Steps to Sell Your Used Semi Truck
March 10th, 2023
By Arrow Truck Marketing
It’s time to sell your semi-truck, but the process seems daunting. How does one go about selling a used semi? Yes, you could sell to a private buyer. That process involves advertising and meeting with multiple potential buyers until you get an offer you’re willing to take. This could take a while and can honestly be a bit of a pain. And, once you get a solid offer, you’ve got to handle all the paperwork and the finances as well.
That sounds easy and straightforward, but selling a used semi isn’t like selling your old Honda. The pool of potential buyers is much smaller than for standard vehicles, and the folks interested in your truck might not even live in your state. Add that to the fact that a semi-truck purchase involves a significant outlay of money and it becomes quickly clear that the logistics of the process of selling privately can quickly become overwhelming. But, if you’re comfortable with all that, opting to “sell my truck” privately isn’t an unreasonable way to go.
Alternatively, you could sell your semi-truck to a truck dealer like Arrow Truck Sales. Let’s take a look at why selling to a dealer is a good option and what you need to do to make it happen.
Why Sell to a Dealer?
Selling your semi-truck to a truck dealer offers a number of advantages, including the following:
Quick and Easy Process
When you sell to a dealer, you don’t need to spend time or money advertising your truck, arranging test drives, and dealing with potential buyers. Instead, you simply take your truck to the dealer, have it inspected, and get an offer. It’s as easy as that and can often be completed in a single day.
No Need for Repairs or Maintenance
If your semi-truck needs repairs or maintenance, selling it to a dealer can be a good option and may actually be your best option. Dealers are often willing to purchase vehicles that require repairs or maintenance, saving you the hassle and expense.
Fair Market Value
Reputable truck dealers like Arrow Truck Sales know the market value of and will offer you a fair price for your vehicle. They factor in the condition of the truck, the mileage, and any repairs or maintenance that may be needed into their offer. When selling to a dealer, you can have peace of mind about getting a fair price for your truck.
No Need to Worry About Paperwork
When you sell your semi-truck to a dealer, their team takes care of all the paperwork, including the title transfer and any other documentation required by your state’s DMV. This ensures the transfer of ownership is done correctly and saves you considerable time and effort.
In sum, dealers are experts at what they do. They regularly appraise, buy, refurbish, and sell used semis. They know what they’re looking for, what they’re willing to pay, and what they can sell. Working with a dealer means you’re working with a buyer who knows what they’re doing, which is a huge advantage.
How to Make it Happen
Convinced that selling your used semi-truck to a dealer is the right move? Here’s what you need to do:
Research the Market Value
Before you approach a dealer to sell your semi-truck, it’s a good idea to do your own research to determine the market value of your vehicle. You want to know what you’ve got before you walk in the door. Make sure you include the condition and mileage of your vehicle in your estimate.
Understand the Selling Process
You can expect the dealer to inspect your truck, assess its value, and make you an offer. If you accept the offer, the dealer will pay you, and you’ll transfer ownership of the vehicle to the dealer.
Prepare Your Truck for Inspection
To get the best offer, you need to prepare your semi-truck for inspection. Make sure the truck is clean and free of any debris or clutter; clean, well-maintained vehicles generally get better offers. You should also ensure that all the maintenance records are in order. Many dealers will visit you to inspect the truck, eliminating the need for you to drive to multiple locations.
Negotiate the Selling Price
Once the dealer has inspected your truck, they will make you an offer. It’s important to remember the dealer is likely planning to turn your truck around and resell it for a profit, so their initial offer may be lower than you expect, especially if significant work needs to be done to get it into good shape. Since you’ve done your own research, you’re prepared to negotiate and counter if necessary. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the offer is too low.
Transfer Ownership
If you accept the dealer’s offer, the final step is to transfer ownership to the dealer. The dealer will walk you through the process, which involves signing over the title and providing any additional paperwork, such as registration and bill of sale to your state’s DMV. Discuss how you’d like to receive your payment and walk away with the cash you need to buy your next truck.
Choose Arrow
Arrow Truck Sales wants your truck. Give us a call and we’ll make you an offer.
We’re in the business of providing truck buyers with the best and largest selection of pre-owned commercial vehicles in the industry. If you need it, we have it.
But Arrow Truck Sales is so much more than the largest used commercial truck dealer. We offer flexible financing options for buyers as well as purchase protection plans and warranties that give you peace of mind once you drive off our lot.
Check out our inventory today and find your next semi-truck.