The construction industry faces an unprecedented workforce crisis. According to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 92% of construction firms are having trouble finding qualified workers, while the Associated Builders and Contractors projects the industry will need 439,000 additional workers in 2025 alone. This shortage isn’t just about numbers—it’s reshaping how companies compete for talent.
The Scale of the Crisis
Despite construction employment reaching 8.29 million in January 2025 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the industry continues to face critical gaps. The problem extends beyond general laborers to specialized roles. Heavy equipment operators are particularly scarce, with shortages impacting projects nationwide and leading to delays, increased costs, and hindered growth.
Regional variations tell an even more concerning story. Government data shows construction job vacancy rates at 4.2% in early 2024, well above the national average. Meanwhile, National Center for Construction Education and Research data estimates that 41% of the construction workforce will retire by 2031.
Why Drivers Leave
The reasons behind high turnover are complex but consistent. According to industry research, truck driver job satisfaction ranks in the bottom 10% of all careers, with drivers’ top concerns including the economy, lack of parking, rising fuel prices, driver shortages, and compensation. Federal transportation studies found that 46% of workers left a job because they didn’t feel appreciated.
But there’s another critical factor often overlooked: equipment quality.
The Equipment Connection
Quality equipment is crucial for driver safety and well-being. Industry research shows that driver retention improves when operators feel confident that their equipment is reliable and safe. Companies investing in modern, well-maintained equipment demonstrate that drivers’ safety and well-being are top priorities.
The specifics matter enormously. Transportation industry studies indicate that driver amenities should be considered as important as pay, including climate control, ergonomic features, storage space, and comfort amenities. For construction equipment, this translates to ergonomic cabs, climate control systems, noise reduction features, and reliable performance that reduces operator stress.
How Companies Are Responding
Forward-thinking construction companies are adapting their retention strategies beyond traditional compensation. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows average hourly earnings for construction workers rose 3.9% year-over-year in March 2025 and are up 25% from February 2020, but smart employers know wages alone aren’t enough.
Modern industry research shows that effective retention isn’t just about policies, it’s about providing the right tools and equipment. Quality equipment can be the difference between losing an operator after a few months or building a long-term working relationship. Government studies indicate that investing in modern technology, telematics systems, and well-maintained vehicles makes jobs easier and more comfortable.
The Custom Truck Advantage
This is where Custom Truck One Source’s expertise becomes invaluable. Our extensive selection of construction equipment includes everything from boom trucks and cranes to dump trucks and trailers —all designed with operator comfort and reliability in mind.
When you choose Custom Truck, you’re not just buying equipment; you’re investing in driver retention. Our service and support ensures your equipment stays reliable, while our focus on modern, comfortable specifications helps keep operators satisfied and productive.
Why Driver Retention Starts in the Cab
In today’s competitive trucking market, keeping experienced drivers isn’t just about pay and benefits—it’s about showing them they matter from the moment they climb into the cab. While the industry grapples with turnover rates exceeding 20%, smart fleet operators are discovering that driver retention begins with the equipment they provide.
Standard Equipment, Premium Experience
The old approach of treating driver comfort as an “upgrade” is failing fleets across the country. That’s why our dump trucks come standard with features that other manufacturers consider premium add-ons. We believe that Hendrickson suspensions, advanced transmissions, and Platinum interior packages shouldn’t be optional—they should be essential.
What This Means for Your Drivers
When your operators slide into one of our cabs, they immediately notice the difference. The Hendrickson air ride suspension doesn’t just smooth out rough jobsites—it reduces the daily wear and tear that leads to driver fatigue and frustration. Premium transmissions provide effortless shifting and responsive performance, making long workdays feel shorter. And the Platinum interior package creates an environment where drivers take pride in their workspace.
