Class 8 same dealer used truck sales volumes continued to show strength in the closing month of Q1/17, increasing month-over-month with a third sequential double-digit rise, according to the latest data from ACT Research.

Total volumes also showed improvement in long-term comparisons, up year-over-year when compared to last March, and year-to-date compared to the first three months of 2016.

“From a micro perspective, all signs are pointing north with all three market segments posting sequential improvements in all time comparisons,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research.

The retail segment reported a month-over-month increase in March, while the auction and wholesale markets saw month-over-month, increases, too.

“Despite year-to-date actuals, we believe 2017 used Class 8 truck sales will see a small decline from 2016,” Tam said. “Elusive freight growth and lower new truck sales are the basis of the assumption.”