Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in the USA

I remember the first time I had to choose a garbage truck for our small hauling business. I had no idea where to start or what to look for. One dealer tried to sell us a truck that was too heavy for the routes we handled.

After a few bad choices, I learned that the brand you pick matters as much as the job itself.

That’s the reason why I created this review, to help people like you avoid those early mistakes. We looked at what matters most—performance, after-sales support, and how long the trucks last.

Here, you’ll find clear information about seven U.S. manufacturers. Each one builds garbage trucks for different needs—from city collection to heavy-duty hauling.

If you’re here to find a truck that works and lasts, this review will help you move forward.

So, let’s begin!

Quick Comparison Chart

When you’re choosing a garbage truck manufacturer, it helps to see how they stack up side by side. This table compares the top 7 U.S.-based manufacturers based on their strengths and focus areas. If you’re managing a fleet or making your first big purchase, this gives you a clear starting point:

This table helps you weigh your options based on what matters most—whether it’s durability, innovation, service, or product variety. Use it to narrow your choices before reaching out to a dealer or planning your purchase.

1. Heil Environmental Industries

• Address: 2030 Hamilton Place Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
• Phone: (423) 899-4000
• Email: [email protected]

Heil has been around for over 120 years. I first came across their trucks while helping a friend bid on a city waste contract. Their trucks were everywhere. That says something.

Heil is part of Dover Corporation, a big U.S. company that owns different industrial brands. Heil focuses only on waste collection trucks. That focus helps them do it well. They work with cities, private haulers, and large fleets.

Their trucks are built for tough jobs. You’ll often see them collecting trash in busy city streets, back alleys, and even at recycling centers.

Product Focus

• Front Loaders (used for large commercial bins)
• Rear Loaders (used for curbside pickup)
• Side Loaders (used for residential areas)
• Recycling collection trucks

They also offer automated trucks. These can pick up bins without the driver getting out. That helps save time and reduce injuries.

Certifications & Compliance

Heil was the first in its field to get ISO 9001:2000 certified. What is that? It means they follow strong quality rules in how they build things. It helps make sure each truck is made the right way, every time.

They also follow safety and emissions standards set by U.S. agencies.

Competitive Advantage

• Over 50 trusted dealers across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
• Strong customer support and training programs
• Trucks that are easy to maintain
• Real-time fleet tracking through their “RouteReady” program

If your crew needs support, they have people ready to help.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Long history and proven track record
• Lots of product options
• Quality builds that last
• Strong dealer and parts network

Cons

• Higher up-front cost
• Too many options can be confusing at first

2. McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing

• Address: 524 East Highway Street, Dodge Center, MN 55927
• Phone: (507) 374-6321
• Email: [email protected]

When I first started learning about refuse trucks, McNeilus was a name I kept hearing at trade shows. One city fleet manager told me they’ve been using McNeilus trucks for over a decade—with fewer repairs than most. That stuck with me.

McNeilus is part of Oshkosh Corporation. They’ve been building garbage trucks since 1970. Their main focus is on safety, durability, and helping customers keep their trucks running longer. They serve both private haulers and public fleets across the country.

Product Focus

• Front Loaders: For heavy commercial routes
• Rear Loaders: For traditional curbside collection
• Side Loaders: Including automated options
• Electric Refuse Trucks: Their Volterra™ line is zero-emissions

Certifications & Compliance

McNeilus has received U.S. EPA and CARB certifications for its electric refuse trucks.

What does this mean?

The trucks meet air quality and environmental standards in the U.S. and California. These states have some of the toughest rules, so getting approval is a strong sign. They also follow industry safety guidelines and build to meet ANSI standards for waste equipment.

Competitive Advantage

• Factory-direct sales and service support
• Focus on safety and uptime
• One-stop shop for parts, repairs, and maintenance
• Early leader in electric truck development

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great customer support
• Advanced technology in new electric models
• Long-term performance and reliability

Cons

• Higher price for electric options
• Limited product range beyond refuse trucks

3. New Way Trucks

• Address: 101 State Street, Scranton, IA 51462
• Phone: (712) 652-3396
• Email: [email protected]

New Way Trucks has been family-owned for three generations. That matters. You’re not dealing with a faceless corporation. They’ve been around since 1971. Over the years, they’ve grown from a small-town builder to one of the biggest privately held refuse truck makers in the U.S.

