Millions Of Truckers Are Switching Back to Old Trucks — Here’s Why

This video breaks down the forces behind that shift, including tighter EPA emissions standards, rising operating costs, new-truck pricing, Class 8 order trends, and the changing used-truck market. We also look at why proven, late-model trucks may be getting more attention as fleets prepare for the 2027 transition. Sources & References: U.S. EPA — Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards, Model Year 2027 and Later [EPA Heavy-Duty 2027 Final Rule](https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/final-rule-and-related-materials-control-air-pollution?utm_source=chatgpt.com) American Transportation Research Institute — Operational Costs of Trucking [ATRI Operational Costs of Trucking](https://truckingresearch.org/about-atri/atri-research/operational-costs-of-trucking/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ACT Research — Class 8 Truck Orders and Market Data [ACT Research Class 8 Orders](https://www.actresearch.net/resources/data-tracking/class-8-truck-orders?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ACT Research — U.S. Used Class 8 Truck Market [ACT Research Used Truck Trends](https://www.actresearch.net/resources/blog/us-classes3-8-used-trucks-blog?utm_source=chatgpt.com) One accuracy note: the **$2.336-per-mile figure is from ATRI’s 2026 report using 2025 operating data**, not its 2025 report. Also, EPA proposed amendments in July 2026 to parts of the MY2027+ heavy-duty compliance and warranty framework, so some regulatory details in the script may need updating. [truckingresearch.org](https://truckingresearch.org/2026/07/new-atri-report-details-accelerating-costs-and-low-profitability-despite-cuts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)