Semi-Truck Depreciation Guide 2026

A Complete Guide to Semi-Truck Depreciation

When truckers talk about depreciation, they're usually talking about one of two things: how much value their truck loses over time in the resale market, or how they write off the purchase price on their taxes. This guide focuses on the first type, market depreciation, because understanding what drives resale value helps you make smarter decisions about which truck to buy, how to maintain it, and when to sell or trade.

(If you're looking for information about tax depreciation, Section 179, and how to write off a truck purchase, check out our guide on tax deductions for semi-trucks.)

What Drives Semi-Truck Depreciation?

Semi-trucks lose value from the moment you drive them off the lot, but they don't all depreciate at the same rate. A multitude of variables determine how much value a truck retains over its working life, including the following:

Mileage is the big one. A truck with 300,000 miles is worth less than the same model with 100,000 miles. High mileage means more wear on critical components, which directly translates into higher maintenance costs and a shorter remaining useful life for the next buyer.

Age matters, but not the way you think. A five-year-old truck with low miles can be worth more than a three-year-old truck that's been run hard; in that respect, age is inconclusive. The impact of age on the value shows up in technology, emissions systems, safety features, fuel efficiency, but even then, wear from actual use usually matters more to buyers. The exception: old trucks (10+) lose value solely due to obsolescence. Parts get harder to find, fuel efficiency lags behind newer models, and keeping up with regulations gets more complicated.

Maintenance records protect value. You can take this truth to the bank: All other things being equal, a truck with a complete, documented service history sells for more than a truck with gaps in documentation or no records at all. Maintenance records reduce risk for the buyer, which translates directly to higher offers.

Accidents affect value. A truck that's been in a significant accident and repaired will typically sell for less than a truck with a clean history, even if the repairs were done properly. Accidents make buyers worry.

Brand and model reputation influence depreciation rates. Certain manufacturers and specific models hold their value better than others based on reliability, reputation, parts availability, dealer network strength, and buyer preferences in the used market.

Usage type and application have an impact. Trucks used for regional deliveries will show different wear patterns than trucks used for long-haul over-the-road work. Buyers evaluate not just total miles but how those miles were earned.

Market conditions and timing affect what you can get. The market has a mind of its own. Truck values go up and down depending on factors such as freight demand, fuel prices, and the ease of getting a new truck. When freight rates are high and everyone needs trucks fast, used prices shoot up. When things slow down, prices drop. Fuel prices matter, too; when diesel prices rise, buyers pay more for newer, fuel-efficient trucks.

How Much Do Semi-Trucks Depreciate?

While the market value of a used truck is subject to many variables, one rule remains constant: depreciation isn't linear; trucks lose value fastest in the first few years, and then the rate of decline slows.

A new Class 8 truck might lose 20-30% of its value in the first year, another 15-20% in year two, and then continue to depreciate gradually from there. The depreciation curve varies significantly by brand and model. For example, premium brands with strong reputations (Peterbilt, Kenworth) often retain 5-10% more value than mid-tier brands over the same time period, assuming similar condition and mileage, as do trucks with desirable features such as newer emissions systems, fuel-efficient engines, or well-maintained interiors.

Current market trends also affect the market. When new trucks are hard to get, late-model used trucks tend to appreciate or hold their value unusually well. When the market corrects, those same trucks can lose value quickly.

Can You Control Depreciation?

You can't stop depreciation, but you can potentially slow it down.

• Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedules and keep all records.

  Get maintenance done on time and document everything. Keep receipts, work orders, and service records organized. When you sell the truck, your efforts will pay off.

• Address small problems before they become big ones.

  Don’t ignore maintenance or let problems escalate. A minor oil leak can lead to engine damage, and worn brake pads can damage rotors and drums. Smart buyers can spot deferred maintenance, and they'll either walk away or discount their offers.

• Keep the truck clean, inside and out.

  Dirty, ill-kept trucks don’t sell well. Keep it clean, inside and out.

• Choose your work carefully.

  How much of this is within your control varies, but you know that some routes are harder on your rig than others. For those drives, it’s smart to price your services accordingly.

• Don't over-accessorize or customize.

  Basic upgrades that improve functionality can enhance value. But extreme personalization and customization will narrow the pool of interested parties and significantly lower prices.

When to Sell or Trade

Understanding where your vehicle sits on its depreciation curve tells you if holding on or walking away will leave money on the table. Most owner-operators sell somewhere between 400,000 and 600,000 miles because that's a sweet spot where depreciation has slowed enough that you've captured most of the truck's economic value, but maintenance costs haven't yet started eating into what the next buyer will pay.

We’ve listed many factors that affect resale value; how they interact in your vehicle will determine the best timing for you. Why does understanding your depreciation curve matter? Sell too early, and you're trading a truck that still has plenty of profitable life left. Hold too long, and you'll find yourself paying for major repairs that won't add equivalent value when you finally sell.

In addition to the specifics of your truck, you’ve also got to consider market conditions. Strong freight markets drive up used truck prices; downturns do the opposite. If you understand where your truck sits on the depreciation curve and can time your sale to favorable market conditions, you maximize what you get.

A Quick Note on Tax Depreciation

This guide focuses on market depreciation, which is how much your truck is worth if you sell it. Tax depreciation (how you write off the purchase on your tax return) is a completely different calculation that follows IRS rules rather than market realities.

Your truck might be worth $70,000 in the resale market but have a depreciated tax basis of $40,000 on your books, or vice versa. The two numbers serve different purposes and are rarely the same. For detailed information about tax depreciation, navigating Section 179 expensing, and how to maximize tax benefits when buying a truck, see our complete guide to writing off semi-truck purchases.

Arrow Truck Sales Helps You Maximize Value

Understanding depreciation helps you make better decisions at every stage, choosing which truck to buy, maintaining it to protect value, and knowing when to sell or trade. The choices you make from day one affect what you'll get when it's time to move on.

At Arrow Truck Sales, depreciation isn't just theoretical; it's how we price inventory, evaluate trade-ins, and help buyers find trucks that will hold their value.

Ready to see what your current truck is worth, or looking for a truck that will hold its value? Find your next truck at Arrow Truck Sales. Contact our team to discuss trade-in values and options today.