Best Parts to Export from Used Trucks

Best Parts to Export from Used Trucks

The used truck parts export business is booming — and it’s not hard to see why. With fleets aging around the globe, especially in developing markets, there’s a huge appetite for affordable, reliable parts. Exporters who know what to strip, where to send it, and how to comply with shipping rules can turn old trucks into goldmines. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best parts to export from used trucks, explore regional demand, highlight profit margins, and break down logistics and compliance issues. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to turning second-hand truck components into a thriving export business.

Why Exporting Used Truck Parts Is Big Business

Let’s start with the macro picture. The global used truck market was valued at $47.67 billion in 2024, and it’s projected to hit $64.62 billion by 2029 — that’s a 6.7% CAGR. And the parts themselves? The reman/re-used auto parts market was $69.8 billion in 2024, forecasted to more than double to $141 billion by 2034 (7.4% CAGR).

In other words: fleets worldwide are shifting toward circular economy models, where reuse and recycling keep vehicles running longer. For exporters, this means a constant stream of buyers hunting for affordable OEM replacement parts overseas — whether it’s reconditioned gearboxes in South Asia or used diesel engines in Africa.

Engines: The Crown Jewels of the Export Business

Engines are without a doubt the most sought-after used truck component. A Class-8 diesel engine, typically 12.7–15 liters with 400,000–550,000 miles, can fetch $6,500 to $12,000 FOB Miami. These are not scrap prices — they’re resale-ready figures, especially when the engine has undergone basic reconditioning or dyno testing.

In Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, importing used Mercedes Actros or Freightliner Detroit engines is a thriving trade. Buyers there want affordability and reliability — brand-new engines are prohibitively expensive, while tested-working pre-owned engines offer fleets a lifeline.

And here’s where margins shine: a used Class-8 engine exported to Nigeria might cost the exporter $8,140 landed (acquisition, rebuild, freight, duty included), but resells locally for around $12,000, leaving a 32% gross margin. That’s serious money when you’re moving multiple engines per container.

Transmissions and Gearboxes: South Asia’s Gold Rush

Next up: transmissions. Heavy-duty gearboxes, like the Eaton 18-speed, sell for $2,800–$4,200 when exported to South Asia, particularly Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.

These regions have a booming market for reconditioned gearboxes, thanks to fleets operating older trucks well past their intended lifecycle. Instead of scrapping trucks, operators prefer to swap out gearboxes for affordable imports. This creates consistent demand for salvage truck parts export businesses that specialize in drivetrain components.

Differentials and Axles: Latin America’s Sweet Spot

Latin America, especially mining-heavy countries like Colombia, Peru, and Chile, has an insatiable appetite for axles and differentials. Constant ground engagement in mining fleets wears these parts out faster than anything else.

Exporters who buy Meritor or Rockwell differentials at $900–$1,400 can make a healthy spread reselling them in these regions. Add in auction sourcing for heavy-duty axles or fleet lease returns, and you’ve got a strong supply pipeline to meet this demand.

Tires: Underrated Profit Centers

Tires don’t get enough love in the used truck export conversation — but they should. A set of six drive tires with 50%+ tread typically fetches $600–$750 FOB Houston. Multiply that by 84 sets in a single 40-ft high-cube container (that’s 504 tires), and suddenly you’ve got a container worth nearly $50,000.

Africa, especially West African nations like Nigeria and Ghana, is a hotbed for low-cost tire imports, since aging fleets demand affordable replacements. With stack-and-compress loading techniques, exporters can maximize shipping space and margins.

Catalytic Converters: The Platinum Payoff

Catalytic converters from heavy-duty trucks are a fascinating export item. On the low end, they fetch around $350, but depending on the platinum and palladium content, they can rise to $1,100.

Exporters face a choice: treat converters as scrap metal for recycling or as resalable emission components. Some exporters prefer the scrap route, especially when dealing with compliance hurdles. Others lean toward resale in regions where green export certification for recycled HGV components creates added value.

Truck Cabs and Panels: Big, Bulky, and Valuable

Truck cabs aren’t small-ticket items. A 2018 Freightliner Cascadia day-cab, stripped down and ready for shipping, sells for $2,000–$3,500. These are especially popular in North and East Africa, where repair shops use imported cabs to restore damaged vehicles.

In Europe, demand skews toward truck cab repair panels rather than entire cabs, making them easier to export thanks to reduced size and weight.

Suspension Components: Cheap but Steady Sellers

Suspension systems may not be glamorous, but they’re steady moneymakers. In Africa and Asia-Pacific, buyers often prioritize cheap suspension parts for aging fleets. Airbags, shocks, and leaf springs are in constant demand.

For exporters, this is where salvage yard truck dismantling for export really pays off — stripping these mid-value parts ensures no component goes to waste.

