How to sell a used truck in Colombia: paperwork, inspection, and serious buyers

Selling a truck in Colombia—whether it's a turbo, a simple truck, or a tractor-trailer—is nothing like selling the family car. It is a business deal between professionals. Whoever is buying from you is looking for a work tool, not a luxury, and that completely changes the rules of the game. If you are used to selling a used pickup truck, get ready, because heavy commercial vehicles involve cargo regulations, company affiliations, and an intangible asset that is sometimes worth as much as the chassis itself: the famous "cupo" (operating quota).

In short: To sell a used truck in Colombia, you need to have the SOAT and the technical-mechanical inspection up to date, be free of fines, and pay the 1% withholding tax. If the truck is for public service or weighs more than 10.5 tons, the process includes transferring the affiliation with the transport company and negotiating the scrapping "cupo".

Below, I explain the step-by-step process to conduct a transparent, legal deal without wasting time on curious people who just want a test drive. If you want to see real options right now, you can see available jobs on Colombia Move — posting is completely free.

1. Mandatory documentation and transfer costs in 2026

The first mistake many sellers make is looking for a buyer without having the paperwork ready. In the cargo transport world, a parked truck is lost money, so the buyer will want to complete the transfer as quickly as possible.

Before posting your truck, make sure you have:

• RUNT Registration: Both you and the buyer must be active in the system, according to the Ministry of Transport (2026).
• Valid SOAT and Technical-Mechanical Inspection (RTM): For 2026, the official RTM for heavy vehicles starts at $509,828 COP for public service and $510,027 COP for private vehicles (source: authorized CDAs, official 2026 rate).
• Clear of fines: You cannot have debts in the SIMIT. If you have doubts, I recommend checking your traffic tickets using your license plate and ID number before signing any promise of sale.

2. The key factor: Public or private service?

This is where selling a truck gets technical. If your vehicle is for private service, the transfer is relatively straightforward. But if it has yellow plates (public service), transport companies and the Ministry of Transport come into play.

To transfer a public service truck, the transit authority requires the presentation of the contract for the assignment of the right of affiliation or linkage (official requirement according to Resolution 5304 of 2019). This document must be signed by the seller, the buyer, and approved by the affiliated transport company. The new owner will process a new operation card in their name.

Additionally, if your truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight exceeding 10.5 tons, it falls under the modernization and scrapping regime (Resolution 5304 of 2019). The vehicle then has a "cupo," which is the legal right to register and operate it. It is an asset of very high commercial value. When negotiating, you must make it very clear whether the price includes the physical truck along with the "cupo," or if you are negotiating them separately.

3. Technical inspection and the mandatory DIJIN/SIJIN check

No serious buyer is going to hand over hundreds of millions of pesos without checking the condition of the diesel engine, transmission, chassis, and air brakes. Although a private inspection at a specialized workshop is not legally mandatory for the transfer, it is the gold standard for closing the deal with confidence.

What is mandatory in many cases is the technical identification inspection of vehicles before the DIJIN or SIJIN of the National Police (revisionautomotores.policia.gov.co). Authorities verify that the engine, chassis, and serial imprints are original and not tampered with. The official cost in 2026 is 2 SMDLV, equivalent to $116,728 COP (source: National Police, official 2026 rate).

4. How to filter out curious people and avoid scams (The dark side)

Honestly, the worst part of selling a commercial vehicle in Colombia is the number of scammers. The most common method is the "fake cashier's check" or a deposit on hold on a Friday afternoon to pressure for delivery over the weekend.

My golden rule: Never hand over the keys or the truck until the transfer is filed in the new owner's name and the money is confirmed in your bank account. An honest buyer will understand this perfectly. If someone pressures you to take the vehicle "urgently that same night," abort the mission. It is better to lose a quick deal than to end up without a truck and without money.

5. How to post your truck and attract serious buyers

A good post is your best filter. Forget about two blurry photos of a dirty truck. Wash it, take clear photos of the cargo box or stakes, show the condition of the tires (a very high expense in cargo vehicles), and take a clean shot of the cabin and the engine.

In the description, be direct: specify make, model, actual mileage, if it has been repaired, load capacity, body type, and if you are delivering with or without work (affiliation to a transport company).

Key fact: according to active ads on Colombia Move (July 2026), there are currently 0 trucks posted on the platform. This means that the demand for work vehicles far exceeds the supply. If you post today, your truck will have immediate visibility to local buyers and companies looking to expand their fleet.

Frequently asked questions

❓ Who pays the transfer fees for a truck in Colombia?

By commercial custom, the cost is split 50/50 between buyer and seller, according to 2026 transit practices. However, the withholding tax (1% of the commercial appraisal from the Ministry of Transport) must be paid by the seller. This must be written in the sales contract.

❓ What is a truck's "cupo" and can it be sold separately?

The 'cupo' is the legal right to register a heavy-duty vehicle (over 10.5 tons) under the Ministry of Transport's modernization program (Resolution 5304 of 2019). It can indeed be sold separately or with the vehicle, and in 2026, it represents a significant portion of the total transaction value.

❓ How much does the technical-mechanical inspection for a heavy truck cost in 2026?

For heavy vehicles in 2026, the official RTM rate starts at $509,828 COP for public service and $510,027 COP for private vehicles (source: authorized CDAs, 2026). It varies slightly depending on the Automotive Diagnostic Center.

❓ How much does the DIJIN/SIJIN inspection cost and how do I schedule it?

The vehicle identification inspection with the DIJIN/SIJIN (National Police) has an official cost of 2 SMDLV in 2026, equivalent to $116,728 COP. Schedule your appointment at revisionautomotores.policia.gov.co before starting the process.

❓ How to avoid scams when selling a truck in Colombia?

Do not hand over the vehicle until the transfer is filed in the buyer's name and the payment is confirmed in your bank account. In 2026, fake cashier's checks and fictitious deposits remain common. Be wary of anyone pressuring you to take the truck the same day without the paperwork filed.

❓ Where can I list a truck for sale without paying a commission in Colombia?

Colombia Move has an empty truck category as of July 2026, which gives immediate visibility to new listings with no commission and direct contact via WhatsApp. You can also supplement this with WhatsApp groups for transport companies or local heavy vehicle trade fairs.