Author Archives: Cassidy White
Custom Truck’s 2025 Tradeshow Lineup

Custom Truck One Source is gearing up for an exciting 2025 filled with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and showcase our unparalleled lineup of trucks, equipment, and services. As we head into the new year, we are thrilled to announce our participation in some of the biggest tradeshows in the industry. These events allow us to engage directly with our customers, demonstrate our cutting-edge equipment, and stay at the forefront of industry trends. Here’s a look at the major events we’re participating in during 2025. 

WWETT Show

Dates: February 18-20, 2025
Location: Indianapolis, IN

The Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show is a must-attend event for those in the wastewater and environmental services industries. Custom Truck One Source will be showcasing our fleet of vacuum trucks and other essential equipment tailored to this sector. Visit us to learn how our innovative solutions can help optimize operations and enhance efficiency. From live demonstrations to one-on-one consultations, our team will be there to answer your questions and provide insights into how our equipment can meet your unique needs. 

WasteExpo

Dates: May 5-8, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, NV

As North America’s largest solid waste and recycling tradeshow, WasteExpo brings together professionals from across the waste management spectrum. Custom Truck One Source is proud to be a part of this premier event, where we’ll be highlighting our refuse trucks and other specialty vehicles designed to tackle the challenges of modern waste management. Stop by our booth to see our latest innovations and discuss how our equipment can help you achieve your sustainability and operational goals. 

The Utility Expo

Dates: September 16-18, 2025
Location: Louisville, KY

The Utility Expo is the ultimate event for utility and construction professionals. Custom Truck One Source is a longtime participant in this tradeshow, and 2025 will be no exception. Our booth will feature an impressive lineup of utility trucks, digger derricks, bucket trucks, and more. Attendees can explore the latest advancements in utility equipment and learn how our products can help enhance safety and productivity in the field. Don’t miss the opportunity to network with our experts and see why Custom Truck is a trusted name in the utility industry. 

International Lineman’s Rodeo

Dates: October 11-12, 2025
Location: Overland Park, KS

The International Lineman’s Rodeo celebrates the skill and dedication of linemen, and Custom Truck One Source is proud to support this incredible event. From showcasing our state-of-the-art utility trucks to cheering on the competitors, this event highlights our commitment to the lineman community. Join us at our booth to learn more about our solutions designed specifically for linemen and to experience the camaraderie and passion that define this industry. 

TCI Expo

Dates: November 6-8, 2025
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

The TCI Expo is the world’s largest tree care industry conference, and Custom Truck One Source is excited to connect with arborists and tree care professionals once again. Our forestry equipment will take center stage as we demonstrate how our equipment can help make tree care operations safer and more efficient. Whether you’re looking for new equipment or expert advice, our team will be on hand to assist. 

Why Tradeshows Matter to Custom Truck One Source

At Custom Truck One Source, we value the opportunity to engage directly with our customers and industry peers. Tradeshows provide a platform to showcase our latest innovations, gather valuable feedback, and strengthen relationships within the industry. By participating in these events, we ensure that we remain aligned with the needs of our customers and at the cutting edge of industry developments. 

We can’t wait to see you at these incredible events in 2025. Stay tuned for updates, booth locations, and exclusive previews of the equipment we’ll be showcasing. Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember! 

 

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SCTE TechExpo 2024: Where Broadband’s Future Takes Shape

For over four decades, SCTE TechExpo has been the cornerstone event for the broadband community, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and influencers to share ideas, inspire growth, and drive innovation. As the largest broadband event in the Americas, TechExpo is more than just a tradeshow—it’s a platform for collaboration, learning, and progress. 

This year’s event, scheduled for September 24-26, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, promises to be a hub of activity, attracting thousands of senior decision-makers, visionaries, and media representatives. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to spark new connections, showcase their latest products and services, and be part of the conversations that shape the future of the connectivity industry. 

Visit us at Booth #531, where we’ll be featuring our Vantel-29-NE with Lightning PTO and Posi+ 700. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the broadband industry’s most significant event of the year. Check out the full show schedule and plan your visit today. 

