Tariff-Driven Uncertainty Is Freezing Truck Orders Across the U.S. — Here’s What’s Really Happening

Right now, the U.S. trucking industry is stuck in a strange spot. Ever since the 25% tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks took effect on November 1st, truck orders have slowed to a crawl. Not because carriers don’t need equipment, but because no one knows what new trucks will actually cost.

OEM Pricing Is a Mystery

Manufacturers still haven’t released firm pricing after the tariff change. That uncertainty alone is enough to freeze fleet owners, owner-operators, and buyers across the semi truck market. Why commit to a new truck if the price could jump or drop next month?

Used Trucks Are Becoming the Safe Bet

With new truck quotes on hold, the used truck market is heating up. Dealers report more calls, quicker sales, and rising demand for clean, low-mileage units. If OEMs announce major price increases in the coming weeks, used truck prices could climb fast.

Small Fleets Feel the Pressure

Large carriers can wait. Smaller fleets can’t. Their expansion plans depend heavily on predictable equipment costs, and today’s uncertainty is pushing many toward used trucks or delaying purchases altogether.

The Ripple Effect

This tariff confusion is affecting more than new truck orders. It’s impacting:

• trailer sales

• parts pricing

• repair shop delays

• equipment financing

When the cost of a tractor is unclear, the entire trucking supply chain slows down.

What Comes Next?

If OEMs release stable, post-tariff pricing soon, orders could rebound. If not, the slowdown will continue, and the used market will become even more competitive heading into 2026.

For now, one thing is clear:The tariff didn’t disrupt the trucking industry as much as the uncertainty behind it.