Sales of heavy trucks are falling like the U.S. is headed for a recession

Data tracking the sales volume of large trucks in the U.S. is flashing a warning sign about the state of the economy. Heavy trucks sales — or those exceeding 14,000 pounds in gross vehicle weight — have dropped to levels not seen in four years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The volume is down more than 15% in August compared with a year ago and 21% compared with the same month in 2023. Economists and investors have historically tracked how much of these vehicles — think tractor-trailers — are being sold in the U.S. as a leading indicator for the economy. That's because these trucks are considered vital to American manufacturing and building. When truck sales are rising, that can be a sign of growing industrial action. On the other hand, sliding volume can indicate cont