This time every year, I enjoy reviewing the Classy Truck winners published in Pumper over the past 12 months. It’s a pleasure to take another look at the service trucks that graced these pages and be reminded of the blood, sweat and tears that go into building each and every one.

I gather photos of the dozen vacuum tank carriers for our annual Classy Truck of the Year contest, which is promoted in these pages. I’m always struck at the attention to detail paid by the owners of these trucks. They create long spec sheets spelling out the features they want on the vehicles that help them earn a living. Some of the trucks are restored to past glory, while others are bought spanking new from a chassis dealer and built out by a tank maker.

These trucks are the most important and most costly tool of the pumping trade. And the owners exhibit a great deal of pride in their rigs. Whether it’s through meticulous matching of the right pump to tank and right power-to-weight ratio, Classy Truck owners prove they’re knowledgeable about the industry. By their choice of paint schemes, bold graphics and heavy use of chrome, they also show that appearance matters in this business.

And as I see from the entries that cross my desk, there’s an intriguing personal story behind just about every Classy Truck. Sometimes the new rig is the culmination of a pumping career — the dream truck its owner has always wanted to build, but now has the means to follow through on.

Sometimes an owner dedicates a new truck to the father or grandfather who got him into the pumping game so many years ago. Sometimes a truck with all the bells and whistles is a statement about the optimism of a young business owner who’s determined to succeed.

One unique story this year came from James Dillard of Dillard’s Septic Service, Annapolis, Md. Dillard chose to rebuild his first-ever vacuum truck, a 20-year-old Chevy C70 from Lely Mfg., which had been destroyed in a rollover crash. (Included here is a “before’’ photo of Dillard’s truck. Turn inside to our Classy Truck of the Year roundup to see what it looks like now).

I commend all of the pumpers who’ve sent in Classy Truck submissions over the past year. Their emphasis on professional appearance helps raise the reputation of the entire industry. If you know any of the pumpers on this year’s contest list, give them a call and congratulate them for their efforts. And if you’re planning to build a new truck this year, consider dropping me a line and sending a photo for consideration in 2009.

And don’t forget to vote for your favorite Classy Truck. After you look over the entries, take a moment to go to www.pumper.com and cast your ballot. Just like the last two years, we’ll drive the 2008 Classy Truck of the Year onto the cover of our February 2009 issue, to be distributed at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in Louisville.