VMAC released the latest edition of its State Of The Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report, a benchmarking tool for businesses that rely on mobile compressed air.

This year's survey, conducted between December 2023 and March 2024, included responses from 271 professionals across various industries, including equipment repair, construction, and agriculture. Participants spent an average of 7 minutes answering 31 questions about the state of the industry.

State of the Air Compressor Industry

The report reveals that the work truck industry remains resilient despite ongoing challenges such as truck chassis delays, global supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates, and labor shortages. Notably, the business environment is expected to be less tumultuous in the coming year.

Key insights from the survey include:

• Respondent Demographics: Owners and operators/mechanics comprised 59% of the respondents, with equipment repair and construction being the most represented industries. This demographic data provides a comprehensive look at the primary users of mobile compressed air systems and their unique needs and challenges.

• Service Vehicles: Most service vehicles are under 10 years old, and while service vans are widely used, their popularity has declined slightly in smaller fleets. This shift indicates a potential change in fleet management strategies and the types of vehicles prioritized for specific tasks.

• Air Compressors: Rotary screw air compressors are preferred by 75% of respondents for their performance, quality, and size. UNDERHOOD air compressors are the most desired system, surpassing gas-driven models. This preference highlights the industry's move towards more efficient and compact solutions that can enhance operational productivity.

• Business Challenges: Supply chain issues have negatively impacted 62% of respondents, with price increases on materials, equipment, and trucks being a major concern. Rising interest rates have increased business expenses for over half of the respondents. These financial pressures push businesses to rethink their procurement strategies and explore cost-saving measures.

• Labor Shortages: Almost half of the respondents report being negatively impacted by labor shortages, struggling to fill job vacancies and retain employees. This challenge is exacerbated by the need for skilled labor, which is critical for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of mobile compressed air systems.

Despite these challenges, 74% of respondents are optimistic, predicting that business conditions will remain the same or improve over the next year. This optimism reflects the industry's adaptability and the proactive steps businesses take to navigate current and future obstacles.