Truck dealers Penske Automotive Group and Rush Enterprises showed mixed performance in the second quarter, while Custom Truck One Source experienced a notable increase in sales and rental revenues.
Rush Class 8 Sales Decline by 20%
Rush Enterprises, located in San Antonio, reported a 6.5% year-over-year decrease in finance and insurance (F&I) revenue to $5.6 million for Q2. Total revenue also dropped 4.8% YoY, totaling $1.9 billion, as stated in its earnings release on July 30. However, revenue from aftermarket products and services increased by 1.4% YoY to $636.3 million.
The company experienced a 20.3% YoY decline in new Class 8 truck sales, amounting to 3,178 units, due to ongoing challenges in the trucking sector, according to Chairman and CEO W.M. “Rusty” Rush.
“Though there have been occasional signs of recovery from the freight recession affecting over-the-road carriers for over two years, freight rates remain low and overcapacity is still a concern.”
— W.M. “Rusty” Rush, CEO, Rush Enterprises
Additionally, uncertainty regarding tariffs and their effects on supply chains and the economy, combined with unclear engine emissions regulations, has caused many clients to delay decisions regarding vehicle purchases and maintenance.
In contrast, the sale of new Class 4 to Class 7 trucks increased by 1% YoY to 3,626 units, while used commercial vehicle sales fell by 0.5% YoY to 1,715 units. Floorplan notes payable rose by 0.7% YoY to $1.1 billion.
Penske Sees 8% Drop in Used-Truck Sales
Penske Automotive Group, based in Bloomfield Hills, reported $4 million in F&I revenue for Q2, reflecting a 4.8% YoY decline. Parts and service revenue from commercial trucks grew by 3.4% YoY to reach $226.7 million, while overall revenue for this segment surged by 5.7% YoY to $943.6 million.
New truck sales rose by 3.5% YoY to 4,638 units, yet used truck sales fell by 8.4% YoY to 701 units, resulting in an overall increase of 1.7% YoY. Additionally, total floorplan notes payable increased by 2.1% YoY to $4.2 billion.
Despite fewer used trucks being sold, gross profit soared by 44.1% YoY to $4.9 million, primarily due to a shortage of low-mileage late model trucks, as explained by North American Chief Operating Officer Richard Shearing.
CTOS Reports 21% Growth in Total Revenue
Custom Truck One Source (CTOS) based in Kansas City, Mo., saw its total revenue rise by 20.9% YoY to $511.5 million in Q2, with aftermarket parts and service revenue increasing by 0.5% YoY to $34.6 million.
The company’s fleet utilization rate improved nearly 6 percentage points YoY to reach 77.6%, contributing to a 17.3% YoY increase in rental revenue, which reached $120.8 million.
Total equipment sales rose by 24.7% YoY to $356.1 million, driven by strong demand for vocational vehicles, especially from local and regional customers, according to CEO Ryan McMonagle.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, CTOS anticipates benefiting from trends fueled by investments in data centers, electrification, and upgrades to the utility grid.