The Bottom Line on Driver Satisfaction
Here’s what fleet managers are discovering: comfortable drivers are loyal drivers. Every bump absorbed by superior suspension is one less reason for a driver to look elsewhere. Every smooth shift through a premium transmission reinforces that they’re working for a company that invests in quality. Every detail in a well-appointed cab sends the message that their comfort and satisfaction matter.
Looking Forward
The construction industry’s workforce challenges won’t disappear overnight. Companies are leveraging digital tools and AI to increase their capacity and capabilities, aiming to offset labor shortages. However, the human element remains crucial.
Companies that recognize equipment quality as a retention tool will have a competitive advantage in attracting and keeping skilled operators. In a market where the average cost of driver turnover is $11,500 per driver, investing in comfortable, reliable equipment isn’t just good for operators—it’s good for business.
Ready to transform your fleet into a retention tool? Contact us today to learn how quality equipment can help solve your workforce challenges.
If you manage a fleet of municipal trucks in the Upper Midwest, you know the terrain – and the weather- don’t always play fair. From spring thaw to city cleanup, from rough job sites to round-the-clock municipal schedules, your trucks need to be ready for whatever the job throws your way.
At Custom Truck, we understand these challenges because we build and supply trucks for them. Whether you’re working in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Des Moines, or any of the hardworking communities across the region, here are three major challenges and the equipment that’s built to solve them.
1. Muddy, Unstable Sites in Spring and Early Summer
Once the snow melts, the ground turns into soup. Crews face serious accessibility problems across new builds, field service work, and utility maintenance. Especially when traditional wheeled vehicles can’t make it across the site.
The solution? Track equipment.
Our tracked bucket trucks, digger derricks, and service bodies are made for soft terrain. These machines deliver traction and floatation that keep your team moving – whether they’re restoring lines along wetland routes or working in remote zones with no paved access.
High-clearance dump trucks are also great additions here. Designed to navigate through standing water, mud, and soft surfaces, they’re ideal for site prep and hauling during shoulder seasons.
2. Waste Management Demands That Don’t Take a Break
In cities large and small across the Upper Midwest, refuse collection is a constant task. From spring cleanup programs to fall leaf removal and regular weekly pickup, solid waste operations don’t get to pause for weather, or equipment failure.
The solution? Reliable refuse trucks and rear-loaders built to withstand heavy use and stop-start cycles, even in tight city streets.
Built-in hydraulic systems designed for cold starts
Rugged bodies that resist corrosion from salt and grime
With service routes growing and crews stretched thin, you need trucks that maximize uptime and efficiency.
3. Keeping Up With Growing Telecom Demands
Telecom crews across the Upper Midwest face increasing pressure to expand networks, maintain aging infrastructure, and respond fast to outages – especially in rural and underserved communities. With everything from severe weather to increased demand for broadband access, staying ahead requires equipment that’s as dependable and flexible as your crew.
Tracked bucket trucks for accessing off-road towers, flood zones, or forested terrain
Pole trailers and reel loadersthat make transport and placement easier—even in tight city spaces or muddy country roads
Every unit is designed with uptime in mind, featuring insulated cabs for winter comfort, advanced hydraulic systems for precision work, and custom upfit options based on the unique needs of your territory.
Plus, with Custom Truck’s nationwide support and financing, telecom contractors and municipalities alike can build fleets that are ready for anything – from the next fiber rollout to storm-related emergency repairs.
Custom Support, Local Solutions
At Custom Truck One Source, we stock fleet-ready equipment. Our team understands regional challenges and offers tailored upfitting, rental options, and financing through Custom Truck Capital.
Need help navigating seasonal specs? Want to prep your municipal fleet for year-round uptime? We’re here for it.Explore our dump trucks, refuse units, track equipment, and telecom solutions today.
* This blog is part of a regional series focused on the unique equipment needs across different parts of the U.S. The information provided here specifically addresses the demands and conditions of the Upper Midwest region. Equipment recommendations and operational insights may vary based on local regulations, climate, and job requirements. Always consult with a Custom Truck One Source representative to ensure the right fit for your project.
