Which Semi Truck Brands Are Holding Their Value Best Right Now?

What resale strength tells you about build quality, demand, and long-term cost

Every truck buyer cares about price. Smart buyers care about value. And value is not just what you pay today. It is what the truck is still worth years down the road after it has hauled freight, seen weather, and put in real work.

In 2026, resale value matters more than it has in a long time. Freight margins are tighter. Equipment cycles are shorter for some fleets and longer for others. Interest rates have made buyers more thoughtful. All of that puts pressure on one simple question.

Which semi truck brands actually hold their value when it is time to sell or trade?

Resale strength is not an accident. It reflects demand, reliability, driver preference, parts availability, and how well a truck ages in the real world. Below is a clear look at which brands are holding value best right now and why.

Why Resale Value Matters More Than Ever

A truck that holds its value lowers your total cost of ownership. Period.

Strong resale value means:

• More equity when you sell or trade
• Lower effective cost per mile
• Easier financing on the next truck
• Faster resale when timing matters

In uncertain markets, resale strength gives you flexibility. It lets you adapt instead of getting stuck.

Top Brands Holding Their Value in 2026

Peterbilt

Peterbilt continues to lead the pack in resale strength. This is not new, and it has not slowed down.

Why Peterbilt holds value:

• Strong build quality that ages well
• High driver demand and loyalty
• Excellent long-term durability
• Consistent demand in the used market

Models like the 579 and 389 routinely sell faster and for more money than comparable trucks from other brands. Buyers trust the brand. Drivers want them. That combination keeps prices firm.

At Charter Trucks, Peterbilts are some of the fastest-moving units on the lot. Clean used Peterbilts rarely sit long.

Kenworth

Kenworth sits right alongside Peterbilt in terms of resale value. Built under the same parent company, Kenworth shares much of the same engineering DNA.

Why Kenworth performs well:

• Excellent reliability record
• Strong owner-operator demand
• High-quality interiors and ride comfort
• Proven long-haul performance

Models like the T680 consistently retain value, especially when properly maintained. Kenworth may not always command the same premium as Peterbilt, but it stays very close.

Freightliner

Freightliner wins on volume and practicality. While individual units may not always fetch top dollar, Freightliner trucks hold value through consistency and demand.

Why Freightliner holds steady:

• Massive service and parts network
• Predictable operating costs
• Familiarity among fleets and drivers
• Strong demand for Cascadias

The Cascadia in particular remains one of the easiest trucks to buy and sell. That liquidity supports resale value even if the premium is slightly lower than Peterbilt or Kenworth.

Volvo Trucks

Volvo has quietly built strong resale momentum over the past decade. Comfort, safety, and efficiency have helped Volvo trucks earn respect in both fleet and owner-operator circles.

Why Volvo performs well:

• Strong safety reputation
• Comfortable, driver-friendly cabins
• Solid fuel efficiency
• Growing acceptance in the used market

Volvo resale tends to perform best on well-maintained fleet units with clear service history. When cared for properly, they hold value better than many buyers expect.

Mack Trucks

Mack trucks tend to shine in vocational and regional applications. Their resale value reflects toughness more than luxury.

Why Mack holds value:

• Durable frames and drivetrains
• Strong reputation in construction and regional work
• Loyal customer base in specific segments

Mack resale is strongest in trucks that were used for the right job. A well-matched duty cycle makes a big difference here.

International Trucks

International trucks usually enter the market at a lower upfront price, and that influences resale.

Why International resale is more mixed:

• Lower purchase price attracts budget buyers
• Wide availability keeps pricing competitive
• Some models perform better than others

International trucks can still be a solid value play, especially for buyers focused on entry cost. But they generally do not hold value as strongly as Peterbilt, Kenworth, or Freightliner.

What Actually Drives Resale Value

Brand matters, but it is not the only factor.

Model Popularity

Certain models consistently outperform others. A popular model is easier to sell regardless of brand.

Maintenance History

A documented service record often matters more than mileage. Buyers pay for proof.

Duty Cycle

Highway trucks usually age better than stop-and-go trucks. That affects resale.

Driver Preference

Drivers influence resale more than people realize. Trucks drivers like sell faster.

Parts and Service Availability

Trucks that are easy to service maintain stronger demand.

Why Brand Matters Even More in the Used Market

When buyers shop used trucks, risk tolerance drops. They want predictable ownership. Brands with strong reputations reduce perceived risk, which keeps demand high and prices firm.

That is why Peterbilt and Kenworth continue to dominate resale conversations. They feel like safer bets, even years into ownership.

How to Use This Information as a Buyer

If resale matters to you, plan for it before you buy.

Smart strategies include:

• Choosing brands with consistent demand
• Buying popular models instead of niche configurations
• Maintaining detailed service records
• Replacing trucks before crossing major mileage thresholds

Thinking one step ahead protects your investment.

How Charter Trucks Factors Resale Into Inventory

At Charter Trucks, resale strength is part of how inventory is selected. Trucks that hold value move faster, attract better buyers, and perform better long term for customers.

That is why you will see a strong concentration of brands like Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner in the lineup. These trucks do not just sell well today. They sell well again later.

The Bottom Line

In 2026, the brands holding value best are not a surprise. Peterbilt and Kenworth continue to lead. Freightliner stays strong through volume and service access. Volvo and Mack perform well in the right applications. International offers affordability with trade-offs.

Resale value is not hype. It is math. And the math favors brands with proven durability, strong demand, and real-world trust.

Ready to Shop Trucks That Hold Their Value?

If you want to browse used trucks from brands known for strong resale and long-term reliability, take a look at the current inventory at Charter Trucks. Seeing real pricing and real equipment makes the difference clear.

Shop available trucks here:
https://chartertrucks.com/trucks/