Steel Wheels: Small Margins, High Volume

A 22.5 × 8.25 steel wheel sells for $45–$55 when containerized in bulk. While not a high-margin component, the sheer volume capacity makes them worth including. They’re popular across Latin America and Asia-Pacific, where fleets expand with minimal budgets.

Regional Demand Hot-Spots for Used Parts

Let’s break down where parts are in highest demand and why:

• Asia-Pacific (>40% share of imports): The biggest market, dominated by affordable OEM replacement parts for aging fleets.

• Africa & South Asia: Fastest-growing demand, especially for engines and gearboxes.

• Latin America: High appetite for axles, differentials, and suspension components, especially in mining industries.

These aren’t just numbers; they’re roadmaps for where exporters should direct inventory.

Sourcing: Where Exporters Get Their Parts

Exporters typically rely on:

• Salvage yard dismantling: Stripping wrecked or end-of-life trucks.

• Auction sourcing: Buying lease-return or repossessed vehicles.

• Fleet part-out programs: Contracting with operators to recycle trucks.

• Core engine rebuilds: Buying engines specifically for reconditioning.

Testing, grading, and packaging — like radiator testing before international shipping — are crucial steps to boost buyer confidence.

Shipping and Packaging: Don’t Cut Corners

The logistics of exporting used truck parts can make or break your business. A few realities:

• Engines weigh 1,200–1,500 kg per crate, and must comply with ISPM-15 packaging standards.

• Tires can be compressed and strapped to maximize container usage.

• Ocean freight from the US to West Africa averages $2,900–$3,400 per 40-ft container (as of Apr 2025).

• Using steel-crates with VCI film keeps damage-in-transit below 1%.

Regulatory Hurdles Exporters Must Navigate

The paperwork can be just as important as the parts:

• EPA certification: Engines must be EPA-Tier compliant or under 21 years old — or risk $37,500 fines per unit.

• Customs HS codes: Misclassifying under HS 8708 can delay EU shipments by 3–6 weeks.

• Import duties: South Africa charges 20% ad-valorem on used engines, adding $1,300 to a $6,500 unit.

Smart exporters treat compliance as part of their sales pitch: “We’ll handle the red tape for you.”

Profit Margins: What Exporters Can Expect

Let’s revisit that engine-to-Nigeria example. With all costs factored in — acquisition, rebuild, shipping, duties — the landed cost is $8,140. The resale price? $12,000.

That’s a 32% gross margin, and while not every part yields as much, the right mix of engines, transmissions, and tires can create a highly profitable container.

Sustainability and Circular Economy Edge

Exporting used parts isn’t just profitable — it’s part of the global circular economy. By reusing and recycling, exporters help reduce CO₂ emissions tied to manufacturing new components.

Some exporters even market this: parts come with a “tested-working” QR code label, ISO 14001 certification, or green export badges that make buyers feel confident they’re not just saving money — they’re saving the planet.

Final Thoughts

The used truck parts export business sits at the crossroads of profitability, global demand, and sustainability. Engines, gearboxes, and tires remain the big-ticket items, while differentials, suspensions, and cab shells ensure every truck yields value.

With a $45 billion+ U.S. truck-parts export market and regional hot-spots hungry for affordable spares, exporters who master compliance and logistics have the chance to build serious wealth — one dismantled truck at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best parts to export from used trucks?

The best parts to export from used trucks include diesel engines, gearboxes, differentials, tires, catalytic converters, suspension components, and truck cabs. Engines and transmissions are especially profitable because international buyers seek affordable replacements for aging fleets.

Why are used diesel engines in such high demand overseas?

Used diesel engines are in high demand overseas because they provide a cost-effective alternative to brand-new units. Exporting a Class-8 diesel engine can yield strong margins, particularly in Africa and South Asia, where fleets rely on tested, pre-owned engines to keep vehicles running.

Which regions import the most used truck parts?

The regions that import the most used truck parts are Asia-Pacific, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Asia-Pacific accounts for over 40% of global imports, while Africa and South Asia are the fastest-growing buyers of engines and gearboxes. Latin America, especially mining-heavy economies, focuses on differentials and suspension systems.

Is exporting used truck tires profitable?

Yes, exporting used truck tires is profitable, particularly when tires have 50% or more tread life remaining. A set of six drive tires can sell for $600–$750, and with smart stacking, a 40-ft high cube container can carry over 500 tires, making this one of the most scalable parts to export.

What compliance issues should exporters of used truck parts watch out for?

Exporters of used truck parts must carefully follow compliance and customs regulations. Engines must meet EPA certification standards, misclassifying under the wrong HS code can cause shipping delays, and import duties (like South Africa’s 20% on used engines) can impact profitability if not planned for in advance.

How profitable is the salvage truck parts export business?

The salvage truck parts export business is highly profitable when done strategically. For example, a used Class-8 engine exported to Nigeria may have a landed cost of $8,140 but resell for $12,000, leaving a margin of around 32%. Scaling this across multiple containers of engines, gearboxes, and tires creates consistent revenue streams.