As October closes, pickup truck prices have been on a bit of a rollercoaster — rising demand for small pickups and steep drops for full-size models reflect a complex market shaped by recent weather disruptions and cautious buying behaviors. 

What does this mean for commercial work truck fleets? 

October Brings Mixed Pickup Truck Trends 

• October 1-7: Kicking off the month, small pickups saw a seven-week streak of value gains, with a 0.28% increase early on. Demand has been high due to scarcity, especially for affordable newer models. Full-size pickups held fairly steady, while Hurricane Helene led to auction shutdowns in the Southeast, slowing overall market movement.

• October 8-14: Mid-month, the market saw a pivot. Full-size pickups experienced a depreciation spike, hitting -0.20%. Small pickups, despite consistent gains, dipped for the first time in weeks (-0.49%), reflecting cautious purchasing in light of auction issues and supply chain disruptions. Interest rates and pre-election speculation continued adding to the mix.

• October 15-21: As Hurricane Milton loomed, full-size pickups saw their biggest drop yet (-0.42%), while small pickups continued to decline at -0.35%. Fleet managers keeping an eye on full-size models might find opportunities in the falling prices, but it’s important to note auction-related inventory shifts as these disruptions impact the Southeast.

• October 22-28: Wrapping up October, small pickups saw a slight rebound (+0.15%), while full-size models continued a steady slide (-0.45%). In an environment of high interest rates and political uncertainties, buyers remained selective — paying close attention to vehicles potentially impacted by flooding and avoiding riskier purchases.

Seize the Moment on Small Pickups, Stay Smart with Full-Size

October’s market is loaded with potential for fleets willing to be strategic. Small pickups have held their value strong, making them a dependable choice to grow your fleet without draining the budget. Meanwhile, the steady depreciation of full-size pickups could translate to big savings if you’re looking to add capacity. 

But remember: storm impacts mean there may be quality inconsistencies in the Southeast market. Stay sharp, assess inventory carefully, and align purchases with where you want your fleet to be in 2025.