Author Archives: Custom Truck One Source
The Ultimate Checklist for Buying Used Heavy Equipment

Buying Used Heavy Equipment Ultimate Checklist

Buying used heavy equipment is a great way to expand your fleet or replace older machines. The key is knowing exactly what to inspect in the equipment before you commit. After all, you’ll need a quality piece of equipment to avoid downtime and repairs. Follow our equipment inspection checklist to make more confident purchases.

What to Do Before You Inspect the Machine

The physical inspection is only half the battle when buying used heavy equipment. Before you ever lay eyes on the machine, follow these steps to position yourself for success:

  • Define your specs and job requirements: Think like a fleet manager by defining the job the machine needs to accomplish. Know your required specifications, like lift capacity, engine power, GVWR and application-specific features, before you start shopping. This prevents you from overbuying capabilities you won’t use or underbuying power you’ll desperately need. Whether you’re considering specialized vocational trucks or tracked equipment, knowing your requirements helps you focus the search and negotiate from a position of knowledge.
  • Know how to vet the seller: You can source your used equipment from different places, whether it’s a dealer, auction or private seller. The most important thing across all three sources is the seller’s ability to provide transparent, verifiable information about a machine’s history and condition. A reputable dealer who services what they sell offers a significant advantage — they can back up claims with maintenance records performed by their own technicians.
  • Set a realistic budget beyond the sticker price: The total cost of ownership extends well beyond the purchase price. Budget for immediate costs like transport, taxes and insurance, as well as potential near-term expenses for tires, fluids or other wear parts. Always have a contingency fund for initial repairs or maintenance. When evaluating equipment like excavators, dozers and wheel loaders, factor in the operating costs specific to each machine type.

Heavy Equipment Prepurchase Inspection Checklist

Follow this used heavy equipment checklist to protect your investment and choose a top-quality machine:

1. Inspect the Frame and Structure for Cracks and Wear

Start with a thorough walk-around of the entire machine. Look for signs of structural stress, especially around high-load areas, as well as fresh paint that could be hiding rust or previous repairs. Inspect all welds carefully, especially around booms, cranes and mounting points.

Make sure the equipment doesn’t have any cracks, as these could mean it’s been stressed beyond its design limits. Examine the chassis for any bending or twisting that suggests the equipment has been in an accident or used improperly. Any inspection you perform should meet the federal structural integrity requirements outlined by the FMCSA.

2. Evaluate the Engine, Power Train and Exhaust

The engine can tell you a lot about how the machine was operated. Check for oil leaks around seals, gaskets and the oil pan. Listen closely during a cold start for any strange sounds, such as knocking, which could indicate worn bearings. Remove the oil fill cap while the engine is running and check for excessive blowby, which suggests worn piston rings or cylinder walls.

Note the color of exhaust smoke, as different colors indicate specific engine problems. Blue may mean burning oil, white suggests coolant in the combustion chamber, and black points to fuel system problems. Test the transmission through all gears and note how the machine shifts under load.

3. Test the Hydraulic System for Leaks and Performance

For vocational trucks and heavy equipment, a well-functioning hydraulic system is essential. Check all the hoses for brittleness, cracks, and signs of previous repairs. Look for leaks around hydraulic cylinders, pumps, and fittings.

Operate the equipment under a light load to test for hydraulic drift, where a raised implement slowly lowers on its own. This indicates worn seals or valves. Hydraulic fluid levels and condition show you whether the system is in good shape.

4. Check All Cab Controls and Electrical Systems

Get in the cab and test every single component. Make sure every light works, every gauge responds accurately, and every switch functions as designed. Test the PTO engagement if applicable.

A faulty electrical system can be difficult and expensive to diagnose and repair, so thorough testing now will save you from trouble later on. Check the condition of wiring harnesses for signs of rodent damage or previous amateur repairs.

5. Examine the Undercarriage, Tires or Tracks

For wheeled equipment, check for uneven tire wear patterns, as these usually indicate alignment or suspension issues. Measure tread depth and check for sidewall damage.

For tracked equipment, examine the sprockets, idlers, and the track itself for signs of wear, cracks, and missing components. An undercarriage replacement will be a major expense, so make sure these components are in good condition to help calculate your true acquisition cost.

How to Verify the Equipment’s True History

Documentation is just as important as your physical inspection. Knowing how to buy used heavy equipment means understanding service records, as these will tell you the true story of how equipment was treated during its working life:

  • Review the service history: A quality service history shows consistent, preventive maintenance rather than just reactive repairs. Look for regular fluid changes, scheduled inspections and proactive component replacements. This documentation can prove that the previous owner invested in the machine’s longevity. Equipment maintained by expert technicians will usually come with detailed records, so you can be more confident in the machine’s condition.
  • Know the difference between high hours and hard hours: An hour meter doesn’t tell the full story about a machine’s condition. A truck with high highway miles might be in much better shape than a low-hour unit that spent its entire life in severe-duty applications. Consider engine idle time versus PTO hours. Idle hours significantly impact engine wear, so you’ll need to factor them into the used equipment valuation. A machine with an auxiliary power unit might show high hours but less actual engine stress.
  • Confirm you’re getting a clean title with no liens: Always run a formal lien check on any equipment you’re considering purchasing. This ensures the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership and that you won’t inherit outstanding debts attached to the machine. A clean title protects your investment from future legal complications.

When you partner with a reputable company like Custom Truck One Source, you can rely on our expertise to handle the verification process for you. We know what to look for in service records because we’ve maintained these machines ourselves.

Find a Work-Ready Unit With Custom Truck One Source

When you’re ready to invest in reliable, work-ready equipment, turn to Custom Truck One Source for a solution built on transparency and quality. Much of our inventory comes from our own rental fleet, so you get verifiable service histories maintained by our technicians. Each unit undergoes a rigorous inspection process to meet performance and compliance standards before it reaches your operation.

Browse our inventory to explore used construction equipment for sale, or contact us to discuss specific models and availability for your fleet.