Picture this: Nine siblings sitting around a table in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1996, sketching out plans for what would become one of the most improbable success stories in American business.
Fred Ross and his eight brothers and sisters had a deceptively simple idea: build better custom trucks for the contractors and utility companies who use them.
The family members soon started a three-bay facility in Kansas City’s Historic Northeast neighborhood.
Fast forward through about three decades of explosive growth to the current Custom Truck One Source (CTOS), a billion-dollar powerhouse with over 2,600 workers spread across 40 locations from coast to coast.
Fred and the Ross family didn’t just ride a wave of heavy equipment industry growth to get big. CTOS helped create the wave.
Anyone who’s spent time in the specialized equipment world knows that most companies either stay small or get swallowed up by bigger players. CTOS somehow managed to thread the needle, scaling from mom-and-pop to major league while keeping the innovation and customer focus that made them special in the first place.
The Vision That Started It All
The story begins in Kansas City, where Fred Ross saw an opportunity in the specialized truck market that others had overlooked. Working alongside his siblings, Ross understood that contractors and utility companies needed more than just standard trucks – they needed customized solutions that could handle the unique demands of their work. From that three-bay shop, Custom Truck Sales was born with a mission to provide exactly that.
What set the Ross family apart from the beginning was their understanding that this wasn’t just about selling trucks; it was about solving problems. Every custom build, every modification, every client relationship was an opportunity to innovate and improve. This philosophy would become the cornerstone of everything CTOS would achieve over the next three decades.
Original Custom Truck Team, 1996
The Early Days: When Big Dreams Meet Small Shops (1996-1999)
The Ross family had something most entrepreneurs lack: the ability to think big while staying grounded. Sure, the family wanted to build a trucking empire, but they started focusing on what contractors needed, in lieu of what looked good in a catalog.
By 1997, just 12 months after opening their doors, the Rosses pulled off something that should have been impossible for a startup. They landed the largest pre-owned truck deal in U.S. history – over 10,000 trucks for Viking Transport, with upfitting work spread across 17 locations nationwide. Most established companies would have choked on an order of that size.
What’s really telling about those early years isn’t just the numbers (though growing from 12 to 75 employees in three years is no small feat). It’s how CTOS built relationships with industry heavyweights like Terex RO, National Crane, and Manitex. These weren’t just supplier agreements, but partnerships that would define the company’s trajectory for decades.
Smart money would have bet against a family operation from Kansas City convincing major electric utility contractors like MYR, PAR, and Sturgeon Electric to trust them with their fleets. But that’s exactly what happened because the Ross family understood something their competitors missed: in the specialized equipment world, relationships matter the most.
Necessity Ignites Innovation(2000-2004)
The early 2000s taught CTOS a lesson that would serve management well for decades: sometimes your biggest innovations come from the most challenging situations.
Take 2000, when CTOS mounted then the nation’s largest tractor-mounted boom for Clarkson Construction. That wasn’t just showing off – it was proof that when contractors had problems nobody else could solve, CTOS would figure it out. By 2002, the firm was the largest boom truck provider in America, a feat managed during a truck-market recession that was crushing other manufacturers.
In 2003, Fred Ross bought out his business partners and made Custom Truck and Equipment a purely family-owned operation. Most business advisors likely called this a financial mistake during a recession. Instead, it freed up Ross to make the kind of long-term bets that public companies and outside investors usually avoid.
The payoff came in 2004 with what might have been Fred Ross’s greatest contribution to the industry. Working closely with contractor clients, he completely reimagined boom truck design, creating what became the modern boom truck standard. Contractors across the country started deploying these new designs because they worked better on real job sites; not because they looked prettier in trade magazines.
This wasn’t just product development; it was customer development. Ross understood that the best innovations come from listening to the people who actually use your equipment, not from engineering teams working in isolation.
