The competition for the classiest truck to appear in Pumper gets fiercer all the time. And that’s no different for 2015, which marks a decade of contests to choose the best truck of the year from our monthly Classy Truck feature.

Trucks seem to be getting bigger – with stronger powertrains, vacuum pumps and blowers – and better looking every year. Eye-popping looks might have to do with the evolution of vinyl graphics. With communications playing a key role in business, trucks are outfitted with Bluetooth technology and laptops, tablets and iPads for routing efficiency. Size and sheer pumping prowess might be the result of a maturing of wastewater industry manufacturing and demanding truck owners.

And we can’t overlook a rebounding economy and increased onsite system regulations that are keeping pumping professionals working at a blistering pace. When the phone keeps ringing and customers need long-neglected tanks scoured of all waste, contractors require capable vacuum trucks that won’t break down. Undersized, underpowered and unreliable trucks will not be tolerated when there’s work to be done and it has to be done now.

CAST YOUR BALLOT

So pumpers are on a constant mission to update tired, older rigs or buy new models covered under manufacturer warranties. And when they restore an older truck or buy a new one, pumpers often send us their Classy Truck photos – more of them every year. I take that as a matter of pride in their small businesses.

For the 10th year running, we want your help in choosing the Classy Truck of the Year. Inside this month’s issue and online at www.pumper.com, you’ll find a rundown of the 12 monthly Classy Truck entries for 2015. Read about the trucks and take a look at the photos, then go to www.pumper.com/classy and vote for your favorite truck.

Here are a few trends we saw in the monthly Classy Truck winners this year:

Big and bold

Trucks with tanks in the 4,000- to 5,000-gallon range are not unusual or reserved for rigs that transport wastewater for a lot of commercial customers. Owners tell us they go to bigger tanks for a variety of reasons, but pumping and dumping flexibility is at the top of the list. Larger capacity means emptying more tanks on a daily route before having to swing over to the treatment plant for disposal. That’s especially important if dumping locations are fewer and farther afield, or when popular disposal sites have long waiting lines. Along with the big tanks come the big semi-tractors. We’re seeing more long-haul semi conversions to make these pumping rigs, and these heavy haulers provide plenty of oomph to move wastewater and reliable power to work for years.

Reuse and recycle

This year’s list includes interesting truck conversions, including two roll-off container trucks repurposed for wastewater hauling. The January truck owned by Maznek Septic Service in Bedford, New Hampshire, allows for the 4,100-gallon vac tank to be swapped out for a 20-yard container when needed. The March truck owned by Kensington Septic Service in Canada utilizes a repurposed scissor hoist. The May truck owned by American Septic Service Inc. in Carol Stream, Illinois, started its life as a box truck.

Accessorize for convenience

Pumpers are smartly speccing trucks to serve their individual needs. With rising labor costs, it makes a lot of sense when one truck can do the work of two or more pieces of equipment. For example, the June truck owned by Raider Rooter in Boynton Beach, Florida, adds a General Pump TSF Series toolbox jetter for convenient drainline cleaning. Kensington Septic’s truck carries a rear-mounted backhoe so technicians can offer to make minor repairs on the spot or dig up tank lids quickly. The September truck owned by Kuettel’s Septic Service in Hortonville, Wisconsin, has heated collars, a 36-inch rear hatch and a hoist for convenience.

Steel vs. aluminum

Carbon steel tanks continue to be a cost-effective option for many pumpers. Seven of the 12 Classy Trucks utilize economical mild-steel tanks. At the same time, aluminum has a popular foothold in the market. Five of this year’s trucks carry lightweight aluminum tanks. None of this year’s trucks uses the durable stainless steel tank option.

Show your team colors

More and more it appears contractors want continuity in their fleet colors. They say passing motorists identify them by the color of their trucks. That could be especially true of the metallic brown Kuettel’s truck, a very unusual choice. Professional vehicle painters in the offseason, February Classy Truck owners Jim Garris and Kenton Brubacher of J & K Septic, New Paris, Indiana, chose one of their favorite muscle car colors, Metallic LeMans blue, for their rig. Two trucks – from Raider Rooter and the July entry from Zeiter’s Septics Unlimited Inc. – boldly used a pink accent in their graphics. And Shane Irwin of Irwin Septic Tank Cleaning in Midwest City, Oklahoma, chose a sports team’s color – Oklahoma City Thunder blue – for his latest rig.

SHARE YOUR TRUCK

A beautiful vacuum truck is a source of pride for members of our pumping community, a reflection of the success being enjoyed by readers of this magazine. They symbolize putting food on the table and sending the kids to college for many established small-business owners. They are an indication that young, upstart contractors have arrived.

The volume of truck photos we’ve been receiving lately is an indication of a robust septic service industry. With a backlog of trucks we want to share with you in a timely manner, we’re going to publish 50 percent more Classy Truck photos during 2016. Starting with our WWETT Show issue in February, we’ll publish an additional truck every other month.

We’re greedy. We always want more Classy Truck submissions. So if you’re putting a new rig on the road in the coming year, be sure to send us a few snapshots and a list of your favorite specs from the truck. Send the photos and information to me at editor@pumper.com. Who knows? A photo of your truck may one day splash across the cover of Pumper as our annual winner.