Specialty trucks are regular trucks modified to fit specific uses like emergency vehicles, trailers, food trucks, and construction. Specialty trucks are either rigid or articulated, meaning the cab and rear are connected by an articulated point directly behind the cab. The back can be outfitted with a dump, industry-specific system, water tanks, or just a bed.
Used specialty trucks vary from $5,000 to $200,000, depending on model, age, hours, and maintenance history.
The top specialty truck brands include Ford, Navistar, Caterpillar, and Bell. Hundreds of manufacturers will modify normal work trucks to your specific needs.
Specialty trucks are used in various industries, including construction, home service, government, and industrial. They are common in many industries because the customization options are limitless, like water tanks and air compressors.
Smaller specialty trucks weigh between 5,700-6,700 lbs. Larger specialty trucks from Caterpillar, Bell, and Kenworth can weigh up to 75,000 lbs.
Operators must know how to drive a specialty truck safely. To safely operate a service truck, you must embrace new technology like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, speed limiters, and rear/blindspot cameras. Since service trucks will operate close to civilian vehicles, they must abide by common traffic laws.
Preventative maintenance is important for service trucks as many operators will drive 10,000 + miles/year. Changing fluids, changing batteries, checking tire wear, inspecting the brakes, and checking the oil are a few examples of preventative maintenance that save operators time and money in the future.
When buying a specialty truck, you should first make sure it has the features you're looking for like a hydraulic boom, water system, outriggers, or PTO system. Once you find a specialty truck that fits those needs, look at its maintenance history including the engine, hydraulics, vacuum function, and exhaust.
Newer specialty trucks will have modern safety features like speed limiters, rear/blindspot cameras, and forward-collision warnings. A good rule of thumb is, "If you drive more than 25,000 miles a year and will need a truck for at least five years, buy a new specialty truck instead of used.
Depending on their industry and position, specialty truck operators make anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000/year. Many service truck owner-operators make close to six figures because they own their own business in HVAC and water damage restoration industries.
Specialty trucks are used for various industries, including air duct cleaning, HVAC, and water damage restoration. Check the regulations for specific sectors to find out the qualifications to get started.
