What it carries
- Hand, air and cordless tools, torque wrenches and diagnostic equipment.
- An air compressor and a generator or inverter.
- A crane on heavier builds, for lifting large components.
- Work and warning lights for night and roadside work.
- A standard parts stock: filters, brake parts, air fittings, lights, belts and hoses.
- Fluids, and sometimes fuel or compressed gas cylinders.
Regulatory points
Under 49 CFR 390.5, a commercial motor vehicle includes a vehicle used in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating or actual weight of 10,001 pounds or more, among other cases. If a service truck meets the definition, rules on USDOT registration under 49 CFR 390.201, inspection and maintenance can apply. See GVWR.
Hazardous materials such as fuel, aerosols and gas cylinders may be carried in limited amounts under the materials of trade exception in 49 CFR 173.6. For example, the rule allows up to 30 kg (66 pounds) or 30 L (8 gallons) per packaging for many Packing Group II or III materials, and generally caps the total on one vehicle at 200 kg (440 pounds), with conditions on packaging and marking.
Common builds
Builds range from a pickup with a utility body to a medium-duty chassis with a mechanic's body and a crane. The right choice depends on the jobs, the loads lifted and the payload needed. Weigh the finished, loaded truck before relying on it.
Why stock control matters
A missing part means a second trip and more downtime for the customer. Shops set minimum quantities for common parts, track usage and restock daily. See how to set up a mobile service truck.
MetaFleet supports service truck inventory and dispatch. Get a walkthrough.