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Inside Modern Waste Fleets: Efficiency Trends for 2026

Refuse fleets operate one of the most demanding duty cycles in commercial trucking: high stop frequency, heavy payloads, hydraulically intensive collection work, and early dispatch windows, all under tight municipal contract margins. This article breaks down three operational levers leading fleets are using in 2026 to reduce costs and improve performance: body configuration and automation, electrification decision-making, and data-driven route optimization. 

Waste collection doesn’t get much attention as a technology story. But the modern refuse truck is one of the most operationally complex vehicles on the road, and the fleets running them are making increasingly sophisticated decisions about equipment, powertrains, and data systems to protect margins and meet service demands. 

Three trends are driving that shift in 2026. 

Body Configuration Sets the Efficiency Ceiling

Before any technology layer can perform, the equipment has to be matched to the route. Automated side loaders (ASLs), rear loaders, and front loaders aren’t interchangeable. Each is built for a specific combination of route density, waste stream, and crew model. 

A well-spec’d ASL can compact municipal solid waste at 800–1,000 lbs per cubic yard and service up to 1,200 homes per day with a single operator, the largest labor cost advantage the format offers over rear loaders, which typically require two to three crew members. But ASLs carry significantly more hydraulic complexity, and teams without strong hydraulic troubleshooting experience take on real downtime risk. Rear loaders remain the most cost-effective option on mixed or irregular routes where consistent cart placement can’t be guaranteed. 

Compaction cycle counts, not odometer readings, are the leading indicator of body wear on high-frequency residential routes. That distinction matters when setting PM schedules. For fleets operating in dense urban or mixed-use areas, noise output is an additional spec consideration; modern hydraulic system design and cab insulation improvements have meaningfully reduced operator noise exposure and community impact compared to older equipment generations. 

Automation is a layer on top of that foundation. Battle Motors’ Fortris AI platform, launched at WasteExpo 2025, processes around 2,000 messages per second from the truck’s scan bus, flagging brake heat stress, unsafe driver behavior, and potential mechanical issues in real time to both the driver and fleet manager simultaneously. The practical payoff isn’t just safety: automated systems generate the component-level data that makes predictive maintenance possible. Without that data layer, PM scheduling stays reactive. AI-driven predictive analytics are now playing a significant role at waste management companies, allowing fleets to foresee potential vehicle issues before they cause downtime rather than reacting after the fact. 

Electrification: Matching Powertrain to Duty Cycle

The stop-and-go pattern that destroys diesel fuel economy is actually favorable for electrification. In a BEV refuse truck, the battery powers both the drivetrain and the hydraulic compactor via an electric PTO, eliminating the need for the engine to idle during collection. Frequent stops become opportunities to recover regenerative braking energy rather than waste fuel. 

The routes best suited for immediate BEV deployment are urban residential ASL routes with depot return, consistent stop density, and daily mileage under 150 miles. The operational constraint that gets underweighted isn’t battery weight. For short-haul routes, BEV payload capacity is nearly equal to diesel equivalents, according to analysis from Lux Research. The real planning variable is the ePTO energy budget: driving and compaction draw from the same battery, which means a high-compaction-intensity route burns energy differently than a lower-density run of equivalent mileage. 

On charging logistics, most electric refuse trucks charge overnight on Level 2 infrastructure, and the 8–12 hour overnight window is sufficient for standard residential routes. The dispatch risk is operational, not technical. Fleets that underestimate depot load management will face trucks not ready at a 4 a.m. departure. Royal Waste Services’ Mack LR Electric, deployed in early 2025, collected over 600 tons of waste in its first two months without a single day of downtime, demonstrating that the operational challenges are manageable in real-world urban conditions. The shift to electric also offers noise-reduction benefits, particularly on early-morning residential routes, where municipal noise ordinances and community complaints are a persistent operational concern for haulers running diesel equipment. 

The economics are moving in a clear direction. Battery electric refuse trucks are projected to reach total cost of ownership parity with diesel as early as 2026, with BEV potentially representing 63% of new refuse truck sales by 2030 if incentive structures hold. For fleets not ready for full BEV deployment, CNG offers meaningful emissions reductions with established refueling infrastructure, while renewable natural gas sourced from landfill methane can serve as a viable transitional configuration as charging infrastructure scales. 

Route Optimization: The Highest-ROI Technology in the Fleet

Refuse trucks average 2.5 MPG with roughly 50% idle time, the worst fuel economy of any commercial vehicle category. Every mile eliminated from a route yields proportionally greater fuel savings than the same reduction would for any other fleet type. According to Waste360, route optimization technology has helped waste and recycling haulers save significant time and money, with real-world implementations delivering measurable mileage reductions across municipal and private fleets. 

Static routing can’t account for real-world variability. AI-enhanced systems build constraints like school zone time windows, bridge height and weight limits, and historical traffic patterns directly into the algorithm, keeping trucks on safe, compliant paths without dispatcher intervention. Dynamic mid-day re-routing adds another layer: if a truck goes down mid-route, the system can redistribute remaining stops across active units in real time rather than waiting for manual dispatcher intervention. 

One of the most underappreciated constraints in refuse routing is the timing of disposal sites. A route that sequences stops in theoretically optimal mileage order but delivers the truck after landfill or transfer station cut-off hours forces a second trip. Sophisticated route optimization works backward from those windows, sequencing stops to arrive with a full load rather than just the shortest path. 

Advances in route optimization software now allow for real-time updates to manage emergencies and adjust routes mid-collection, a flexibility that static scheduling can’t match. The fleets seeing the strongest results are those running purpose-built waste platforms, not generic fleet software adapted from other industries that can’t account for stop-density patterns, container tracking, or hydraulic maintenance intervals. 

Equipment Is the Foundation

Technology trends only deliver results when the underlying equipment can support them. A telematics platform can’t compensate for a compact body mismatched to the route density. BEV dispatch efficiency depends on ePTO and charging compatibility. Route optimization ROI requires trucks that stay on route. 

When replacing or expanding refuse units, fleet managers should evaluate body type relative to route and waste stream, compaction ratio and cycle rating, hydraulic serviceability, telematics readiness, and alternative fuel or electric PTO compatibility. Custom Truck One Source carries new, used, and rental waste and refuse equipment, a practical option for fleets modernizing in stages or evaluating lower-capital entry points to newer configurations. 