Growing Through Strategic Partnerships and Market Adaptation (2005-2009)
The mid-2000s marked a period of dramatic expansion and strategic positioning for CTOS. In 2005, the company made a move that would define its physical presence for decades to come: relocating to a 17-acre facility built atop the historic Armco Steel plant in Kansas City. This wasn’t just a change of address; it was a statement about their manufacturing ambitions and their commitment to the Kansas City community.
A partnership with Iowa Mold Tooling (IMT) proved transformative, with CTOS quickly becoming IMT’s top dealer, adding knuckle booms, mechanics bodies, and drywall loaders models to its portfolio. By 2006, the CTOS headquarters grew to 35 acres, and the company achieved certified body builder status with Ford, adding to its existing relationships with industry leaders like Kenworth, Western Star, Volvo, Freightliner, and Peterbilt.
The specialized rental fleet’s launch in 2007 represented another strategic evolution. Equipped with seasoned rental experts and state-of-the-art facilities, CTOS recognized that many customers needed flexible access to specialized equipment without the commitment to purchase. This pivot to rental services proved prescient as economic challenges loomed.
The Great Recession of 2008-2009 tested every aspect of the CTOS business model. While many companies contracted or failed, the firm demonstrated the resilience built into its foundation. The company pivoted focus to customer-centric rental offerings and revived the pre-owned customization services that was core to their business since 1996.
Perhaps most remarkably, during this challenging period, CTOS became a national remarketer for more than 10 banking institutions and began selling over 2,000 used vocational units annually. This diversification not only helped them survive the recession but positioned them for explosive growth when the economy recovered.
Pioneering New Technologies and Markets (2010-2014)
The 2010s began a period of unprecedented innovation and expansion for CTOS. As the economy recovered, the company leveraged its strengthened position to pursue aggressive growth strategies. Its geographic footprint expanded across multiple states, with new locations in Texas, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Ohio, each chosen for strategic market access and customer proximity.
The company’s commitment to innovation reached new heights in 2013, with the invention of the CTrac8000, the industry’s first customizable high-payload, low-ground-pressure track vehicle. Unveiled at the ICUEE (Utility Expo) show in Louisville, Kentucky, this innovation demonstrates Custom Truck’s ability to create entirely new categories of equipment to meet evolving customer needs.
That same year, in partnership with Elliott Equipment, they co-developed the E160, which became the tallest aerial device in North America. This achievement earned recognition in Construction Equipment Magazine‘s Top 100, cementing CTOS’s reputation as an industry innovator. The E160 wasn’t just tall; it incorporated innovative features that set new standards for aerial equipment performance and safety.
The formation of a dedicated rail division in 2014 displayed CTOS’s strategic thinking about market specialization. Instead of trying to broadly tackle the market, management identified the unique needs of railroad equipment clients and created focused expertise to serve them. This approach – deep specialization combined with broad capabilities – became a hallmark of the CTOS strategy.
By 2014, the Kansas City headquarters had expanded to encompass 60 acres, and they had grown to 450 employees across eight locations. But the most significant changes were yet to come.
Strategic Partnerships and Unprecedented Growth (2015-2017)
A partnership with private-equity firm Blackstone Group in 2015 marked a turning point in CTOS’s evolution. Blackstone took a 70% ownership stake, giving CTOS access to capital and expertise that would fuel an unprecedented acquisition and expansion strategy. The acquisition of four equipment outfitters: Utility Fleet Sales (TX), UCO Equipment (AR), TNT Equipment (NJ), and Forestry Equipment of Virginia (VA) expanded their presence across utility, forestry, rail, and oilfield markets while establishing facilities across the United States.
Rebranding to Utility One Source reflected the company’s broader mission and expanded capabilities. But perhaps the most significant acquisition during this period was Load King, the iconic manufacturer of high-quality trailers. This acquisition brought CTOS full vertical integration in trailer manufacturing, adding a 65-year-old company with deep expertise and established customer relationships.
