Learn 5 High-Tech Ways Your Garbage Truck is Smarter than You ...

Today’s Modern, Efficient Waste Collection Trucks Put on a Show

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Yesterday’s Collection Trucks Have Evolved

Automated hydraulics, a mechanical robot arm and safety systems protecting the driver and the community are the new normal for waste trucks. Whether within city limits or rural countryside, you’ve seen the next generation of vehicles sent out to pick up your waste and recycling. Technological advancements and a need for an efficient collection model drive the industry today. But tech looked different for the first garbage trucks on the street.

At the turn of the century — the twentieth century — Autocar and Mack began building trucks to collect and dispose of household waste. At first, no different than dump trucks, these ‘rubbish trucks’ quickly evolved to possess fold-down sides and chain-guard protection for the truck’s drivetrain. Why the specialized sides? Because many people discarded ashes from their fireplaces, which became an issue when filtering through the cracks of the truck’s wooden bed and littering the streets.

In the s, two leading manufacturers designed and built self-loading, or ‘escalator’ body trucks. These lift trucks resemble the action of today’s roll-off variety, meaning hydraulics were now in use to stay. But the innovations didn’t stop there. The ingenuity of the American spirit couldn’t be stopped.

Introducing the Side-Load 

Labrie Enviroquip Group may not be a household name, but their drop-frame side-loader takes a truck body, cuts the frame rails, and adds bend to it, lowering the frame behind the cab. Then, it brings the structure back to the rear axle to create a space in the side where a hopper sits. That innovation spawned the age of automated industrial handling equipment.

Side-loader garbage truck specifications still meet today's criteria to keep them in production. But how does a side-loader garbage truck work? With the later addition of an automated mechanical arm, the driver uses a joystick to control it, grab a roll-out cart, and toss the waste into a hopper without leaving the cab. And more innovations quickly followed.

New Way Trucks, a company founded in , invented a money-saving compaction system that rolled out in .

The Beautiful Curved-Side Compaction Body

Eliminating extraneous welding, removing unnecessary side braces and reducing labor were New Way Trucks’ hallmarks to the waste and materials handling systems still in use today. In addition to these advantages, the curved side provided better waste compaction ratios. Operated by a single driver, the New Way Trucks refuse collectors brought the industry an efficient and cost-effective solution. You’ve seen these often, as they make excellent mini-packers. They make it down narrow, curving roads where larger collectors can’t. Sometimes a second worker rides along, standing on the back, hopping down, grabbing the waste carts, and emptying them into the hopper for speedier service.

Another major player in rubbish truck design is Freightliner. With their mighty M2 106 with cab-over-engine, a newly designed vehicle in , Freightliner brought a waste collection truck to the market that can handle almost everything. Moreover, it does so with maximum productivity without sacrificing driver safety. 

Putting Safety First 

Drivers in the recycling and waste industry face many complex and unique challenges, not least of which is safety. Ranking in the top ten in injuries and fatalities consistently, refuse drivers suffer the most injuries or death from careless drivers not slowing or stopping to get around an idling, twenty-five-ton, brightly-painted, lights-flashing waste truck. As a result of the inherent dangers of driving the roads for a living, truck drivers have higher fatality rates among civilian occupations.

Site safety is critical for any on-the-job application, and being in a waste collector means riding on-site all day. So, new technology and its deployment are crucial for employee protection. A picture’s worth a thousand words, so today’s garbage trucks deploy cameras inside and outside the cab to assist the driver with angles too tricky to see from the captain’s chair. With a 360-degree view, the driver trained to use their whole field of view protects not only themself but also their customers and the company they drive for. 

With all-steel doors and cabs that also sport enhanced visibility and ergonomic controls, Autocar and others take safety as their top priority when designing, building, selling and watching a truck they made roll down the highway. And much like the information available to the National Transportation and Safety Board (N.T.S.B.), many waste collection companies rely on telemetrics that tracks the driver’s patterns and overall driving behavior. The array of information available can be made into video presentations to enhance training for that driver and incoming ones. 

Routing of refuse collectors is also a newer way of maximizing the number of stops a driver can make by taking the most efficient route and minimizing a driver’s exposure to risk. Routing is perhaps a driver's best defense by reducing the number of turns, backing down roads, and driving unnecessary miles.

The Future of Waste Collection is Automation

Proof is a powerful tool. Advanced training or retraining helps a driver over the long haul, even if it feels like they’re being watched by Big Brother all day. Cameras, telemetrics and recorded driver responses help a fleet maintain safety and save the company litigation and money. The vehicle sending real-time information back to Operations, and the recording of analytics can even prevent a driver from being falsely accused in the event of an unavoidable accident.

