VMAC Releases 2026 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report
New industry research reveals measured fleet growth, strong demand for rotary screw air compressors and improved business confidence despite economic uncertainty
VMAC has released its 2026 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report, providing fleet managers, equipment operators, service truck upfitters and business leaders with new data on fleet composition, mobile air compressor preferences, tool usage, emerging technologies and the economic factors shaping the industry.
The annual report draws on responses from professionals across North America, including owners, general managers, operators, mechanics, fleet managers, equipment repair specialists, construction professionals, transportation companies, agricultural businesses, utilities, municipalities and service truck upfitters.
The 2026 findings reflect an industry that remains practical, resilient and focused on measured growth. Although economic conditions have become the leading business concern, 90% of respondents expect conditions to remain stable or improve during the next 12 months, compared to 82% in 2025.
“The industry continues to prioritize uptime and productivity above all else,” said Mike Pettigrew, VMAC Marketing Manager. “Fleet operators are carefully evaluating every piece of equipment on a truck based on reliability, weight, efficiency and long-term operating costs. The 2026 findings show that operators are increasingly choosing integrated rotary screw compressed air systems that help maximize productivity while reducing downtime.”
The report indicates that service vehicles continue to play a central role in mobile operations, with more than 76% of respondents operating service trucks or vans. Key findings from the 2026 report include:
- More than 73% of air compressor users prefer rotary screw technology over reciprocating compressors.
- More than 78% of respondents require less than 100 CFM for their service vehicle applications.
- 35.2% identified the air compressor as the single most important piece of equipment on their service vehicle.
- 45.8% have air compressors installed on every service truck in their fleet.
- Approximately 86% use pneumatic impact wrenches, followed by ratchets, grinders and percussive tools.
Compressed air remains foundational to service vehicle productivity. Respondents continue to rely on air compressors for tire service, equipment repair, construction, transportation, agriculture, utilities and other applications where sustained airflow and dependable tool performance are required.
The 2026 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report is designed to help fleet operators, manufacturers, upfitters and equipment suppliers compare their operations with industry peers and better understand the technologies, purchasing priorities and business pressures influencing the mobile compressed air market.
The complete report is available free through VMAC’s State of the Industry webpage at www.vmacair.com/survey
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