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Sales of used Class 8 trucks fell 20.4% in May from the same month last year, while prices jumped 5% from April, because of low inventories, numerous sources said.

The U.S. used Class 8 market, beset by a widespread scarcity of low-mileage vehicles and spiraling prices, is expected to receive a huge infusion of fresh supply, according to industry executives and analysts.

Customers bought used Class 8 trucks at such a fast pace last year that they swept dealer lots nearly clean, triggering shortages expected to last for several years and pushing prices up as much as 30%, according to dealers and analysts.

Used truck sales and prices are climbing steadily as fleets hunt for cost-effective alternatives to new trucks, according to a new research report and industry officials.

Registrations of used Class 8 trucks nearly doubled in the second quarter, far outpacing new truck activity as fleets snapped up both late-model used tractors and older vehicles, a new R.L. Polk & Co. report said.

U.S. registrations of used Class 8 trucks jumped to 69,474 vehicles in the first quarter of the year, nearly 54% more than the same period in 2009, R.L. Polk & Co. said.