Innovation continued at a rapid pace. The introduction of a 24/7 Customer Information Center (CIC) created the industry’s first proprietary technician-manned, around-the-clock aftermarket customer support center. This wasn’t just customer service; it was a competitive advantage that set new standards for industry support.
The expansion of Load King’s manufacturing portfolio beyond trailers to include roofing conveyors, water trucks, and dump bodies showed how acquisitions could create synergies and new market opportunities. By 2017, the company launched Custom Truck Capital for in-house financing and Custom Truck Auctions for asset disposal, creating a complete ecosystem of equipment services.
Expansion into Canada kicked off global ambitions, while the Kansas City headquarters continued growing, to 120 acres. The Union Grove, Wisconsin, location added a new 50,000 square foot facility, and by 2017, CTOS operated 21 locations with 1,100 employees.
Fred Ross, Founder of Custom Truck & Equipment LLC, 2018
Breaking Boundaries and Building Resilience (2018-2020)
The acquisition of Great Pacific Equipment in 2018 established the firm’s West Coast presence, adding facilities in Fontana and Bakersfield, California. More importantly, CTOS continued expanding its Missouri-based production capacity with two new large-scale, state-of-the-art facilities: one at 110,000 square feet, in Kansas City, and another, 28,000-square-foot shop in Sedalia.
Industry recognition during this period validated CTOS’s innovation efforts. Load King’s 60-Ton Signature Series lowboy trailer and the Voyager series service/mechanics truck bodies both earned Top 100 Awards from Construction Equipment Magazine. Local recognition through Kansas City Business Journal‘s Capstone Award, and a Champions of Business Award showed the company’s importance to the regional economy.
Surpassing $1 billion in annual revenues, a milestone hit in 2019, was a remarkable feat for a company that had started with 12 employees just 23 years earlier. Continued industry recognition and local honors accompanied this achievement, including recognition as the 11th Fastest Growing Business in Kansas City by Ingram’s magazine.
Then came 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting challenges unlike anything the economy had faced. Travel restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages affected every aspect of business. However, CTOS’s vertically integrated supply chain with Load King and its agile digital customer offerings allowed the company to not just survive but thrive, maintaining billion-dollar revenue status despite the global economic disruption.
The introduction of the Load King Stinger 80-160 during this challenging period demonstrated a continued commitment to innovation even in the face of unprecedented obstacles. The company’s ability to maintain growth and innovation during the pandemic showcased the resilience built into the business model over more than two decades.
The Merger That Changed Everything (2021-2022)
A partnership with Platinum Equity and merger with NESCO Specialty Rentals in 2021 represented the most significant transformation in CTOS history. This wasn’t just an acquisition, it was a strategic merger that doubled the rental fleet, added 11 locations and over 300 employees, and expanded aftermarket offerings, including specialty tools and safety gear for utility workers.
The merger created Custom Truck One Source, a name that reflected its comprehensive approach to equipment solutions. The integration of NESCO’s specialized rental expertise with Custom Truck’s manufacturing and customization capabilities created a unique value proposition in the market.
The timing was particularly meaningful, as 2021 marked the company’s 25th anniversary alongside Load King’s 65th anniversary. This celebration of milestones represented not just longevity but the successful integration of acquired companies into a cohesive, growing enterprise.
The continued investment in digital solutions during 2022 displayed commitment to exceeding evolving customer expectations. The launch of digital portals Custom Truck Auctions and Custom Truck Marketplace demonstrated an understanding that modern equipment management requires digital tools and online accessibility.
CTOS’s rail rental offerings, and Canadian presence, expanded through the acquisition of Hi-Rail Leasing and its two facilities, showing how strategic acquisitions could strengthen existing market positions, while opening new opportunities.