 

FAQ

  1. What is the most cost-effective refuse truck body type for residential collection? Automated side loaders (ASLs) are generally the most cost-effective option for high-density residential routes, servicing up to 1,200 homes per day with a single operator. However, rear loaders remain the better fit on mixed or irregular routes where consistent cart placement can’t be guaranteed. The right choice depends on route density, waste stream, and your fleet team’s maintenance capabilities. 
  2. Are electric refuse trucks viable for daily fleet operations? Yes, particularly on urban residential routes with depot return and daily mileage under 150 miles. Real-world deployments have demonstrated strong uptime and consistent collection performance. The key planning variables are ePTO energy budgeting across compaction cycles and overnight charging logistics, not payload weight, which is nearly equivalent to diesel for short-haul applications. 
  3. How does route optimization reduce operating costs for waste fleets? Refuse trucks average 2.5 MPG with roughly 50% idle time, meaning every unnecessary mile costs significantly more than it would for any other fleet type. AI-enhanced route optimization reduces total miles driven by building real-world constraints like school zone windows, bridge restrictions, and historical traffic into the sequencing algorithm. Fleets also benefit from dynamic mid-day re-routing when trucks go down and from sequencing that accounts for disposal site cut-off times, eliminating costly second trips. 
  4. What is predictive maintenance and how does it apply to refuse fleets? Predictive maintenance uses real-time vehicle data from telematics and onboard diagnostic systems to identify component wear patterns before they cause failures. For refuse fleets, this is especially important for hydraulic systems, compaction cycle counts, and lift arm components on ASLs, all of which degrade faster than odometer readings suggest. Automated platforms flag these issues weeks before a breakdown, turning potential roadside emergencies into scheduled shop visits. 
  5. What should fleet managers evaluate when spec’ing or replacing refuse equipment? The most important variables are body type relative to the route profile and waste stream, compaction ratio and cycle rating, hydraulic system serviceability, telematics readiness for OEM or third-party integration, and alternative-fuel or electric PTO compatibility. Mismatching body type to route is one of the most common and costly spec errors in refuse fleet procurement. 
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Truck Fleet Management: The ‘One Source’ Advantage for Growing Construction Fleets

For growing construction fleets, juggling separate vendors for equipment, rentals, parts, service, and financing quietly drains time and money. This post explains how consolidating everything under a single-source partner reduces friction, lowers the total cost of ownership, and scales as you grow. 

Growing a construction business means adding equipment. But it usually means adding something less visible, too: vendors. A dealer for new trucks. A separate shop for rentals. A parts supplier here, a service center there, a lender who doesn’t really understand the machines they’re financing. Each one comes with its own invoice, its own phone number, and its own turnaround time. 

For a small fleet, that’s manageable. For a growing one, it becomes a tax on growth, paid in hours, downtime, and missed coordination. The more crews and job sites you run, the more that fragmentation costs you. Consolidating equipment, rentals, parts, service, and financing under a single provider isn’t just tidier. It’s a scaling strategy. 

The Hidden Cost of a Fragmented Fleet

When your fleet is spread across multiple vendors, the friction shows everywhere. A breakdown means tracking down the right shop and waiting for your turn. A parts order means a new account and a new lead time. Financing gets arranged separately from the equipment it’s paying for, often by someone who’s never seen the machine. When something goes wrong, there’s no single point of accountability, just a chain of suppliers pointing at each other. 

None of these problems is fatal on its own. The issue is that they compound. Every new truck, crew, and job site multiplies the coordination, and the time your team spends managing vendors is time it isn’t spending on the work. 

One Partner Across the Full Lifecycle

A single-source provider replaces that web of relationships with one connected system. Custom Truck One Source was built around exactly this idea, offering sales, rentals, parts, service, customization, and financing through one integrated network rather than a stack of separate transactions. 

The scale behind it is what makes it work for a growing fleet: more than 1,800 trucks in stock, over 10,000 rental units, 36,000-plus parts available online, and 40-plus locations across North America. Because it all sits under one roof, the pieces talk to each other. The same partner that sold you the truck can rent you a backup, ship the part overnight, service the unit, and structure the financing. 

Where the Time and Cost Savings Come From

The practical payoff is fewer moving parts in your day. 

On the time side, you work with one account team instead of five vendor relationships. When a unit goes down, a deep rental fleet can keep the job moving while repairs happen. And when you need service, a 24/7 call-in center connects you to equipment experts immediately, backed by 575-plus service bays and a 755-strong team of production and service specialists. No hunting for an open shop. No waiting in someone else’s queue. 

On the cost side, the advantage is owning the whole lifecycle, not just the purchase. Custom Truck Capital structures financing around the actual equipment, with flexible plans, up to 100% financing, and leasing options designed to protect cash flow rather than strain it. Beyond the buy, remanufacturing extends the life of aging assets, and an in-house auction channel helps recover value on units you’re ready to retire. One partner can optimize the total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. 

Built to Scale

Here’s the part that matters most for a growing contractor: this model improves as you grow. Adding crews, job sizes, and geography typically increases vendor complexity. With a single-source partner, it doesn’t. The same account team and the same network simply scale with you, more capacity, and not more relationships to manage. 

That’s the real “one source” advantage. It’s not about doing business in one place for convenience. It’s about removing the friction that quietly slows a fleet down, so growth costs you less and moves faster. 

Growing your fleet? Contact us about building a sales, rental, service, and financing setup that scales with you. 

 

FAQ

  1. What is single-source fleet management? It’s an approach in which one provider handles equipment sales, rentals, parts, service, and financing, rather than having those needs split across separate vendors. The goal is fewer relationships to manage, faster coordination, and a single point of accountability. 
  2. What does Custom Truck One Source offer construction contractors? New and pre-owned equipment sales, a 10,300-plus-unit rental fleet, 36,000-plus parts online, 24/7 service, customization and remanufacturing, and in-house financing, all through one integrated network of 40-plus locations. 
  3. Can I finance equipment, rentals, parts, and service through one provider? Yes. Custom Truck Capital offers financing and leasing for equipment as well as rentals, parts, and service, with flexible plans and up to 100% financing structured around your budget. 
  4. How does consolidating fleet vendors actually save money? By optimizing the full lifecycle—financing matched to the equipment, remanufacturing to extend asset life, and auctions to recover value on retired units—rather than treating each purchase as a one-off transaction. 
  5. Is a single-source model practical for a fleet that’s still growing? It’s arguably most valuable for growing fleets. As you add crews and locations, a single-source partner scales capacity without adding vendor complexity, keeping coordination simple even as the operation grows. 