With technology growing exponentially, engineers can begin dreaming of what’s to come. Tomorrow’s trucks will be able to do much more. Think of a vehicle that automatically adjusts the seat to provide zero gravity when the G-Forces exceed a set point or mirrors that move independently of each other as traffic comes into their view. Let’s look at a few more upcoming innovations:

• Fully Automated Robotic Arms: Already in use in limited areas around the world, the driver doesn’t have to use the controller in the cab. They just line up the cart with the arms on their dash, and the truck tells them with a sound and an image that it’s ready. Then, the arm sensor guides the cart while the mechanical robot arm grabs the cart, lifts it and empties it into the hopper.
• All-Electric Vehicles: Saving the company up to $25,000 per year in maintenance and dropping fuel consumption by two-thirds, all-electric garbage trucks are Next-Gen. And garages with “charging floors” utilize sensors and coils underneath to charge each truck when parked. The trucks are equipped with another “receiving” coil, and the resultant magnetic field creates a connection and charges the truck’s batteries.
• Deployable Robot Collectors: One driver for the truck and two robots with gripping arms and moving dual wheels pick up those waste carts that are set wrong or fell over from the wind or other causes. The robots collect the carts and dump their contents in the hopper. Then they cling magnetically to the truck until deployed again.

Industrial Equipment in the Hands of A.I. — Now and Tomorrow

Skynet isn’t here quite yet, but it’s close and getting nearer by the day. But the promise of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) already comes in many forms: from the chat box you interact with until an agent picks up the conversation to an automatic vacuum cleaner mapping and learning to adjust when new obstacles appear. A.I. is now a fact of life. So, how does it enhance collection trucks and help them do their work more efficiently?

In Europe — and probably soon in the U.S. — many waste carts have R.F.I.D. (Radio Frequency Identification) tags that work similarly to the chips pet owners employ to find them if they get lost. Active R.F.I.D.s send out a signal received by the waste collection company informing it that the cart is full and needs retrieval. Then A.I. chooses the correct truck, loads the routing information, and tells the driver, if required, that the signaling cart needs collecting.

On collection days, the truck, after leaving the garage, arrives at a customer’s residence and maneuvers into position, perfectly aligning the robotic arm with the cart. Then, a sensor scans and determines if the cart is correct, and the arms grab hold and empty it into the hopper. The sensor resets and informs a central cloud that the collection is complete and to create an invoice, if necessary. The truck’s CPU records all analytical information, including fuel consumption and possible alternate routes. Finally, the truck drives back to the garage and parks itself on the charging pad before closing the big door and shutting off the lights. 

Another day, another fifteen hundred pickups. 

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Moving Forward with Tomorrow’s Smart Trucks

We’ve seen five ways modern waste and recycling trucks are already changing the face of the industry. From the first side-loaders to the curved innovation, from modern safety features to the automation revolution and artificial intelligence running the show. Today’s garbage trucks are smarter than the average bear. These innovations aren’t meant to replace humans with robot overlords. They’re here to help disposal and recycling companies work smarter, safer and reduce costs.

With each innovation comes that moment when operators wonder how they lived without it all these years. Refuse collection drivers do a demanding job, a tough one. And the easier we can make their jobs, the better retention, safety and job satisfaction we’ll see. 

Are you a fleet owner looking to upgrade your garbage trucks? Picking the right one can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This guide unveils six top garbage truck manufacturers—McNeilus, Heil, New Way, Amrep, Peterbilt, and Mack—comparing their best models and features. As of , the global garbage truck market is worth $17.56 billion, growing at a 7.6% CAGR through , offering big opportunities for your fleet. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fit for your needs!

What to Look for in a Garbage Truck

Before we explore the manufacturers, here’s what matters most when choosing a garbage truck:

• Budget: How much can you spend? Prices range from $150,000 for basic models to over $400,000 for electric ones.
• Truck Type: Match the truck to your job—rear loaders for city routes, front loaders for heavy loads, side loaders for automation, or roll-offs for flexibility.
• Maintenance: Look for easy upkeep and good support to keep your fleet running smoothly.
• Technology: Advanced features like electric engines or smart systems can save fuel and cut emissions.

Manufacturer Comparisons

Here’s a breakdown of the top six garbage truck manufacturers and their standout models.

McNeilus

McNeilus, part of Oshkosh Corporation, builds trucks that need less maintenance and come with strong support. Justin Bradsher from Ace Environmental says, "Best trucks I've used… service too." That’s high praise from someone with 21 years in the game!

Popular Models:

• Heavy-Duty Rear Loader: Compacts up to 1,000 lbs with a 3 cubic yard hopper—great for heavy trash.
• Split Body: Offers a 40/60 split design for flexible routes, letting you handle two types of waste at once.

Heil

Heil, under Dover Corporation, has over 100 years of experience and leads globally. Their RevAMP electric sideload body saves up to 4,000 gallons of fuel per year per truck, making it a cost-saver for fleets.

