Heavy Truck Sales Plunge, Signaling Possible U.S. Recession

U.S. heavy truck sales, for vehicles over 14,000 pounds, have fallen to four-year lows, dropping 15% from last year and 21% from August 2023, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Economists view these sales as a leading economic indicator since heavy trucks are crucial to manufacturing and construction. Historically, declining sales have preceded recessions, such as during the 2008 financial crisis and the 2000 dot-com bubble. However, some experts argue the current decline may reflect a shift from industrial to service- and tech-driven sectors, rather than an impending recession, amid ongoing economic transformation.