Kansas City Headquarters, 2020
Leadership Evolution and Innovation Focus (2023-2025)
Leadership transition in 2023 marked a new chapter in the CTOS story. Fred Ross’s decision to transition from the CEO role into a Founder position, with Ryan McMonagle taking over as CEO, represented a thoughtful succession plan that honored the company’s heritage, while embracing future opportunities.
The focus on electric equipment innovations during this period positioned CTOS at the forefront of industry sustainability trends. Exclusive vocational EV configurations through partnerships with Battle Motors and Peterbilt, combined with the Load King Lightning PTO electric system, demonstrated a commitment to environmental responsibility, while maintaining performance standards.
The Load King Lightning PTO represented a particularly innovative solution, powering hydraulics needed to operate utility equipment while decreasing engine run-time, lowering diesel emissions, and providing real-time analytics for energy savings and equipment performance monitoring.
Continued growth through acquisitions of Fleet Services, LLC, and A&D Maintenance and Repair, added facilities in Wyandanch, New York and Alexandria, Louisiana, while expansion into new markets including Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and Portland, Oregon showed a continued geographic growth strategy.
The renovation of a 220,000-square-foot warehouse on the headquarters campus, adding new capabilities in fabrication, manufacturing, paint and powder coating, as well as parts operations, demonstrated further commitment to operational excellence and capacity expansion.
A new e-commerce platform launched in 2025 made aftermarket parts more accessible to customers, while Load King’s introduction of the Outback series of easement-focused buckets and digger derricks at Utility Expo 2025 showed CTOS’s continued innovation in specialized equipment solutions.
More Than Just Growth: A Story of American Innovation
The transformation of CTOS from a three-bay shop to a billion-dollar enterprise with over 2,600 employees and 40 locations represents more than exceptional business growth. The company’s journey serves as a testament to the power of American entrepreneurship, the importance of continuous innovation, and the value of building strong customer relationships.
The Ross family’s journey illustrates how a clear vision, combined with willingness to adapt and evolve, can create lasting success. From Fred Ross’s early innovations in boom truck design to the company’s current leadership in electric equipment solutions, CTOS has consistently anticipated market needs and developed solutions that drive industry progress.
The company’s resilience through multiple economic challenges – the early 2000s recession, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic – demonstrates the strength that comes from diversified operations, strong customer relationships, and a culture of innovation. Each challenge became an opportunity to strengthen the company’s market position and expand its capabilities.
Perhaps most remarkably, CTOS has maintained its commitment to quality and customer service throughout dramatic growth. The 24/7 Customer Information Center, comprehensive digital platforms, and continued investment in state-of-the-art facilities show that growth hasn’t come at the expense of customer experience.
The company’s evolution from Custom Truck Sales to Custom Truck and Equipment to Custom Truck One Source reflects an expanding mission. The organization is no longer just a custom truck company; it has become a comprehensive equipment solutions provider serving customers across North America with everything from initial equipment design to financing, rental, maintenance, and disposal.
Looking forward, CTOS appears well-positioned for continued growth and innovation. The company’s investments in electric equipment technology, digital customer solutions, and expanded manufacturing capabilities suggest leadership understands the trends shaping the industry’s future. The leadership transition to Ryan McMonagle ensures continuity while bringing fresh perspectives to guide the company’s next chapter.
The story of CTOS is ultimately about the American dream realized through hard work, innovation, and strategic thinking. From eight siblings gathered around a table in Kansas City to a billion-dollar enterprise serving customers across North America, the company’s journey inspires and demonstrates what’s possible when vision meets execution.
As CTOS continues to grow and evolve, the organization carries forward the values and vision that Fred Ross and his siblings established in that three-bay shop nearly 30 years ago. The company’s commitment to solving customer problems through innovation, quality, and service remains unchanged, even as capabilities and reach have expanded exponentially.
The CTOS story represents more than a business success; it stands as a testament to the enduring power of American entrepreneurship and the impact that one family’s vision can have on an entire industry. CTOS has not just grown with its market – the company has helped create and shape it, setting standards for innovation, service, and excellence that benefit customers across the specialized equipment industry.