 

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The Data Center Boom: Trends Shaping the Power Grid and Construction Markets

The Data Center Boom Is Reshaping the Power Grid and the Construction Markets that Support It. Custom Truck One Source is at the Forefront.

An Update on the Data Center Boom (April 2026) 

Since our last post on this topic, published in May 2025, the pace and scale of U.S. data center construction has outrun early projections. Here is what has changed in the last year, what it means for construction and utility teams working in this space, and where Custom Truck One Source is positioned in the industry to participate and support the tremendous growth. 

The Numbers Have Jumped Sharply

U.S. data center construction starts hit an estimated $77.7 billion in 2025, a 190% year-over-year increase, according to ConstructConnect. Monthly spending on starts climbed from around $500 million in mid-2021 to $6.5 billion in December 2025, and 2026 is tracking toward roughly $121 billion in full-year spending. The American Edge Project counts 4,149 active U.S. data centers with another 2,788 announced or under construction, a pipeline expected to generate around 4.7 million temporary construction-related jobs. The Stargate joint venture, involving OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX, has expanded from a $100 billion concept into a $500 billion multi-year infrastructure program targeting 10 GW of total capacity, and Anthropic has separately announced a $50 billion investment to create data centers with fellow AI startup Fluidstack, beginning in Texas and New York. 

For Custom Truck One Source, these numbers are not just headlines. They represent the core of the company’s customer needs and priorities. Transmission and distribution work accounts for approximately 60% of CTOS end market exposure, and T&D capital spending is projected to reach $102 billion in 2025 alone, growing at an 8.4% CAGR through 2029, with transmission-specific spending growing at more than 15% annually. The AI-driven data center buildout is the single biggest accelerant behind that investment cycle, and CTOS is built to capture it. 

The Geographic Map Has Broadened

Northern Virginia and Texas are still the largest hubs, but power constraints in established markets have pushed developers toward new regions. The Rust Belt is back in a major way - Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio collectively saw more than $22 billion of new data center starts in the first quarter of 2026, including Meta’s $10 billion, 1 GW campus in Lebanon, Ind. The Plains and Mountain West are also seeing an unusual surge, with roughly $28 billion in late-stage preconstruction projects across the Montana–Utah–Minnesota–Nebraska corridor. Other notable additions to the map include Vantage’s $15 billion campus in Port Washington, Wisconsin, xAI’s $20 billion site in Southaven, Mississippi, AVAIO’s $6 billion campus in Little Rock, Arkansas, AWS’s $10 billion campus in Richmond County, North Carolina, and Vantage’s $25 billion, 1.4 GW Frontier campus in Shackelford County, Texas.  

This geographic diversification mirrors and reinforces Custom Truck’s own national expansion strategy. The company opened new branches in Portland, Oregon, and Orlando, Florida in 2025 and is actively targeting additional underserved markets, including the Pacific Northwest, Northern California, the New York and New Jersey metro area, and the Carolinas. With 41 branch locations and a fleet of approximately 10,350 units, the company is scaling its footprint to meet demand wherever it emerges, ensuring customers have access to the right equipment in the right place at the right time. 

Power Is Now the Primary Constraint

A year ago, grid capacity was a consideration. Today, it is the single biggest factor determining whether and where new data center projects move forward. U.S. utilities plan to invest roughly $1.4 trillion over the next five years to update the nation’s aging power grid, according to a recent PowerLines report, with most citing data centers as a top driver of capital spending. PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. grid operator, projects it will be a full six gigawatts short of its reliability requirements in 2027, and approximately 70% of the grid is approaching the end of its life cycle, according to Power Magazine’s 2026 industry outlook. In response, more developers are turning to behind-the-meter and on-site generation, including natural gas turbines, geothermal, microgrids, and small modular reactors, to bypass interconnection queues that can stretch for years. 

This is where Custom Truck’s integrated, one-stop-shop model means that utility and construction customers do not have to piece together solutions from multiple vendors. From specialty equipment rentals to new and used equipment sales, aftermarket parts and service, and equipment financing, CTOS delivers end-to-end support across the entire project lifecycle. With an average customer tenure of more than 18 years and a diversified base of more than 8,000 customers, including blue-chip utilities and infrastructure operators, CTOS has the relationships, the reputation, and the resources to be a long-term partner through this unprecedented investment cycle. 

What This Means for the Construction Market

The AGC’s 2026 industry outlook found that a net 57% of responding contractors expected data center construction spending to increase in 2026, the highest percentage by category, with power infrastructure second at a net 34%. Power infrastructure starts were also up 21% year over year in Q1 2026. For fleet planning, that translates to sustained demand on two fronts: the data center builds themselves and the substations, transmission lines, and grid upgrades required to power them. 

Both sides of that work fall squarely within the equipment categories CTOS and Load King support. Boom trucks and cranes for vertical construction, digger derricks and bucket trucks for utility expansion, and dump trucks and trailers for site work are all core to the CTOS fleet. And with rental utilization reaching 83.6% in Q4 2025, the highest level in more than two years, and a Specialty Truck Equipment & Manufacturing (STEM) new vehicle order backlog of $370 million as of March 2026, the data is clear: demand is not slowing down, and CTOS is ready to meet it. 

The secular tailwinds driving this market, AI infrastructure investment, grid hardening, electrification, and renewable energy integration, are not short-term phenomena. They represent a multi-year, multi-trillion-dollar transformation of the American energy infrastructure. Custom Truck One Source is built for exactly this moment, and the work is just getting started. 

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Custom Truck One Source Awarded Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

Custom Truck One Source Awarded Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 27, 2026 — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Custom Truck One Source, Inc. (NYSE: CTOS), a leading provider of specialty equipment to the electric utility, telecom, rail, forestry, waste management and other infrastructure-related end markets, today announced that it has been awarded a cooperative purchasing contract through Sourcewell. The contract was awarded following a transparent, competitive solicitation process. Eligible agencies, including municipal transit authorities and state and local governments, can purchase products directly from Custom Truck through the Sourcewell contract, saving time and administrative work by not having to issue their own solicitation.