 

 

POSI+ 700

 

Vantel-29-NE

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Restoring Power and Utilities In Emergency Responses

Every year, seasonal storms like tornadoes destroy parts of the United States. While paramedics and first responders attend to the wounded, utility companies restore power and utilities in an emergency response.

Utility companies must restore power quickly after a storm. Loss of power affects the water supply and sanitation services for the affected area’s residents, and hospitals require electricity to treat the injured. 

Understanding the great lengths utility companies take to restore power after a disaster is a key to a successful restoration effort. Keep reading to find out how it all works. 

Pre-Disaster Planning

The first step in responding to a disaster is preparing a plan in advance. Planning for severe storms and natural disasters is a big part of public safety. 

Utility companies plan ahead so utility vehicles are stocked and crews don’t devolve into chaos in the event of an emergency. Without a plan, utility crews would not know where to begin the process of restoring electricity. 

Regarding pre-disaster planning, utility companies start by identifying the highest priority areas. 

The first priority is always restoring power to lifesaving services, such as hospitals, emergency centers, and fire stations. Failing to restore utilities to these services would compound the effects of the disaster. 

Implementing the Pre-Disaster Plan

As soon as the possibility of a storm is confirmed, utility companies begin to implement their pre-disaster plan. They continue to monitor the storm closely to determine where and when it is likely to hit hardest. 

This way, the utility crews can try to stay a step ahead of the storm rather than scrambling to catch up with it. 

They use this information to determine the best location to set up a staging area and begin shipping in any necessary materials. 

As the storm grows, the companies pay attention to its severity level. This enables them to estimate how much mutual aid assistance they will need. 

Of course, every storm is different. Still, having a pre-disaster plan enables utility companies to restore power as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Mutual-Aid Approach

Another important thing to know about how utility companies respond to disasters is that they use a mutual-aid approach. 

Before a disaster occurs, it is important that utility companies know how to access the network of restoration workers. This is done through the mutual assistance program. 

Under this program, utility companies across the country ally. In a major power outage or disaster, cooperative utility companies send crews, trucks, equipment, and supplies to aid disaster relief. 

Crews come from all over the United States in the thousands and tens of thousands to help cities recover from natural disasters. This is also true of law enforcement, fire departments, medical teams, and first responders. 

Steps to Restoring Power and Utilities After a Tornado

Now that you understand how pre-planning for emergencies improves the response and restoration efforts of utility companies, let’s talk about how they restore power. In most cases, there are five steps. 

Step 1 

A utility company’s first priority is restoring power to transmission towers and lines, which supply power to transmission substations. 

Transmission tower lines fail very rarely, but when they do, the impact is enormous. A single tower can serve tens of thousands of people. If transmission towers are damaged, utility companies repair them first. 

Step 2 

The next thing utility companies check are the local distribution substations. Each of these substations serves thousands of customers. 

Although the problem could be a failure in the transmission system, correcting the problem at the substation level can restore power to a large area of people very quickly. 

Step 3 

Following the substations, utility companies check the main distribution supply lines. This is key if the crews cannot isolate the problem at the substation. 

Supply lines transmit power from the substation to consumers’ homes, usually a neighborhood or town. 

When power is restored to a supply line, all customers on that line get their electricity back immediately. The only problem is if there is another problem further down the supply line. 

Step 4 

The last supply lines are called tap lines. They carry power to underground transformers and utility poles outside homes and businesses. 

The line crews are responsible for restoring the remaining power outages. They prioritize the tap lines that service the largest number of customers. 

Step 5 

Lastly, damage can sometimes occur on the service line between your home and the transformer on the nearest utility pole. If you don’t have power but you can see the lights on in your neighbor’s house, this is likely the culprit. 

You will need to notify your utility company of this outage so they can come and repair it, as they may be busy repairing more major damages. 

Post-Disaster Assessment

In the aftermath of a disaster, utility companies review the storm’s impact. They try to identify patterns and trends in the storm’s behavior. Then, they use these lessons to better prepare for the next storm. 

Restoring Power and Utilities in Emergency Responses: What to Know

Restoring power and utilities in emergency response to a tornado is a vital effort. It takes significant pre-planning and organizing on the part of utility companies. 

