Experts from the Institute for Automotive Market Research analyzed statistics on semi-trailer registrations in Ukraine and identified the most popular types and brands in three main segments: used imports, domestic resales, and new registrations.
Semi-trailer market dynamics
In September 2025, Ukrainian carriers purchased a total of 1,224 new and used semi-trailers. This is 2% more than in August this year, but 23% less than in September 2024.
The largest share was accounted for by domestic resales — 65.6% (803 units), followed by imports of used ones, 28.3% (346 units). New imported semi-trailers accounted for 5.1% (62 units), and another 1.1% (13 units) were vehicles manufactured in Ukraine.
By individual subsegments, the dynamics of semi-trailer trades looks like this:
- Domestic resales: +1.5% MM, −20.5% YY
- Used imports: +3.0% MM, −28.1% YY
- New imports: −1.6% MM, −23.5% YY
- Made in Ukraine: +30.0% MM, −27.8% YY
The most popular semi-trailers on the domestic market
The most popular category here was dump trucks, and there was also demand for tilt and flatbed tilt versions.
In the domestic market of used semi-trailers, the leading positions are traditionally held by large players: Schmitz Cargobull, Krone and Kögel. But beyond these three, interesting trends can be observed among other manufacturers. The fourth place in the ranking is consistently occupied by Wielton, which is a clear signal of the growing popularity of the Polish brand. It is actively gaining favor with carriers due to its favorable price-quality ratio, offering modern solutions that are more affordable than German counterparts. Specialized brands also play an important role: for example, Schwarzmüller is known for its high-quality and durable semi-trailers, which are often chosen for complex tasks.
The rest of the ranking is entirely made up of representatives of narrow niches. Brands such as Benalu, Stas and Magyar are actively represented in segments that require specialized transport, such as aluminum dump trucks, tankers or food semi-trailers. This indicates that there is a demand on the domestic market not only for standard “curtains”, but also for specific equipment. The presence of brands such as Fruehauf and Bodex adds variety, confirming that the used trailer market remains open to a wide variety of European and local offers, which allows you to find a solution for any budget and task.
The most popular used semi-trailers imported from abroad
Among the "freshly imported" semi-trailers, the most popular were the tented versions, and tented platforms and dump trucks were also actively imported.
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Among the newly arrived semi-trailers, the German "big three" also dominate here, which have become the standard of reliability and quality. Schmitz Cargobull has captured the lionʼs share of the market, becoming its informal standard. This brand is valued for its unification, structural strength and, most importantly for used transport, for the widest availability of spare parts. The DAF XF truck and Schmitz Cargobull trailer can be safely called the main working set of Ukrainian logistics. Following the leader are Krone and Kögel, which, together with Schmitz, form the core of the market, offering proven and liquid solutions, especially in the segment of tilt and refrigerated semi-trailers.
Interestingly, a number of specialized manufacturers are further down the list. Brands such as Stas, Benalu and Schwarzmüller have strong positions in the segment of tipper or tank semi-trailers. They do not compete with the leader in terms of volume, but provide high quality in their narrow niche of application. Also noticeable is the presence of Wielton, a Polish manufacturer that is actively taking market share due to its attractive price offer. And the appearance of Lohr (which specializes in car carriers) and MKF Metallbau (often special bodies) indicates that imports meet the needs not only for standard "curtains", but also for very specific transport.
Most popular new semi-trailers
In this group , refrigerated vans are the most popular type. Dump trucks are the second most popular, and platforms are in third place.
The absolute leader here is Schmitz Cargobull, which seems to know no competitors. Its dominance shows that carriers who buy a new trailer seek to minimize risks and choose the most reliable brand with an impeccable reputation. The "elephant" is followed by Krone, and Kögel, although present, has a much smaller share. This is the trio that ensures quality and liquidity standards.
The ranking further demonstrates a clear interest in specialized solutions and new players. TAD and Wielton occupy an important place, offering probably more favorable prices and specialized models. For example, Schwarzmüller and Menci are manufacturers that are often associated with high-quality tipper semi-trailers or tankers. The presence of Meusburger, Mega and Gras confirms that buying a new trailer is always an investment for a specific, often highly specialized task, and not a universal solution. Thus, the market for new semi-trailers is a choice between the undisputed reliability of the market leader and narrow specialization for specific transport needs.
Schmitz Cargobull is a German semi-trailer manufacturer that has been considered a benchmark in the industry for many years. According to the results of September, this brand has once again become a leader in all segments of new and used semi-trailers. Its popularity is explained by a combination of reliability, durability and wide specialization: from tilt and refrigerated trailers to tippers and platforms.
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