They offer a full line of garbage trucks. Their designs are smart, and their trucks are made to be easy to fix. If you’re running a small operation or a large fleet, they have something that fits.

Product Focus

• Front Loaders
• Rear Loaders
• Side Loaders (including automated models)
• Recycling Trucks
• Battery-Electric Models (coming into the lineup)

Certifications & Compliance

Here’s where I first noticed how seriously New Way takes their work. I spoke to a fleet manager in Missouri who told me New Way was one of the few brands that passed their compliance tests on the first try. No retests. No adjustments. Just clean approvals.

New Way follows U.S. safety standards like ANSI Z245.1 for waste collection vehicles. They also meet EPA guidelines and are starting to roll out more electric models that will meet strict emissions rules.

Competitive Advantage

• Full range of trucks to fit small or large haulers
• Strong U.S. manufacturing presence
• Good dealer network and parts availability
• Known for reliable customer service

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Wide product variety
• Strong family-owned support culture
• Good mix of pricing and value

Cons

• Less known globally
• Smaller than some larger players, which can affect lead times

4. Labrie Environmental Group

• U.S. Distributor Address: 26533 Danti Court, Hayward, CA 94545
• Phone: (800) 231-2771
• Email: [email protected]

I once toured a municipal fleet yard in California, and nearly all the trucks were Labrie. The fleet manager told me they stick with Labrie because “the trucks just don’t quit.”

Labrie has been building waste collection vehicles since the early 1970s. They’re based in Canada but have a strong presence across the U.S. through their distributor network.

Product Focus

• Automated Side Loaders
• Manual Side Loaders
• Front Loaders
• Rear Loaders
• Recycling and Organics Collection Vehicles

Certifications & Compliance

Labrie was the first in the waste truck space to get ISO 9001 certification. This tells you they have strong systems for how they build, test, and deliver trucks.

They also follow U.S. safety and emissions regulations for all trucks entering the American markets.

Competitive Advantage

• Three strong brands serving different needs
• Early leader in automation and efficient hydraulics
• Trucks built for tough jobs and easy maintenance

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strong build quality
• Good brand mix to match many use cases
• Dealer support across the U.S.

Cons

• Primary factories are in Canada
• May involve longer delivery times in some U.S. regions

5. Autocar, LLC

• Address: 551 S. Washington Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35228
• Phone: (833) 857-0200
• Email: [email protected]

I used to work alongside a contractor who swore by Autocar trucks. He ran a small fleet, mostly handling heavy waste jobs. “They’re not flashy,” he told me, “but they don’t break when things get real.”

Autocar has been around since 1899. That makes them the oldest truck manufacturer in the U.S. They focus on making vocational trucks, which are trucks built for a specific job. In this case—waste collection.

They build their vehicles from the ground up for hard use. These are not pickup trucks with bodies thrown on top. They’re designed for performance, especially in tough routes, high-demand stops, or cities with tight turns.

Product Focus

• Severe-duty refuse trucks
• Cab-over-engine designs (shorter front end, better visibility)
• Front and rear loaders
• Side loaders for automated and manual collection

They focus on custom builds—each truck is made to match your work, not pulled from a shelf.

Certifications & Compliance

Autocar follows ANSI and DOT safety and construction standards. Their trucks also meet EPA emissions regulations for diesel engines.

Their plant in Alabama uses advanced quality controls to track how each truck is built. Each vehicle also goes through a final quality inspection before delivery.

Competitive Advantage

• Over 120 years of truck-building history
• Focus on job-specific trucks, not one-size-fits-all
• Strong body integration with leading waste equipment makers
• Easy access for maintenance

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Built for heavy-duty jobs
• Simple designs for easier repairs
• U.S.-made with domestic support

Cons

• Not ideal for fleets needing lighter or smaller units
• Custom builds may have longer wait times

6. Amrep

• Address: 1743 S. Garfield Avenue, Commerce, CA 90040
• Phone: (323) 728-0555
• Email: [email protected]

Amrep has been building refuse equipment since 1976. They’re part of the Wastequip group, which gives them access to a larger supply network.