Studying storms, planning ahead, and using mutual assistance programs are key elements in creating effective methods to restore power after a disaster. 

When disaster strikes, you’ll want to be certain your utility company has trucks that are up to the task. Custom Truck One Source is a single-source provider of specialized trucks and heavy equipment serving locations across North America. 

Contact us today or check out the vast selection of equipment on our website. 

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5 Reasons to Pick a Load King Crane for Your Next Forestry Project

Recently, we had the pleasure of spending the day with Triangle Crane, a leader in residential tree services, to see firsthand how our Load King Crossover series is enhancing their operations. This collaboration allowed us to gain valuable insights into the practical applications of our forestry boom trucks and how they contribute to the efficiency and success of businesses like Triangle Crane. Join us as we explore the benefits and real-world impact of our Load King Crossover series in the residential tree industry. 

Roadability / Movability

Load King’s cranes stand out for their exceptional roadability and movability. Thanks to super-single tires, these cranes are incredibly easy to maneuver, even in the tight confines of residential and city environments. Super-single tires offer a unique blend of durability and flexibility, allowing the cranes to navigate narrow streets and confined spaces easily. This enhanced mobility ensures that your team can quickly and efficiently move the crane to where it’s needed most, minimizing downtime and increasing productivity. 

“It’s a big truck; this is not a pick-up truck, so you have to plan for that. Making turns into neighborhoods and whatnot, you can get away with it; you just have to have a good driver,” said Steve Kurtz, Owner/Operator of Triangle Crane.  

Size

When it comes to crane size, Load King doesn’t compromise. With boom heights spanning up to an impressive 160 feet, these cranes provide unparalleled picking power and reach. This is particularly beneficial for residential tree work, where cranes often need to access tall trees or reach over obstacles like houses and fences. The substantial boom height allows operators to tackle the furthest trees on a property with confidence. Whether you’re lifting heavy loads or reaching high branches, Load King’s cranes deliver the performance and versatility required for the job. 

“The size and capacity makes [it] a solid crane. One of our main operators, Glenn, has been using [the crane] for a while, and [Glenn] says it feels really good, really solid – especially when you get into picking the bigger wood from the base logs on trees,” said Kurtz.

Quality of Build

Load King’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their crane design. The X-style outriggers are a prime example, offering superior stability and ease of use. These outriggers provide a wide stance, enhancing the crane’s balance and ensuring it stays firmly in place during operation. The formed boom, another hallmark of Load King’s engineering, boasts a durable design that can withstand the rigors of heavy use. Overall, the sturdiness of Load King’s cranes means they are built to last, providing reliable performance over the long term. 

“This unit [Load King 60-150] is very reliable; it’s the biggest of our three cranes, so it allows us to have a lot more reach and capacity,” said Kurtz.

Stability and Safety

Safety is paramount in crane operations, and Load King excels in this area with features designed to maintain stability during maneuvers. The cranes stay firmly in place while performing lifts, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing operator confidence. This stability is crucial when working in residential areas, where precision and control are essential. Load King’s safety focus ensures that operators and bystanders are protected during crane operations. 

“The Picking Power is the best feature. With this crane, you can stretch it out 135 feet and still make solid picks. The crane does not move. It’s been impressive…This unit sits nicely and planted [so it’s] solid,” said Glenn Arscott, Crane Operator.

Great Service & Support

Load King’s commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the sale of their cranes. With over 75 support locations across North America, we provide extensive service and support to keep your equipment in peak condition. This broad support network means that help is never far away, whether you need routine maintenance or emergency repairs. Customers frequently praise Load King for their responsive and knowledgeable service teams, highlighting the company’s dedication to keeping their cranes operational and their clients satisfied.  

“I know the number one thing when you’re thinking about buying one of these [cranes] is sales and support. We were confident that Custom Truck has the sales team to present the trucks and the support [team] behind it to be able to back [it] up. It doesn’t matter how good your equipment is; you’re always going to have downtime and maintenance,” said Chris Baley, Owner/Operator of Triangle Crane.

