Looking to add a garbage truck to your fleet of vehicles? Use the following buying guide to help narrow your search to a more manageable number of options. 

When you're ready to explore garbage trucks for sale, check out the selection at Empire Truck Sales. We have dealerships across Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama.

Choose a Category of Garbage Truck

Garbage trucks can be broken down into various categories, including front loaders, rear loaders, side loaders, roll-offs, and recycling vehicles. Different categories suit different needs.

For example:

  • Side loaders can accommodate a large amount of trash and are often built with user-friendly features.
  • Rear loaders have a lower trash capacity, but they are smaller and easier to handle.
  • Roll-off trucks have bins that can be removed and stored at a given location for a period of time.

The right category for your business depends largely on the type of garbage you will be hauling.

For example, commercial waste removal often utilizes front-loading trucks. It's partly due to the waste capacity of these garbage trucks. It's also due to how bins are positioned around commercial properties, which pairs well with a front-loading vehicle.

Residential neighborhood waste removal, on the other hand, often relies on side loaders. These vehicles work well with bins located on the side of alleys.

Look Up Department of Transportation Requirements

Garbage trucks need to meet federal Department of Transportation standards. There also may be specific state Department of Transportation standards to meet as well. These can differ across states, so be sure you fully understand the standards that apply to you.

Consider the Lead Time

It could take a few months to get a new garbage truck. It depends on various factors, such as the specific manufacturer.

If you need a garbage truck much sooner, consider getting a used model from a dealership instead.

Choose a Qualified Seller

It's wise to buy a garbage truck from a dealership that knows garbage trucks well. They will be well-suited to assist you in the shopping process. They can make personalized recommendations and save you hours of research on your own.

If you are considering a used garbage truck, it's especially important to choose a qualified seller. An experienced dealership will be able to conduct a thorough inspection of the used vehicle and catch any issues. This reduces the chances of any hidden surprises after buying a used garbage truck.

Ready to shop for garbage trucks for sale? The expert staff at Empire Truck Sales is here to help. We can answer questions, provide tailored advice, and make the shopping process easier. Reach out or stop by one of our dealerships. We proudly serve those throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama.