Side Loader Trucks Market Size - By Technology (Manual, Automatic, Semi-automatic), By Capacity (Up to 10 Tons, 10-20 Tons, Above 20 Tons), By End-user (Waste Management, Construction, Logistics & Transportation), By Fuel & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Side Loader Trucks Market Size

Side Loader Trucks Market size was valued at USD 10.4 billion in 2023 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 5% between 2024 and 2032. The rising urbanization and infrastructure development in cities are expected to boost market growth. As cities continue to expand, there is a need to develop additional housing, business spaces, and public infrastructure such as roads and bridges. This leads to an increase in demand for building materials such as concrete, steel, and timber.
 

Side loader trucks are excellent at effectively loading and unloading these materials on construction sites. Their side-loading system enables for faster turnaround times than traditional techniques such as cranes or forklifts, resulting in shorter project schedules. As cities develop, so does the amount of trash produced. Side loader trucks, with their side-loading capacity, can easily gather garbage from curbsides without requiring a lot of space to back up. This is critical for sustaining clean and hygienic conditions in metropolitan settings.
 

For instance, in December 2023, the World Bank published findings on private investment in infrastructure development, revealing that USD 36.4 billion was invested across 44 countries in various infrastructure endeavors by mid-2023. The number of projects increased from 121 to 161 during this period, indicating a wider spectrum of infrastructure initiatives worldwide and illustrating sector diversification. This underscores the expansion within this domain, consequently propelling the side loader trucks market growth.
 

The increasing focus on safety and worker well-being is fueling the adoption of side loader trucks. Loading and unloading heavy building materials, freight, or trash cans by hand is a common source of worker accidents such as muscular strains, back discomfort, and fractured bones. Side loader trucks automate heavy lifting, greatly lowering the danger of such injuries. This results in fewer workers' compensation claims and decreased healthcare expenditures for businesses.
 

Sider loaders improve overall productivity by allowing workers to focus on other activities rather than difficult manual labor. Less physical exertion minimizes exhaustion, resulting in better attention and fewer errors. Side loader trucks can load and unload materials or cargo far more quickly than manual techniques. This results in speedier project completion times and perhaps cheaper labor expenses.
 

The high initial cost of side loader trucks poses a major challenge to the market, potentially slowing down its growth. Side loaders cost far more than standard rear-loader or front-loader garbage trucks. This may be a big challenge, particularly for cost-conscious businesses or governments with limited financial resources. Municipal trash management agencies sometimes work on a restricted budget.
 

Even while sider loaders offer potential long-term benefits through decreased labor expenses and accident claims, their high initial cost may make them less appealing than the cheaper upfront investment of regular trucks. Smaller construction, logistics, and waste management organizations may not have the financial resources to invest in a single, high-priced side loader vehicle. This restricts their capacity to take advantage of the safety and efficiency benefits offered by these vehicles.
 

Side Loader Trucks Market Trends

Side loader trucks are witnessing significant technological advancements. Advanced features such as automated loading arms, route planning software, and remote-control systems have the potential to dramatically enhance loading and unloading efficiency. This results in shorter turnaround times, lower labor costs, and the capacity to handle higher amounts of material. Advances in steering technology and video systems can improve side loader agility, particularly in small locations.
 

Furthermore, precise control systems enable smoother and more accurate loading and unloading, reducing damage to products or bins. Collision avoidance technologies, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic cutoff mechanisms can all help lower the risk of accidents and injury for operators. This fosters a safer working environment and enhances employee well-being.
 

For instance, in February 2024, the Department of Sanitation in New York City unveiled an innovative automated side-loading garbage truck as part of a comprehensive strategy to modernize waste management in the city.        This new garbage truck, blending American and European design elements, features a mechanized side loader operated via a joystick, representing a significant advancement in waste collection technology. The truck is designed to handle voluminous bins efficiently, streamlining waste collection processes and enhancing worker safety by reducing manual handling of heavy loads.
 

Side Loader Trucks Market Analysis

Based on fuel, the market is divided into diesel, gasoline, and electric. The electric segment accounted for a market revenue of around USD 2.2 billion in 2023. Governments throughout the world are enacting stronger rules to reduce pollution, particularly in cities. Electric vehicles have zero emissions, making them more appealing for garbage collection and building projects in ecologically concerned towns.
 

Many countries provide subsidies or tax advantages to encourage the use of electric trucks. This can help mitigate the greater initial cost of electric sider loaders. Battery technology is continually improving, allowing electric vehicles to go further and charge more quickly. Electric side loader trucks operate more cleanly and quietly, which aligns with these objectives and may improve brand image.
 