Contact Us

Load King’s cranes offer a combination of mobility, impressive size, superior build quality, stability, and excellent service support, making them an ideal choice for residential and city work. Our cranes are designed to meet the unique challenges of these environments, ensuring efficient and safe operations. If you’re looking for a crane that delivers on performance and reliability, consider Load King for your next project. Contact Load King today to learn more about our range of cranes and how we can support your needs. 

 

 

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2024 Tradeshows

Custom Truck One Source has laid out an ambitious tradeshow schedule for the year 2024, highlighting our presence across various key industry events. The year kicks off with the NRC-REMSA event in Scottsdale, AZ, starting January 3rd, where industry professionals can connect and see the latest offerings from Custom Truck One Source. 

Another significant event is the ARA Rental Show in New Orleans, LA, starting on February 19th. This event caters to the rental industry and is a perfect platform for Custom Truck One Source to display its versatile fleet options. 

Notable is the double-header on March 6th, where Custom Truck will showcase both the NTEA (Work Truck Week) and the Green Truck Summit in Indianapolis, IN. These events are essential for those in the utility and construction sectors. 

For those in the forestry sector, ArborFest in Asheville, NC on April 5th, and the Trees & Utilities event on September 10th in Fort Worth, TX provide focused opportunities to explore Custom Truck One Source’s tailored solutions. 

At the beginning of May, Waste Expo will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The expo offers an interactive conference program with themes of technology and innovation, covering topics like recycling, landfill management, fleet management, organics, safety, and food recovery.  

SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2024 is the premier event for professionals in the broadband telecommunications sector. This expo, renowned as the most influential learning and networking event in the Americas, celebrates 40 years of industry leadership and technological transformation. The show takes place on September 23rd in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia World Congress Center. 

TCI Expo, set to take place in Baltimore from November 7-9, is the world’s largest tree care industry trade show and conference. This event is a hub for professionals in the tree care industry to discover the latest in tree care technology, network with peers, and learn from industry leaders. Attendees can look forward to a variety of educational sessions, demonstrations, and exhibits. 

The year wraps up with Custom Truck One Source making its last few tradeshow stops at the Lineman’s Rodeo on October 16th in Overland Park, KS, a fitting end to a year of connecting with customers and showcasing lineman’s specialized vehicles and equipment. 

With a full slate of events, Custom Truck One Source is set to reinforce its position as a leader in providing specialized truck and heavy equipment solutions across industries. Whether you’re in utilities, construction, trucking, or forestry, there’s an event on the 2024 tradeshow schedule where you can meet the team and learn more about our products and services. 

 

 

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2023 Custom Truck Tradeshow Recap & Sneak Peek at Q1 Tradeshows

This year has been phenomenal for Custom Truck One Source. Our active participation in these major trade shows not only enhanced our visibility but also cemented our reputation as innovators and leaders in the industry. The feedback from attendees across all events has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the diversity and quality of our equipment. We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue to lead and innovate in the coming years. 

WWETT Show – Feb. 21-23, 2023, Indianapolis, IN

Attendees: Over 12,000 

Exhibitors: 600+ 

Custom Truck sponsored the Welcome Party with Tornado Global Hydrovac at The Grand Hall @ Downtown Union Station and hosted a Booth Happy Hour featuring Cesar, a skilled cigar roller. 

As a key event for wastewater and environmental service professionals, the WWETT Show was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our latest products and services. Our active participation, especially in the social events, helped in creating a memorable experience for the attendees. 

Waste Expo – May 2-4, 2023, New Orleans, LA

Attendees: Over 13,000 

Exhibitors: 500 

We hosted a booth happy hour and participated in the National Waste & Recycling Association Women’s Council “Carts on Display 2023”. Our Women’s Empowered Group took the lead in decorating a trash cart, symbolizing the growth of the Waste & Recycling Industry. 

This event was a significant platform for us to engage with the industry professionals. Our involvement in the Women’s Council event particularly underscored our commitment to diversity and innovation in the industry. 

