If you’ve priced a new truck chassis lately, you’ve likely noticed the numbers trending higher — and lead times stretching longer. The reason isn’t just market demand. Recent and proposed tariffs on imported materials and components are having a direct impact on chassis pricing and availability across the industry.
Why Tariffs Matter for Chassis Buyers
Today’s chassis aren’t built from parts made in one place. Whether you’re buying Freightliner, International, Ford, or Ram, the manufacturing process depends on a global network of suppliers — from electronics and sensors to plastics, castings, and fasteners.
When tariffs raise the cost of those imported parts, manufacturers must either absorb the increase or pass it along. In most cases, the result is higher chassis prices for end users and longer waits as producers adjust their supply chains.
Assembly and Sourcing Challenges
In addition to cost pressures, many chassis producers are reconsidering where their products are assembled. Some are exploring new or expanded U.S. facilities to minimize tariff exposure, while others are negotiating directly with the White House to secure more favorable terms.
That uncertainty can delay production schedules. Even when a truck is “made in the U.S.,” components like plastic fittings, chips, and turn pieces often come from overseas. Each step in that chain adds potential for delay and additional expense.
The Impact on Lead Times
As suppliers adjust, lead times for chassis deliveries have grown. Many manufacturers are prioritizing government and fleet contracts, which can make it more difficult for smaller or specialty buyers to secure the chassis they need on short notice.
If your operation depends on upfitted trucks or work vehicles, planning well in advance has become more important than ever.
What Fleets and Buyers Can Do
The best strategy right now is realistic budgeting and early forecasting.
- Expect chassis costs to fluctuate over the next several quarters.
- Plan for possible delivery delays when scheduling new vehicle builds or replacements.
- Keep us aware of your upcoming needs and get our insight on current chassis availability and market trends.
Staying proactive can help offset many of the challenges caused by global supply and trade shifts.
We’re Monitoring the Situation
At Drake-Scruggs, we work closely with our chassis partners to stay current on pricing and lead time updates. If you’re planning a new build or replacement vehicle, our team can help you choose the right chassis and body combination — and plan your purchase timeline accordingly.
Contact us to discuss how we can help with finding the right chassis for your needs.