“Being selected by Sourcewell is an exciting milestone for our organization and reinforces the trust customers place in Custom Truck. We look forward to expanding our partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies across North America through a streamlined cooperative purchasing process backed by our nationwide capabilities,” said Ryan McMonagle, Chief Executive Officer of Custom Truck.

Sourcewell, a self-funded government organization established in 1978, facilitates a cooperative purchasing program that harnesses the collective purchasing power of more than 50,000 participating agencies. By streamlining procurement through competitively awarded contracts, Sourcewell empowers governments, schools, and nonprofits to access cost-effective and efficient solutions.

For more information, including how to use Custom Truck’s Sourcewell contract, visit customtruck.com/l/sourcewell.

ABOUT CUSTOM TRUCK ONE SOURCE

Custom Truck One Source is one of the largest providers of specialty equipment, parts, tools, accessories and services to the electric utility transmission and distribution, telecommunications and rail markets in North America, with a differentiated “one-stop-shop” business model. The Company offers its specialized equipment to a diverse customer base for the maintenance, repair, upgrade and installation of critical infrastructure assets, including electric lines, telecommunications networks and rail systems. The Company’s coast-to-coast rental fleet of more than 10,350 units includes aerial devices, boom trucks, cranes, digger derricks, pressure drills, stringing gear, hi-rail equipment, repair parts, tools and accessories. For more information, please visit customtruck.com.

INVESTOR CONTACT

Brian Perman

Vice President, Investor Relations

[email protected]

 

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Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI): Why Getting It Right Before Delivery Matters for Heavy Equipment

When your business depends on specialized equipment, especially in utility, construction, and infrastructure environments, there’s no room for surprises once that equipment hits the jobsite. Downtime costs money. Safety risks impact your team. And even small issues can slow down productivity when timelines are tight.

That’s why pre-delivery inspection (PDI) processes aren’t just a final step; they’re a critical part of ensuring equipment performs exactly as expected from day one.

For companies that rely on trucks and heavy equipment, a strong PDI process delivers:

  • Confidence in performance from the moment equipment arrives
  • Reduced downtime and heavy equipment service interruptions
  • Improved operator safety and compliance
  • Faster jobsite readiness and productivity

At Custom Truck One Source, we view the pre-delivery inspection as more than a checklist; it’s a core part of how we deliver on our promise to be a true single-source partner. Here’s an inside look at our process and how we ensure your equipment is delivered exactly how you ordered it.

Inside Custom Truck One Source’s Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Process

Delivering equipment that meets exact customer specifications requires more than assembly. It requires a structured, multi-stage quality assurance process.

Our PDI process is designed to ensure that every unit is:

  • Built correctly
  • Fully functional
  • Compliant with all regulations
  • Aligned with customer-specific requirements

Here are the steps we take to ensure trucks are delivered completely aligned with customer specifications.

1, Verifying Unit Information: Starting with Accuracy

Every successful delivery starts with getting the details right.

Before any inspection begins, we confirm that all critical unit information is accurately captured and tied to the equipment. This includes key identifiers like VIN, work order details, and equipment specifications.

Why this matters:

  • It prevents downstream errors
  • It ensures traceability throughout the process
  • It aligns the build with customer expectations from the start

No equipment moves forward without a complete and verified unit record, ensuring the process starts with correct information.

2. Road Testing: Real-World Performance Validation

Building the unit is just the beginning. We put it to the test before it reaches your team.

Each unit undergoes a structured road-testing process that includes:

  • A pre-trip DOT walkaround inspection
  • A full road test under real-world operating conditions
  • A post-trip inspection and documentation review

During this phase, we verify that all major systems, from braking and steering to acceleration and handling, are functioning properly.

If anything doesn’t meet our standards, it’s corrected and re-verified before moving forward.

Why this matters:

  • We can identify any issues before delivery
  • We can confirm real-world drivability and performance
  • It reduces the risk of early-life equipment failures

3. DOT & Regulatory Compliance: Meeting Industry Standards

Compliance isn’t optional – it’s essential.

We ensure every unit meets all applicable DOT and regulatory requirements, including:

  • Current inspection certifications
  • Proper labeling and decals
  • Required documentation and reporting
  • Equipment-specific compliance (such as aerial or crane inspections when applicable)

Why this matters:

  • You can trust that your fleet is compliant from day one
  • It reduces liability and risk
  • It ensures equipment is ready for immediate deployment

4. Final Pre-Delivery Inspection: The Ultimate Quality Check

The final stage is where everything comes together.

This comprehensive inspection acts as the last quality gate before delivery, covering:

  • Chassis and operational performance
  • Fluid levels, torque checks, and system functionality
  • Customer-specific configurations and add-ons
  • Documentation and operator materials
  • Fit and finish – inside and out

Nothing is overlooked, from ensuring switches function correctly to confirming the unit is clean, damage-free, and fully ready for use.

Only after all checks are complete is the unit marked ready for delivery.

The Bottom Line for Your Business

Our pre-delivery inspection process is designed with one goal in mind: delivering equipment that performs exactly as expected, without delays, surprises, or compromises.

For our customers, that means:

  • Faster time to productivity
  • Greater confidence in equipment performance
  • Reduced service interruptions early in the lifecycle
  • A partner that prioritizes quality and reliability

It’s one more way we support your team, not just with equipment, but with solutions built to perform.

Custom Truck One Source is committed to being your single source partner for equipment –  from purchase, to delivery, and support. Shop our inventory today.

Summary: Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist for Heavy Equipment

  • Verify VIN and documentation
  • Inspect fluid levels and leaks
  • Test brakes, steering, and acceleration
  • Perform DOT walkaround inspection
  • Confirm safety equipment and labeling
  • Validate customer-specific configurations
  • Conduct full road test
  • Complete final inspection and documentation

 

FAQ

What is a pre-delivery inspection (PDI)?
A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) is a comprehensive process that verifies equipment is fully functional, compliant, and aligned with customer specifications before it is delivered.

