What is the difference between a truck and a tractor unit? Which brands and models are there? We have summarized the answers to the most important questions here.
Gabriel Böhm is Director Strategy & Operations at truckoo, the digital platform that is redefining commercial vehicle trade in Europe. With a passion for innovation and efficiency, he shapes the strategic direction and drives operational excellence to connect sellers and buyers smarter, faster and more transparently.
A distinction is typically made between trucks, which themselves have a loading area, and semitrailers. These “trains” consist of the drive unit, the semitrailer and the trailer. A semitrailer is therefore not referred to as a truck.
In Europe, the following manufacturers dominate the tractor market:
Even though the names of the models are very different, they still have one thing in common. They all belong to the tractor type:
The price of tractor units differs based on many characteristics. Cabin size, presence of a crane, but also of the brand (Mercedes Benz, MAN, Volvo, Iveco, DAF) and model (Actros, TGX, FH, XF, Stralis) As well as other equipment features - brake system (retarder, intarder), power, axle formula (e.g. 6x4, 4x2). In the current market situation, new tractor units cost between 95,000€ - 160,000€.
The residual value is, of course, driven by initial registration and mileage. In the case of semitrailer tractors, but in particular also the type of driver's cab, axle structure, design, power. New vehicles typically lose around 25-30% in value each year with a mileage of 100,000 km per year. mileage. After 6 years, age plays a subordinate role in determining value and, for example, EURO standards are becoming more important. You can find out more about residual value here.
In addition to local retailers, sales via online portals are increasingly coming to the fore. All established companies charge fees - this includes an advertisement on mobile.de. At the same time, the expense as a seller remains. Truckoo chooses another route offers a free ad, the truck evaluation and enables sales completely digitally. You can find out more details about comparing providers here.
Selling a tractor unit is an important decision for every truck owner. It is important to ensure that your tractor unit is sold in perfect condition to get a fair price. To help you sell your tractor, we've put together a few tips.
Want to know more about selling trucks? In our comprehensive guide, you will learn how to optimally prepare, value and sell your used truck — step by step.
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