price Digests data showed used-sleeper prices in February compared to the prior month up a bit for 2- and 5-year-olds, while 10-year-old units were selling for lower in February than in January.
J.D. Power's recent report tracked used pricing overall down in February, consistent with seasonal expectations.
“It is not unusual for February pricing to come in lower than January, as the first major auction month of the year typically includes a large volume of trucks sold,” the company said. “That pattern held again this year, with elevated auction volumes contributing to softer pricing.”
In the retail market, J.D. Power reported pricing was off 6.7% from January but only 0.2% from February 2025.
ACT Research in its preliminary report for February reported a 1% decline in average price for used trucks sold at retail in February from January, which was 3% higher than the same month a year ago.
“The preliminary average retail price (same dealer sales) of used Class 8 trucks pulled back again in February, slipping 1% m/m to $53,969,” said Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “Pricing was counter to seasonal expectations, which called for a 6% gain.”
[Related: Used trucks: Deals and steals, price indices offer mixed bags]
Nebraska declares emergency over wildfires
Wildfires in Nebraska have prompted an emergency declaration from Gov. Jim Pillen that waives hours of service restrictions and adjusts the maximum load width/weight limits allowed for certain commercial motor carriers operating in the state.
According to news reports, wildfires have burned more than 800,000 acres in Nebraska, but firefighters are making progress on containment.
Pillen’s emergency declaration notes that the fires have “severely impacted livestock feed and supplies” in the state. As such, the declaration applies to motor carriers hauling feed and supplies to areas within the state.
The declaration waives maximum driving time regulations in 49 CFR 395.3. It also increases load width limits to 12 feet, while the height limit remains 14 feet, 6 inches. The weight limit is increased to up to 15% over normal axle group limits.
Participating motor carriers must still obtain the requisite over-dimension/overweight permits as required by the Nebraska Department of Transportation prior to operating; however, the fees associated with these permits are temporarily waived. Permits can be obtained here.
[Related: Massachusetts bill would increase 'superload' permitting weight limit]
The declaration is effective through March 30.
The Nebraska Trucking Association, alongside the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Cattlemen, are hoping to aid truck operators responding to the emergency.
“Many truckers have voiced a willingness to help, but they too are facing unprecedented challenges with skyrocketing fuel prices and other cost concerns,” said Kent Grisham, President and CEO of the NTA. “But I am so proud of the NTA members who have stepped forward with a plan to support these trucking heroes, in the aftermath of the worst wildfires in the state’s history.”
To help, the NTA is offering a Nebraska Trucking Heroes Stipend through its charitable arm, the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund, overseen by the NTA Women’s Council. Truckers, farmers, and ranchers who help transport emergency relief supplies can get support to offset the high cost of fuel. The stipend offers 50 cents per mile, up to 500 miles per trip, for truckers transporting relief commodities and supplies into the disaster areas. The Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund has pledged up to $5,000 to start.
Visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture's disaster resources page to view the current list of relief needs and register to help provide essential support. Find out how to qualify and apply for the stipend here.
“Homes, farms, and ranches have been destroyed, and at least one life has been lost in this terrible ordeal,” Grisham added. “But like it has always been, the trucking community responds with grit and determination to get the cargo delivered. We’re glad to have the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund to help, and we hope everyone in the trucking community will join forces with us either by offering trucks, trailers, and drivers, or by contributing to the fund so we can keep it going.”
The Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund has also launched a fundraising campaign, the Nebraska Trucking Heroes Wildfires Relief Fund. Every dollar raised will support truckers helping Nebraskans affected by these historic wildfires.
[Related: Wildfires and HOS relief out West]
Mack opens 2027 Calendar Contest
The Mack Trucks Calendar Contest is back, inviting owners of the most impressive working Macks to compete for a spot in the 2027 edition -- including several new themed categories designed to spotlight the versatility, endurance and toughness that define the Mack brand, the company said. Each winner will receive a professional photo shoot courtesy of Mack Trucks.
Enter the 2027 Mack Trucks Calendar Contest here.Mack Trucks
“The Mack Calendar Contest is really about the pride our customers have in their trucks and the work they do with them,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president, global brand and marketing. “Every year we see incredible entries that capture the toughness, reliability and character of Mack trucks in action. With the addition of new categories this year, we’re looking forward to seeing even more stories from the people who rely on Mack to get the job done.”
[Related: Small fleet 'gun-shy' about biz investment amid extreme fuel volatility]
New categories include Built for Toughest Jobs, Built for Versatility, Built for the Long Haul, and Alternative Fuels, alongside returning favorites, such as Old Bulldogs Hard at Work and model-specific categories including Mack MD, Mack LR and Mack TerraPro. The contest is open to trucks in revenue operation -- vehicles currently working in fleets rather than collector or antique vehicles.
An early entry period runs through March 31, allowing participants to submit their trucks before voting begins. Voting runs from April 1 through April 30, and entries will continue to be accepted throughout the voting period. Voters can cast one vote per day in each category at the contest website.
Winners will be announced on Mack Trucks social media channels by May 30. Mack will schedule a professional photo shoot for each winning entry to be featured in the calendar. The 2027 Mack calendar will be available later this year at mackshop.com.
Full contest rules and procedures can be found here.
[Related: Most iconic Mack truck through history? We asked, you answered]