Based on end-users, the side loader trucks market is categorized into waste management, construction, logistics & transportation, and others. The waste management segment is expected to hold around 35% of the market share by 2032. Side loaders thrive in small streets and compact places, which are prevalent in metropolitan areas with heavy garbage collection needs. Their side-loading method enables effective collection on congested highways without impeding traffic flow, as opposed to rear-loader trucks, which require more space to maneuver.
 

The efficient side-loading system enables garbage collection teams to travel swiftly from bin to bin, considerably lowering collection times when compared to typical rear-loader trucks. Side loaders are better capable of handling bulky garbage items such as furniture or yard clippings than rear-loader vehicles with limited bin capacity. This adaptability is critical for waste management organizations working with a wide range of waste streams.
 

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the global side loader trucks market, with a major share of around 40% in 2023. The continuing urbanization boom in China, India, and Southeast Asia is driving the demand for efficient garbage collection and construction equipment. Side loader trucks are a suitable alternative for these industries in densely populated metropolitan areas. In addition, the region's e-commerce development is propelling the need for efficient logistics solutions. Side loader trucks may speed up loading and unloading procedures in warehouses and distribution centers, simplifying the entire logistics chain.
 

The U.S. has an aging garbage collection system, and many cities are undergoing a population increase. Side loader trucks, with their flexibility to move in confined places, can provide an effective garbage-collecting option in these regions. Furthermore, the U.S. has strict rules and a rising emphasis on workplace safety. Side loaders may greatly minimize the danger of injury involved with manual bin loading, which makes them desirable to waste management organizations. In addition, U.S. firms are at the forefront of technical advancement. This might result in the creation of more efficient, cleaner, and user-friendly side loader vehicles, accelerating their adoption.
 

European countries including France, Germany, UK, and the Netherlands are witnessing significant growth in the side loader trucks market. Europe's waste management business is well-established and regulated, with an increasing emphasis on efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. Side loader trucks meet these requirements, making them an appealing alternative for garbage collecting firms. Along with this, European rules on emissions and noise pollution are tightening.
 

Side loader manufacturers are working on cleaner and quieter engine technology, making these vehicles a more ecologically friendly choice for European cities. Countries in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are witnessing rapid urbanization, leading to a growing demand for efficient waste collection and construction equipment. Side loader trucks can play a significant role in both sectors.
 

Side Loader Trucks Market Share

Man Trucks (AB Volvo) and XCMG dominate the side loader trucks industry. Man Trucks prioritizes ongoing product innovation to create side loader trucks equipped with cutting-edge features, technologies, and safety systems, including hydraulic lifting mechanisms, telescopic booms, ergonomic cabins, and digital control interfaces. This focus ensures alignment with changing customer demands and regulatory requirements within the industry.
 

XCMG remains at the forefront of the side loader truck industry by prioritizing research and development investments, partnerships with technology experts, and the incorporation of cutting-edge features like advanced hydraulic systems, electronic controls, and telematics solutions into their side loader truck offerings. This approach ensures their continued technological leadership in the industry.
 

Side Loader Trucks Market Companies

Major companies operating in the side loader trucks industry are:

• Autocar, LLC
• Bridgeport Manufacturing
• Dennis Eagle Inc.
• Dongfeng Motor Corporation Ltd.
• FAUN Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KG
• FULONGMA GROUP Co., Ltd.
• Kirchhoff Group
• Labrie Group
• Mack Trucks (AB Volvo)
• XCMG
   

Side Loader Trucks Industry News

• In May 2023, Sacramento County made significant strides in sustainability by transitioning to fully electric automated side loaders for their garbage trucks. This initiative, supported by a USD 2 million grant, aims to enhance environmental friendliness and efficiency in waste management operations. The city of Sacramento, California, is also embracing electric-powered refuse trucks, further emphasizing the shift towards eco-friendly practices in waste collection.
   
• In March 2023, the first Hammar 110 side loader model was delivered to the United States, featuring a lifting capacity of 36 tonnes (79,300 lbs), a telescopic 20'-48' capacity chassis, and Hammar's MegaReach 2.0 crane extensions. This high-end side loader marks a significant advancement in container handling technology and was supplied to Seattle Container Transportation, Inc., making its debut in the U.S. market.
   

The side loader trucks market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and shipment (Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Technology

• Manual
• Automatic
• Semi-automatic

Market, By Fuel

• Diesel
• Gasoline
• Electric

Market, By Capacity

• Up to 10 Tons
• 10-20 Tons
• Above 20 Tons

Market, By End-user

• Waste management
• Construction
• Logistics & transportation
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of MEA