Why is PDI important for heavy equipment?
PDI ensures heavy equipment is job-ready, reduces the risk of early failures, improves safety, and minimizes downtime once the unit is in operation.

How long does a pre-delivery inspection take?
The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the unit and configuration, but each stage is designed to ensure accuracy, compliance, and performance before delivery.

What happens if an issue is found during inspection?
Any issue identified during the process is corrected and re-tested before the unit can advance to the next stage or be approved for delivery.

Does PDI include customer-specific requirements?
Yes. Every unit is verified against customer-specific configurations, add-ons, and functional requirements to ensure it meets the exact needs of the business.

What industries benefit most from PDI?
Pre-delivery inspections are critical for industries like utility, construction, infrastructure, forestry, and telecommunications – where equipment uptime, safety, and compliance directly impact jobsite performance.

How does this benefit my team?
A strong PDI process means your equipment arrives ready to work, helping your team stay productive, safe, and on schedule from day one.

 

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Custom Truck One Source Ranked #5 Among Kansas City’s Top Manufacturers by Kansas City Business Journal

Custom Truck One Source Ranked #5 Among Kansas City’s Top Manufacturers by Kansas City Business Journal

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April, 3, 2026 – Custom Truck One Source (NYSE: CTOS) has been ranked #5 among Kansas City’s top manufacturers in a list published by the Kansas City Business Journal, highlighting the company’s continued impact across critical infrastructure industries.

The recognition reflects CTOS’s role as a single-source provider of specialized trucks and equipment, supporting customers across utility, telecom, rail, forestry, and other essential markets. Through its vertically integrated model – including sales, rental, customization, service, and asset lifecycle support – CTOS helps customers operate more efficiently and keep projects moving.

Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, CTOS continues to invest in its operations, workforce, and manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and long-term customer success.

ABOUT CUSTOM TRUCK ONE SOURCE

Custom Truck One Source is one of the largest providers of specialty equipment, parts, tools, accessories and services to the electric utility transmission and distribution, telecommunications and rail markets in North America, with a differentiated “one-stop-shop” business model. The Company offers its specialized equipment to a diverse customer base for the maintenance, repair, upgrade and installation of critical infrastructure assets, including electric lines, telecommunications networks and rail systems. The Company’s coast-to-coast rental fleet of more than 10,400 units includes aerial devices, boom trucks, cranes, digger derricks, pressure drills, stringing gear, hi-rail equipment, repair parts, tools and accessories. For more information, please visit customtruck.com.

 

 

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Custom Truck One Source Showcases Latest Load King Innovations at The Work Truck Show 2026

INDIANAPOLIS, In., March 16, 2026 — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Custom Truck One Source, Inc. (NYSE: CTOS), a leading provider of specialized truck and heavy equipment solutions, unveiled its latest Load King Manufacturing innovations last week at The Work Truck Show 2026 in Indianapolis. Drawing strong booth traffic and industry attention, the Company highlighted new offerings designed to meet the evolving needs of field service and utility professionals: the Load King Voyager® AMX+, the Voyager® AMX, and the Load King Outback 28SC-30.

Advancing Service Truck Performance with the Voyager® AMX+

Building on the success of the Voyager® AMX platform introduced in 2025, Custom Truck introduced the Voyager® AMX+ to the event’s audience, marking the industry’s first look at the new 14-foot configuration.

Engineered for strength, efficiency, and real-world jobsite performance, the Voyager® AMX+ delivers a powerful combination of lightweight aluminum construction and enhanced capability. Designed with field service teams in mind, the unit provides the durability and functionality required to support demanding daily operations while improving payload efficiency and mobility.

The Voyager® AMX+ is equipped with a 12,000-lb capacity crane with a 30-foot reach, delivering the lifting power needed for a wide range of service applications. An integrated air and power system further enhances jobsite productivity, allowing crews to operate efficiently without the need for additional equipment.

With a corrosion-resistant aluminum body, advanced storage solutions, integrated lighting, and electronic locking systems, the Voyager® AMX+ represents the next step forward in service truck design by combining rugged performance with smart, operator-focused features.

Custom Truck also displayed the original 11-foot body Voyager® AMX, which continues to gain traction in the market following its debut at Utility Expo 2025, offering a proven, lightweight solution for service fleets seeking reliability and efficiency.

Expanding Access and Capability with the Outback 28SC-30

Also drawing significant attention was the Load King Outback 28SC-30, the newest addition to Load King’s tracked easement equipment line. Designed for off-road and hard-to-reach environments, the Outback series addresses a critical need for equipment that can safely and efficiently operate in tight or sensitive jobsite conditions.

The 28SC-30 model introduces a full lithium battery electric PTO, delivering low-noise operation and reducing environmental impact, an increasingly important factor for utility and infrastructure projects.

Built with accessibility and safety at the forefront, the unit features a compact outrigger footprint and ultra-narrow profile, enabling crews to maneuver through confined spaces such as substations or restricted easements. Its ability to transport and position heavy components in tight areas makes it a valuable solution for utility contractors working in challenging environments.

Driving Innovation Through Integrated Solutions

“The response at The Work Truck Show reinforces our commitment to delivering equipment that solves real challenges for our customers,” said John Bernard, Service Truck Product Manager for Custom Truck. “Through Load King, we’re able to bring innovative, purpose-built solutions to market, all backed by Custom Truck’s full lifecycle support, from acquisition to service and beyond.”

Custom Truck One Source continues to differentiate itself through its integrated “single-source” model, offering equipment sales, rentals, aftermarket parts and service, financing, and asset disposal solutions across a wide range of industries.

ABOUT CUSTOM TRUCK ONE SOURCE

Custom Truck One Source is one of the largest providers of specialty equipment, parts, tools, accessories and services to the electric utility transmission and distribution, telecommunications and rail markets in North America, with a differentiated “one-stop-shop” business model. The Company offers its specialized equipment to a diverse customer base for the maintenance, repair, upgrade and installation of critical infrastructure assets, including electric lines, telecommunications networks and rail systems. The Company’s coast-to-coast rental fleet of more than 10,400 units includes aerial devices, boom trucks, cranes, digger derricks, pressure drills, stringing gear, hi-rail equipment, repair parts, tools and accessories. For more information, please visit customtruck.com.