The next chapter of the company’s story is being written every day, with innovation, new locations, and new customer relationships. If the first 30 years are any indication, the future holds even greater achievements for CTOS and the industries they serve.
The earliest version of tankers was a horse-drawn carriage. Oil barrels were used to transport oil and fuel in bulk by wagons. In the 1880s, wagons became a more popular means of transportation. Wagons were deemed a safer option as well as more efficient. Soon, railroads would pick up this idea and use it for long distances.
Photo credits: ETHW
By the early 1900s, the dominant means of transportation for oil and fuel. The first recorded modern tankers were made in 1905. Angelo American, a subsidiary of standard oil, was the company, headquartered in London; England, to build them. Tankers were created in round or rectangular shapes and transformed into elliptical shapes after the war.
The modern tankers were popular first in urban areas while rural areas used wagons.
Backstory
About 30 years later, standard oil started using motor tanks.
In 1920, Angelo American Oil introduced underground tanks to the UK. In other parts of the country, this development was slower. New Zealand got these tanks in 1927. Tanks ranged in capacity from 5,500 to 11,600 gallons (about half the volume of a one-car garage). These tanks were distinguished by their shape. Typically, the cylindrical tank on the vehicle was built horizontally.
Photo credits: Pinterest
World War II
The war threw the fuel and transportation industries into overdrive. The constant use of tank trucks meant that they wore out and broke easily. During the war, tires were hard to come by. Because of this, once the tires died, the truck was out of commission.
The Motor Carrier Act of 1935, which was signed into law right before the war, called for legislators to regulate trucks, as well as buses, as common carriers. A common carrier in common law countries is a person or a company that transports goods (I.e., fuel) and is responsible for the possible loss of the goods during the time of transport.
During World War II, petroleum trucks were significant in carrying oil to overseas operations. Before the war, about 90 percent of oil was moved by oil tankers. These tankers moved at a slow pace, making them the perfect target for the Germans. Due to the Germans’ targeting oil tankers, prompted the need for petroleum trucks.
Overtime regulations were modified to allow maximum use of tank trucks. Perhaps the most crucial modification was ODT Directive #7: Tank Trucks will be used in petroleum movements of less than 200 miles. This Directive freed aging rail tankers to move oil for longer distances. 2,000-gallon tanks were upgraded to 8,000-gallon-sized tanks. States urged the need to waive size and weight laws.
Without a doubt, the petroleum industry and its advances during this time helped win the war.
Photo credits: Bulk Transporter
Aftermath
After the war, the desire for tank trucks to deliver fuel to gas stations and planes increased. It was discovered that tanks made from aluminum cause material to prevent sparking if a truck was to roll. Also, aluminum weighs less.
Tanks today can carry multiple types of liquid at once such as diesel and other industrial chemicals. Bobtails are typically used to carry less than 5,000 gallons (about twice the volume of a storage unit) of fuel for shorter distances. Arguably, the biggest improvement in the industry is the safety and training drivers must complete. The specialized training that drivers must complete if they are transporting hazardous materials keeps not only the truck driver safety but all on the roads.
At Custom Truck One Source, we have 3,000; 3,200 and 3,400-gallon Propane Bobtail Trucksas well as a wide range of Refined Fuel Tank Trucks. We design, install, test, and certify each unit for optimal performance, drivability, and safety. Our propane units are in high demand, socontact us todayto reserve your units!
In the early 1900s, tipper trucks, or as we know them today — dump trucks, were first invented for farms in western Europe. John Isaac Thornycroft was a British Naval Engineer that created the dust cart. Thornycroft’s dust cart had the idea of a tipper, to empty its own content, which eventually lead to modernized dump trucks.
Thorncroft’s design was simple with a cart attached to the back of carriages. When the dump detached, it tilted backward to release materials inside. He went on to create a modified version in 1896 that added 6 cubic yard tipper body that manually detached from the hitch.