CONEXPO – March 14-18, 2023, Las Vegas, NV

Attendees: A staggering 139,000 

Exhibitors: 2,400 

We had a total of 15 Custom Truck units at the show, with 4 in supplier booths and 11 in our main booth. We also hosted a Booth Happy Hour. 

The scale of this event, being the largest tradeshow in North America, provided us with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with new clients. The sales of several units and the initiation of substantial deals, especially in the western construction and refuse markets, marked this event as a significant success for us. 

Utility Expo – September 26-28, 2023, Louisville, KY

Attendees: Over 21,000 

Exhibitors: 900 

Showcased 83 Custom Truck units, with 43 in our main booth including 20 LK units. 

We hosted an Ice Cream Social, a Custom Truck VIP Party attended by 775 guests, featuring live entertainment by Uncle Kracker, cigar rolling, bourbon tasting, and numerous prize giveaways. 

Custom Truck was recognized as one of the Top Exhibitors, as well as solidifying our position as a leading OEM in the utility markets. The diversity of our equipment and the volume showcased were particularly well-received by the attendees. 

TCI Expo – November 16-18, 2023, St. Louis, MO

Attendees: 4,500 

Exhibitors: 250+ 

We introduced our new forestry bucket with ePTO in the Demo Dome, a unique offering in the market. The Forestry ePTO received immense interest, mirroring the success we had at the Utility Expo. As the only OEM with this technology in the market, this expo was a testament to our innovation and leadership in the industry.

Early 2024 Tradeshows

NRC Conference 

  • Dates: January 3-6, 2024 
  • Location: Scottsdale, AZ 
  • Venue: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort 

MTWFA Conference 

  • Dates: January 9-10, 2024 
  • Location: Sturbridge, MA 
  • Venue: Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center 

WWETT Show 

  • Dates: January 25-27, 2024 
  • Location: Indianapolis, IN 
  • Venue: Indiana Convention Center 

IRE – International Roofing Expo 

  • Dates: February 6-8, 2024 
  • Location: Las Vegas, NV 
  • Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center 

The ARA Show 

  • Dates: February 19-21, 2024 
  • Location: New Orleans, LA 
  • Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 

NTEA – Work Truck Week 

  • Dates: March 6-8, 2024 
  • Location: Indianapolis, IN 
  • Venue: Indiana Convention Center 

PCCA Convention 

  • Dates: March 7-12, 2024 
  • Location: Kahuku, HI 
  • Venue: Turtle Bay Resort 

Mid-America Trucking Show 

  • Dates: March 21-23, 2024 
  • Location: Louisville, KY 
  • Venue: Kentucky Expo Center 

BUILD24: AWCI Expo 

  • Dates: March 26-27, 2024 
  • Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL 
  • Venue: Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin 

ArborEXPO 

  • Dates: March 27-28, 2024 
  • Location: Edison, NJ 
  • Venue: New Jersey Convention & Expo Center 
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Join Custom Truck at Utility Expo 2023 – Booth E#1035

Come see Custom Truck One Source at Utility Expo 2023 in Louisville, KY September 26-28. We are exhibiting a full breadth of utility, construction, and waste equipment in our booth (E#1035). 

 

Make sure you stop by and check out the new Lightning PTO, an electric PTO built to supercharge hydraulics. We have paired with Peterbilt and Battle Motors to manufacture an EV220 Versalift VST-52 aerial, a complete electric chassis with the Load King ePTO, and the Battle Motors chassis with the Terex C4047 digger derrick which performs electric operations from start to finish. 

 

Click here to view a full list of units that will be at our booth (E#1035). 

 

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From the Wheels Up: Fuel Tanks

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 Trucks as 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, so contact us today to reserve your units! 

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From the Wheels Up: Dump Trucks

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.

Today, some of the most common types of dump trucks include standard dumps, transfer dumps, side sumps, highway tractors, winter service vehicle dumps, roll offs.  

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.   

 

Sources:

Construction Equipment

Wikipedia

Galion Godwin

 

 

 

 

 

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From the Wheels Up: Bucket Trucks

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 truck, please contact us today and our team will help you navigate the proper equipment for your next job site.  

 

Sources:

KHL Group

SYMMEN

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