ABOUT LOAD KING MANUFACTURING

For decades, Load King has been producing first-class heavy equipment. Cutting-edge innovation and engineering excellence make it a market leader. Load King is a vital part of the Custom Truck family of brands, offering standard and custom trailers, vocational equipment, and a full line of boom trucks and truck cranes. For more information, please visit loadkingmfg.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Bristow
Director, Content Marketing
Custom Truck One Source
Email: [email protected]

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Custom Truck One Source’s Role in Keeping Tree Care Crews Confident and Efficient

Tree care is demanding work. Crews operate in tight spaces, at significant heights and around unpredictable natural hazards. They do this all while managing heavy equipment and tight schedules. In this environment, reliable access and controlled operation are essential. 

Custom Truck One Source supports professional tree care operations with purpose-built forestry equipment that supports crews, improves productivity, and performs reliably in challenging conditions. From advanced forestry buckets to efficient chip trucks, we deliver all the equipment your crew needs. 

What Tree Care Crews Need From Equipment

Tree care professionals face unique job-site challenges, such as uneven terrain, roadside work, limited access points, and constant exposure to overhead hazards. Equipment must provide stable, controlled access to elevated work areas while allowing operators to position themselves precisely. 

At Custom Truck One Source, we design forestry equipment to match these realities. Rather than adapting general-purpose trucks, our team builds solutions designed for arborists and line-clearance crews. We understand that reach, stability, visibility, and control directly impact both crew confidence, job performance, and operational consistency. 

Forestry Bucket Highlights: XT Pro 56 vs. XT Pro 70 Rear-Mount

Custom Truck One Source’s XT Pro series forestry buckets deliver designs that meet the demanding needs of professional tree care. We offer two standout options tailored for different applications: 

XT Pro 56: Versatile Reach for Urban and Residential Work

The XT Pro 56 is a highly versatile forestry bucket ideal for residential, municipal, and urban tree care environments. Its short wheelbase allows for navigating tight spaces while still providing ample working height for trimming, pruning and removals. 

Designed for stability and operator confidence, the XT Pro 56 features smooth hydraulic operation and responsive controls. This enables precise positioning around branches and structures. Its class “C” insulation rating is compliant for operation near electrical lines, adding an extra layer of assurance when working in mixed environments. 

XT Pro 70 Rear-Mount: Extended Reach and Stability for Demanding Jobs

For larger-scale tree care operations, the XT Pro 70 Rear-Mount offers expanded reach and enhanced stability. The rear-mount configuration provides superior weight distribution and a larger working envelope, making it well-suited for highway work, right-of-way clearing, and large canopy access. 

The XT Pro 70’s increased height and horizontal reach allow operators to access more work areas with less repositioning of the truck, saving time and reducing exposure to traffic and ground-level hazards. Rear-mount placement also enhances operator visibility and positioning, allowing crews to maintain better spacing from obstacles and roadways. 

Chip Trucks and Debris Management Done Right

Efficient debris management is just as important as controlled aerial access. Custom Truck One Source’s chip trucks streamline cleanup, reduce jobsite congestion, and keep crews moving efficiently throughout the day. 

High-capacity chip bodies allow crews to process and collect large volumes of debris without frequent dumping, minimizing downtime between jobs. Optimized loading heights and clean body designs improve workflow during chipping operations, while durable construction ensures long service life under heavy use. 

By improving debris containment and transport efficiency, chip trucks can reduce disposal costs and keep jobsites cleaner. Cleanliness is a crucial factor in crew productivity and operational flow. 

Equipment Features That Support Tree Care Crews in the Field

Thoughtful design drives every aspect of forestry equipment. These features meet industry standards while meeting real-world jobsite considerations: 

  • Insulated booms: Our Insulated booms support work near energized lines, helping crews operate with greater confidence around electrical infrastructure.  
  • Fall protection systems: Secure anchor points and compatible harness configurations support proper work positioning and adherence to protocol at height. 
  • Ergonomic controls: Proper ergonomics reduce operator fatigue during extended shifts, enabling smoother and more intuitive operation of the equipment.  
  • Improved operator visibility: Visibility, from both the bucket and around the truck,  helps crews maintain situational awareness and make informed decisions on busy or confined jobsites. 

How Our Availability, Service and Support Keep Crews Moving

Reliable equipment only delivers value when it’s available and adequately supported. Custom Truck One Source supports its forestry solutions with nationwide availability, expedited delivery options, and a robust local service network. 

Crews benefit from full-service maintenance support, preventive service programs and readily available parts to minimize downtime. When equipment needs attention, our technicians understand the urgency of getting forestry crews back to work quickly with minimal disruption. 

This commitment to support extends beyond the initial purchase. With flexible financing options, rental programs for seasonal needs and expert guidance from industry specialists, we partner with tree care businesses throughout the entire equipment life cycle. 

Experience Reliability That Improves Productivity With Custom Truck One Source

Investing in purpose-built forestry equipment helps your business meet job requirements. However, it also helps you support your crews and enable long-term business success. Our XT Pro 56, XT Pro 70 Rear-Mount, and chip trucks can improve efficiency and withstand the demanding conditions tree care professionals face every day. 

Support your crew and boost productivity with Custom Truck One Source’s forestry solutions. Contact our specialists to request a consultation or learn more about the XT Pro 56, XT Pro 70 Rear-Mount, and chip trucks. 

 

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FAQ

What type of forestry bucket is best for residential and urban tree care?

The XT Pro 56 is an excellent choice for residential and urban environments. Its short wheelbase allows crews to navigate tight driveways, low-hanging branches, and congested neighborhoods while still providing the working height needed for trimming, pruning, and removals. Its Class C insulation rating also makes it suitable for work in areas near electrical infrastructure.

What is the difference between the XT Pro 56 and the XT Pro 70 Rear-Mount?

The XT Pro 56 is designed for versatility in tighter, urban settings, while the XT Pro 70 Rear-Mount is built for larger-scale operations requiring extended reach and enhanced stability. The rear-mount configuration on the XT Pro 70 improves weight distribution and expands the working envelope, making it well-suited for highway work, right-of-way clearing, and large canopy access.