John Isaac Thornycroft
Galion Buggy Co. A U.S. company, Galion Buggy Company based in Galion, Ohio, developed the first motorized dump truck back in the early 1900s. They made a machine similar to Thorncroft’s design, however, Galion’s contained a motor. Soon after, hydraulic beds were introduced by Wood Hoist Company. This revolutionized the automotive industry to this day. In 1910, Galion Buggy Company changed their name to Galion Allsteel Body Company.
During the company’s growth, they built all the bodies offered by Ford on heavy duty AA and BB chassis during the 1930s.
To this day, Galion is the oldest company that manufactures dump trucks within the United States.
Mid-century companies in the industry increased payload, horsepower and other features such as tight turning circles.
World War I & II
Word War I created a significant demand for heavy hauling equipment as the war efforts increased. During the time of the war, automotive manufacturers flourished in their businesses. After the war, automotive companies grew more. Dump Trucks offered no limits on usage. Many variations were made to dumps, such as size. Larger trucks were beneficial to the military.
For World War II, hydraulic trucks were designed with anti-aircraft machine guns. Later, side boards and seats were introduced to transform the truck’s design furthermore. Winches and lift gates were made hydraulic.
Galion Buggy Co. Started offering smaller bodies that were easier to install.
After the War
In 1956, President Eisenhower signed into law the Interstate Highway Act. This legislation built the national highway system. During the construction of this project, dump truck sales kept increasing and soon became the truck that developed the American industry.
R. G. LeTourneau
Modern Day
The first articulated truck was accepted much later, in the 1970s, dating back to Thornycroft’s roots.
R. G. LeTourneau designed the truck. He designed a rear dump wagon that was dumped by taking the trailer axle toward the tractor, causing the front of the dump to tilt upwards. The largest truck LeTourneau designed could carry as much as 50 tons.
Here at Custom Truck One Source, we offer Load King dumps, Roll offs, and Rotary Dump trucks. If you are interested in renting or purchasing a dump truck, please contact us today to speak to a member of our team.
In the early 1900s, cherry pickers, or bucket trucks as we know them today, were based off of Roman applications that allowed the creation of modernized lifts to reach higher up. Jay Eitel invented the cherry picker out of anger after spending long, hot summer days picking cherries. While maneuvering his ladder, Eitel was determined to invent a smarter way to work.
Jay Eitel
A Brief History
It wasn’t until after Eitel founded Telsta Corporation, located in Sunnyvale California, that his invention took off. Bell Telephone Company, founded in July of 1877 in Boston, Massachusetts, started using the cherry picker. Soon, the cherry picker was adapted by the telecommunications industry and widely known.
As you can probably guess, the name cherry picker came from the fact that the trucks were used to pick cherries from cherry trees. These trucks had many advantages – they were safer than climbing a ladder, they did little damage to the tree itself, and the trucks made it easier to move from tree to tree.
As the popularity of the cherry picker began to grow, industries tweaked the truck to their advantage. For example, the utility industry saw this truck with the means of being modified and used to fix utility lines. This opportunity made early lineman work faster as well as safer. Soon enough, the forestry, mining and construction industries picked up on how this truck could benefit them and started using it.
Today
Today, some aspects of the original cherry picker truck are still in use. On newer models, the boom is in a position so that it can be multifunctional throughout different industries. Outriggers are a newer, and more popular, option to add more stability.
Looking Ahead
As fuel prices are on the rise, so is the cost of purchasing a bucket truck. In response, the truck is evolving, again, to be greener. This evolution will not only be kinder to the environment, but also allow the saving of operational costs. This new design will prompt the smaller size of the bucket truck making it more compact.
Here at Custom Truck One Source, we offer a wide range of bucket trucks. If you are interested in purchasing or renting a bucket truck, please contact us today and our team will help you navigate the proper equipment for your next job site.