They’re based in California and focus on quality over quantity. Their equipment is known for lasting longer because of how it’s made—and what it’s made from.

Many public fleets choose Amrep when they want less downtime. Their trucks are made with Hardox® steel, which is wear-resistant and stronger than regular steel. That means the body holds up longer, especially in rough hauling jobs.

Product Focus

• Front Loaders
• Automated Side Loaders
• Manual Side Loaders
• Roll-off Hoists
• Transfer trailers

Certifications & Compliance

This was where I learned something interesting. I visited a shop in Arizona where the foreman pointed out the Amrep body on a front loader. He said, “We beat on that truck every week. That Hardox® steel doesn’t crack or warp. It just holds.”

Amrep was one of the first manufacturers in North America to use Hardox® wear plate steel across the full truck body. This gives it added strength and durability.

They also follow U.S. DOT and OSHA standards, as well as ANSI Z245 safety codes for waste collection vehicles.

Competitive Advantage

• Hardox® steel = longer truck life
• Wide selection of body types
• Strong support from parent company Wastequip
• Known for rugged builds that stand up to abuse

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely durable body materials
• Solid performance in rough environments
• U.S.-based production and support

Cons

• Smaller brand recognition than some competitors
• Limited presence outside of waste hauling

7. E-Z Pack Refuse Hauling Solutions, LLC

• Address: 200 Eagles Nest Drive, Cynthiana, KY 41031
• Phone: (859) 234-1100
• Email: [email protected]

Back when I worked with a local waste contractor, their team was always talking about how fast their E-Z Pack trucks were back on the road after service. That’s a big deal when you’re picking up five days a week.

E-Z Pack has been around since 1905. They’ve stayed focused on one thing—refuse truck bodies. Their trucks are simple, strong, and easy to work on.

They’re popular with small and mid-sized fleets who don’t want a truck that’s overly complicated. Mechanics like them, too, because parts are easy to get and repairs don’t take long.

Product Focus

• Front Loaders
• Rear Loaders
• Automated and Manual Side Loaders

Certifications & Compliance

E-Z Pack builds its equipment to meet DOT, EPA, and ANSI Z245 requirements. While they don’t list a specific ISO or CARB certification, their long-term reliability and safety standards align with U.S. rules for public and private fleets.

Competitive Advantage

• Over 100 years of experience in the waste truck industry
• Simplified design makes service faster and cheaper
• Good access to OEM parts and aftermarket support
• Affordable option for fleets that need performance without the frills

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to service and maintain
• Built for real-world durability
• Strong value for the price

Cons

• Fewer advanced features
• Fewer electric or hybrid options

Struggling to Find the Right Garbage Truck Manufacturer in the USA?

I’ve been there—digging through websites, comparing specs, only to end up more confused than when I started. Choosing a garbage truck should be simple, but in the U.S., it often feels like a waiting game with high price tags and a few real options.

That’s when I started looking beyond local sources. And honestly, China turned out to be a smarter place to look than I expected. One company that really stood out was Rhinotrail.

Here’s what made them different for me:

• Fast delivery without endless lead times
• Solid build quality that holds up in rough work environments
• Flexible customization that actually fits your job—not just standard models
• Better pricing, so you’re not burning through your budget
• Reliable for fleets in waste, construction, agriculture, and more

If you’re tired of feeling stuck with limited choices, Rhinotrail is worth a serious look.

Contact us now!

Conclusion

This guide began with confusion—mine. I didn’t know where to find the right garbage truck or who to trust. Now, you don’t have to go through that.

You’ve seen seven reliable U.S. brands, a leading Chinese manufacturer, and a global comparison to help you weigh your options. You know what features to consider, where to look, and how to move forward.

Now it’s your turn to decide: keep searching or take action.

Reach out to us today—we’ll guide you through the process, just like someone once guided me.