Why are chip trucks important for professional tree care operations?

Chip trucks play a critical role in jobsite efficiency by allowing crews to collect and transport large volumes of debris without frequent stops for dumping. Reducing downtime between jobs keeps operations moving and helps lower overall disposal costs. A cleaner, more organized jobsite also supports crew productivity and professionalism.

What safety features should I look for in forestry equipment?

Key safety features in purpose-built forestry equipment include insulated booms for work near energized lines, secure fall protection anchor points compatible with harness systems, ergonomic controls that reduce operator fatigue, and enhanced operator visibility from both the bucket and around the truck. These features collectively support safer, more confident operation in demanding conditions.

Does Custom Truck One Source offer financing or rental options for forestry equipment?

Yes. Custom Truck One Source offers flexible financing options as well as rental programs for businesses with seasonal needs. Combined with nationwide availability, expedited delivery, and a robust local service and parts network, we support tree care operations throughout the full equipment life cycle — from initial purchase through ongoing maintenance.

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Powering the Nation with Utility Infrastructure

America’s power and telecommunications networks are undergoing unprecedented growth. From upgrading aging utility infrastructure to expanding service into underserved areas, utilities across the nation face complex challenges that demand specialized equipment and expertise. Custom Truck One Source is at the forefront of this transformation, providing the digger derricks, bucket trucks, and tracked units that make modern utility expansion possible. 

The Foundation: Digger Derricks and Pole Setting Power

Pole installation remains the backbone of utility infrastructure, whether for power lines, telecommunications, or broadband expansion. Load King and Terex digger derricks have become industry standards for this critical work. These machines combine precision with raw power, allowing crews to set poles efficiently and safely in diverse terrain and weather conditions. Load King’s pole-setting capabilities deliver the reliability utilities depend on when establishing new corridors or reinforcing existing networks. Paired with Terex models like the Commander 4047 and Commander 6060, Custom Truck customers gain access to proven platforms that handle the demanding pole work required across utility expansion projects nationwide. 

 

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Height and Reach: Aerial Devices for Modern Utility Work

Beyond pole setting, utility work increasingly demands aerial access for maintenance, inspection, and installation at elevation. Custom Truck’s bucket trucks, including the XT Pro, extend crew capabilities safely and efficiently. These aerial devices aren’t just about reaching height; they’re about reaching it reliably in the conditions utilities face daily. Whether servicing transmission lines, installing distribution equipment, or conducting infrastructure inspections, these platforms provide the stability and precision that modern utility networks require. The ability to position crews at the exact point of work reduces project timelines and improves safety outcomes. 

Going Remote: The Load King Outback Series for Challenging Terrain

When utility expansion moves into backyards, easements, and right-of-way corridors where conventional equipment simply won’t fit, Load King’s Outback Series of easement buckets and digger derricks delivers purpose-built solutions. Engineered specifically for confined-space applications, the Outback line represents over 65 years of Load King expertise applied to the toughest access challenges utilities face. 

The compact Outback 35-48DR is engineered to work where space is severely limited. The 35-48DR delivers next-level capability mounted to Load King’s Max Trax carrier system. Capable of retracting to fit through standard 36-inch gate openings, it reaches 44 feet in bucket height with a 24-foot auger digging radius. Its 46KV insulated boom provides electrical safety, while the 25HP Tier 4 Diesel engine delivers efficient, clean operation. With 440-degree rotation, full radial outriggers, and features like tilt alarms and outrigger interlocks, the 35-48DR tackles utility work in residential backyards and easement applications where larger equipment cannot operate. Radio remote control comes standard, with electronic auger release Custom Truck for added convenience and safety. 

For heavier-duty applications in challenging terrain, the Outback 77-55D features a 94 HP Cat engine and is built on a Morooka 660 VD platform. The 77-inch track stance provides industry-leading stability and safety, enabling crews to work safely in remote areas where conventional equipment would sink or cause damage. This configuration is ideal for utility work in soft ground and demanding terrain, whether expanding into rural broadband corridors, remote power upgrades, or difficult terrain environments. The result is fewer project delays, fewer safety concerns, and more jobs completed on schedule. For many utilities, a single versatile Outback machine eliminates the need for multiple conventional trucks and rental equipment, delivering significant ROI across diverse jobsites. 

Beyond digging and material handling, the Outback Series bucket options, the 35-61B/35-64B, also mounted to Load King’s Max Trax carrier system, features up to 64-foot working height and 40-foot side reach, and the 35-53B with 53-foot reach, deliver precision utility work from confined spaces. Both models feature full 46kV Category C insulated booms, 360° rotation, and retractable track widths that maintain maneuverability in tight spaces while leveraging the Max Trax system’s ground pressure advantages. With wireless radio control, outrigger interlock systems, and bucket capacities ranging from 300 to 500 pounds, these tracked platforms give utilities the working height and reach needed for positioning, hoisting, and detailed work, all without the rental costs and coordination of traditional aerial equipment. 

Coast-to-Coast Support for Growing Networks

Equipment is only as valuable as the service and support behind it. Custom Truck’s nationwide network of locations ensures that utilities can access equipment, maintenance, and expertise wherever their projects take them. Whether a utility is expanding operations in the Northeast, building out infrastructure in the Midwest, or developing new corridors in the West, Custom Truck’s service reach means fewer delays and more reliable project execution. This nationwide availability is critical as utilities coordinate multi-region expansion initiatives that can span months or years. 

Conclusion: Essential Equipment for Essential Networks

America’s power and telecommunications networks are the backbone of modern life. As utility infrastructure expands to meet growing demand and improve service reliability, they depend on specialized equipment designed for their unique challenges. Custom Truck One Source’s comprehensive lineup, from Load King and Terex digger derricks to the innovative Outback Series, directly supports the infrastructure growth powering communities across the nation. By partnering with Custom Truck, utilities gain not just equipment, but a reliable partner committed to their success. 

Ready to expand your utility fleet? Contact our utility specialists to find the right Custom Truck equipment for your project. We have solutions nationwide. 

 

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