How do I judge a fleet shop’s mobile service truck setup?

Look at the truck as a workshop. What does it carry: air supply, power, hand and specialty tools, lifting aids, fluids, common parts? Check what is well organized and what is missing. Ask the technician what they wish it carried, and how often they return to the shop for a missing part. That says more than any equipment list.

Review condition and records. Ask about the chassis, the body mounts, the tool storage, lighting and signage. Look at service history and who maintains the truck itself. Ask whether the vehicle is owned, financed or leased, and who is named on the insurance. Your lawyer can confirm the title and any liens, and your insurance broker can check the coverage.

Then look at use. How many calls does each truck take in a week, and how far does it travel? Are calls billed for travel time and trip fees? Compare revenue per truck with its running costs, including fuel and the technician’s time. Ask what happens if the technician who knows the truck leaves. A second truck is useful only if there is a second person to run it. Ask to see a week’s log of calls for each truck.

Key takeaways

• Inspect the truck as a workshop and ask the technician what is missing.
• Confirm ownership, insurance and any financing on each vehicle.
• Compare what each truck earns with what it costs to run.