Ryder CEO Says Used Truck Market Momentum Will Accelerate in Q2 2026

What did Ryder's CEO say about used truck market conditions?

Ryder System CEO John Diez said used-truck market conditions improved in the second quarter of 2026 and are set to see even more upside. The statement came as Ryder reported on its Q2 performance.

The comment marks a continuation of the trend Ryder flagged in Q1, when the company beat forecast on used truck sales volume while retail pricing held flat. Diez cited higher volume then. The Q2 statement suggests that momentum carried through the spring.

What this means for small fleets shopping used inventory

If Ryder's retail channel is seeing improved conditions, that typically means more units moving through auction and wholesale channels as well. Ryder operates one of the largest lease-return pipelines in North America. When the company reports improving market conditions, it reflects both buyer demand and seller willingness to move inventory at current pricing.

Small fleets shopping for used Class 8 tractors should expect stable to firming prices if Diez's outlook holds. The phrase "even more upside" suggests Ryder expects pricing power to return, not just volume growth. That would reverse the pattern seen in March, when used Class 8 sales rose 10% but missed ACT Research's seasonal forecast, and in April, when sales plateaued as retail, auction, and wholesale channels sent mixed signals.

For owner-operators and small fleets that delayed purchases waiting for prices to soften further, the window may be closing. If Ryder's Q2 data shows firming prices alongside higher volume, buyers will face a choice: lock in current pricing or wait and risk paying more in Q3.

What Ryder's outlook doesn't tell you

Diez's statement does not include specific unit counts, average retail prices, or year-over-year comparisons. Ryder has not yet released detailed Q2 sales data. The comment also does not address regional variation. Used truck pricing and availability can differ sharply by market. Fleets in the Southeast and Texas often see tighter inventory and higher prices than buyers in the Midwest or Mountain West.

The statement also does not specify which truck classes or model years are driving the improvement. Ryder's lease fleet includes Class 4 through Class 8 units. If the upside is concentrated in medium-duty or newer late-model tractors, the outlook for older Class 8 inventory may be different.

What happens next

Ryder will release full Q2 financial results in the coming weeks. Those results should include used truck sales volume, average retail pricing, and inventory levels. Fleet managers shopping for used equipment should watch those numbers closely. If Ryder reports both higher volume and higher average prices, that confirms the market has turned. If volume is up but prices are flat, the market is clearing inventory without pricing power, and buyers still have leverage.

Small fleets that need to replace aging equipment in the next six months should get quotes now and compare them to Q3 pricing once Ryder's full data is public. If Diez is right about accelerating momentum, waiting will cost more per unit.