Popular Models:

• Powertrak Commercial Plus: A rear loader that squeezes 1,200 lbs per cubic yard and finishes a cycle in just 21 seconds.
• Half Pack with Odyssey Controls: Easy to use with a single joystick and a clear Insight Display for drivers.

New Way

New Way, a family-owned company with 49 years in the business, shines with safe, innovative front-loaders. They use lightweight steel that meets DOT weight rules, keeping your fleet legal and efficient.

Popular Model:

• Mammoth: A front loader with heavy-duty arms, pack-on-the-go tech, and two safety cameras to keep drivers aware.

Amrep

Amrep pioneered Hardox wear plate steel, making their trucks tough and long-lasting. They also offer deals for local governments, which can save you money on parts and repairs.

Popular Model:

• HX450 Automated Side Loader: Features full push-out, hoist-to-dump, and a fast automated arm for quick pickups.

Peterbilt

Peterbilt focuses on tech, offering automated transmissions and smart engines. Their trucks are customizable, so you can tweak them to fit your fleet perfectly.

Popular Model:

• 325 Model: A roll-off with a fuel-efficient PACCAR PX-7 engine and a SmartNav 7-inch touchscreen with voice messaging.

Mack

Mack covers all truck types, including the eco-friendly LR Electric. They’re a solid pick for fleets wanting variety or a greener option.

Popular Model:

• LR Electric: An all-electric truck, ideal for cutting emissions and meeting city green goals.

Electric Garbage Truck Trends

Electric garbage trucks are taking off in . Cities like Los Angeles aim for a 100% electric sanitation fleet by , while New York City targets 2,000 electric vehicles by . Companies like Republic Services are rolling out electric fleets, cutting emissions and fuel costs. For example, Heil’s RevAMP saves 4,000 gallons of fuel yearly, and Mack’s LR Electric keeps things quiet and clean. This trend makes electric models a smart choice for forward-thinking fleet owners.

Additional Considerations

Garbage trucks often use chassis from brands like Mack, Peterbilt, Freightliner, or Autocar, with engines from Cummins or Paccar. This can affect how parts fit together and your overall costs, so plan ahead. Maintenance is a must—fleets using tools like Heavy Vehicle Inspection (HVI) software save up to 25% on annual costs with features like inspection reports, photos, and scheduling. Trusted by over 25,000 clients, HVI keeps your trucks in top shape. Learn more at HVI Website.

Wrapping Up

No single manufacturer is "best"—it depends on your fleet’s needs. Think about your budget, the truck type (rear loaders, front loaders, etc.), and the support you’ll get. The market’s booming, hitting $23.54 billion by , and sustainability is a big deal. This guide equips you to choose wisely. For top-notch fleet management, check out Heavy Vehicle Inspection’s software at HVI Website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Are the Best Garbage Truck Manufacturers for Fleet Owners?

The best garbage truck manufacturers for fleet owners include McNeilus, Heil, New Way, Amrep, Peterbilt, and Mack. McNeilus offers low-maintenance trucks like the Heavy-Duty Rear Loader, while Heil’s RevAMP electric sideload saves up to 4,000 gallons of fuel yearly. New Way’s Mammoth ensures safety, Amrep’s HX450 uses durable steel, Peterbilt’s 325 brings tech, and Mack’s LR Electric goes green. Pick based on your budget and needs—each shines differently.

2. How Much Do Garbage Trucks Cost for Fleets?

Garbage truck prices in range from $150,000 for a basic rear loader to over $400,000 for electric models like Mack’s LR Electric. Add $50,000–$100,000 for chassis (e.g., Peterbilt), and a 10-truck fleet could cost $1.5 million to $5 million. Exact costs vary by customization—contact manufacturers for quotes.

3. What Types of Garbage Trucks Should I Choose for My Fleet?

Choose based on your routes: rear loaders (McNeilus Heavy-Duty) for cities, front loaders (New Way Mammoth) for heavy waste, side loaders (Amrep HX450) for automation, or roll-offs (Peterbilt 325) for flexibility. Electric models like Mack LR Electric suit sustainable fleets. Match the type to your waste needs.

4. How Do I Maintain Garbage Trucks to Keep My Fleet Running?

Check engines, hydraulics, and brakes daily. Heavy Vehicle Inspection (HVI) software helps with reports and scheduling, saving fleets up to 25% on costs in . McNeilus trucks need less upkeep, but all benefit from routine care. Use tech to stay on track.

5. Are Electric Garbage Trucks Worth It for Fleets in ?

Yes, electric garbage trucks pay off in . Heil’s RevAMP saves 4,000 gallons of fuel yearly, and Mack’s LR Electric cuts emissions—vital as Los Angeles targets a 100% electric fleet by . With a $17.56 billion market growing at 7.6% CAGR, they’re a cost-effective, green choice despite higher upfront costs.

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