I've got a 2018 Peterbilt 579 with about 450k miles, well maintained, and I'm looking to sell it outright for cash. Not interested in trade-in. Where have you guys had the best luck listing commercial trucks to get top dollar? I've heard everything from Facebook Marketplace to specialized auction sites, but I want real experiences. What actually works to maximize cash in hand?
Selling
Where do I list to sell my commercial truck for maximum cash?
i sold a Kenworth T680 last year on TruckPaper.com. Listed it with good photos and full service records. Had a few tire kickers but ended up selling to an owner-operator from out of state for close to asking price. The listing fee was worth it for the exposure.
Facebook Marketplace is free and gets a lot of eyeballs, but you'll deal with a ton of lowballers and scammers. If you go that route, be ready to filter aggressively.
Auction sites like Ritchie Bros or IronPlanet can bringg in buyers from everywhere, but you pay a seller's premium. Sometimes the final bid is higher than a private sale, sometimes not. Do your homework on fees.
Don't overlook local trucking Facebook groups or forums specific to your region. I sold a dump truck to a guy who saw my post in a state-wide construction equipment group. No fees, cash deal, and he picked it up the the next day.
What's your definition of maximum cash? If you want the highest number, you might need to wait for the right buyer on a platform like TruckPaper. If you want quick cash, auction might be faster but could leave money on the table.
I've had good luck with CommercialTruckTrader.com. It's not as well-known as TruckPaper but the leads were more serious. Also, make sure your listing includes detailed maintenance records and clear photos of the engine and interior. That builds trust and can justify a higher price.
Consider listing on multiple platforms simultaneously. I put my truck on TruckPaper, Facebook Marketplace, and a local classifieds site. It cost a bit more but I got more inquiries and ultimately sold through TruckPaper. Just be ready to manage all the messages.
If you're not in a hurry, you could also try consignment with a reputable dealer. They take a commission but handle the paperwork and have a customer base. Might not get you the absolute max but less hassle.
I second the multiple platforms idea. But watch out for scammers on Facebook. I had a guy send a fake cashier's check. Luckily my bank caught it. Always verify funds before releasing the truck.
What about eBay Motors? I've sold equipment there before. Its a mixed bag but sometimes you get a bidding war. Just set a reserve.
Appreciate the input so far. I think I'll list on TruckPaper and Facebook Marketplace first, and maybe consider an auction if it doesnt move in a month. The multiple platform idea makes sense. I'll be careful with scams.