ML Utilities
ML Utilities is a Tennessee-based work truck upfitter serving utility, telecom, construction, railroad, and municipal sectors across the southeastern US, specializing in custom bucket trucks, digger derricks, service bodies, and related equipment sales, rental, parts, and repair services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersCharlotte, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ML Utilities does
ML Utilities (legal entity M-L Utilities, LLC) is a privately held Tennessee-based work truck equipment and upfitting company serving telecommunications, utility/energy, construction, railroad, and municipal government customers across the southeastern United States. The company designs, fabricates, sells, rents, and services specialized vehicles — including bucket trucks (35'–75' working heights via Dur-A-Lift), digger derricks, service bodies, crane bodies (3,000–14,000 lb capacity), dump bodies, lube bodies, flatbed/gooseneck bodies, hi-rail vehicles, and MOW equipment — built on Ford, Ram, and other commercial chassis. Operations are run from three Tennessee facilities (Spring Hill HQ, Chattanooga service, Chattanooga parts/distribution) plus a Mableton, Georgia manufacturing site acquired in 2022, with 100,000+ square feet of production space and a workforce of 101–250 employees that doubled following the April 2022 acquisition of Cherokee Truck Equipment.
ML Utilities firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ML Utilities
- Legal name
- M-L Utilities, LLC
- Website
- https://mlutilities.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- ML Utilities is a Tennessee-based work truck upfitter serving utility, telecom, construction, railroad, and municipal sectors across the southeastern US, specializing in custom bucket trucks, digger derricks, service bodies, and related equipment sales, rental, parts, and repair services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ML Utilities industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Work Truck Equipment and Upfitting
- NAICS
- Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing (333924), Construction and Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (423810)
- SIC
- Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Utility / Service Body Truck Leasing & Rental (Bucket, Field Service, Telecom/Power) (TLABABAJ)
Keywords
Where ML Utilities is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Charlotte
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
ML Utilities business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- New Equipment Sales: Sales of new work truck equipment including complete bucket trucks, digger derricks, service vehicles, and specialty equipment. Features Work Ready Truck Program with complete units ready for immediate deployment.
- Used Equipment Sales: Sales of thoroughly inspected and reconditioned pre-owned equipment meeting company standards for reliability and performance.
- Upfitting Services: Custom upfitting services transforming standard trucks into specialized work platforms including service bodies, crane bodies, dump bodies, lube bodies, flatbed configurations, aerial equipment installation, and specialty modifications.
- Equipment Rental: Flexible monthly equipment rental solutions including bucket trucks, service vehicles, and specialized equipment for project-based needs.
- Parts Sales: Comprehensive OEM and aftermarket parts available 24/7 through Amazon and eBay storefronts with expert technical support. Includes truck-mounted cranes, lift gates, welders, compressors, and specialized components.
- Service & Repairs: Expert maintenance, repairs, and testing services at professional facilities with factory-trained technicians and certified equipment. Includes compliance certifications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Equipment Solutions - Quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
ML Utilities product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ML Utilities sells, rents, upfits, and services specialized work trucks and equipment for utility, telecommunications, construction, railroad, and municipal customers. Its offerings span custom upfitting of service bodies, crane bodies, dump bodies, lube bodies, and flatbed/gooseneck bodies; aerial equipment such as bucket trucks and digger derricks; new and used equipment sales; monthly rentals; OEM and aftermarket parts; and factory-trained maintenance, repair, and testing services.
Product overview
ML Utilities is a work truck equipment and upfitting company serving telecommunications, utility, construction, railroad, and municipal sectors. The company's portfolio is organized around a core upfitting and service platform, encompassing custom truck upfitting (Upfitting), equipment sales (New Equipment, Used Equipment), parts supply (Part Sales), equipment rental (Rental), and maintenance/repair services (Service & Repairs). These are supported by specialized equipment categories including: Service Vehicles (Service Bodies, Crane Bodies, Dump Bodies, Lube Bodies, Flatbed & Gooseneck Bodies), Aerial Equipment (Bucket Trucks, Digger Derricks), Rail Equipment, Truck Components, and Specialty Equipment. The portfolio is grounded in the company's 80+ years of combined heritage through Cherokee Truck Equipment and Utility Equipment Services, with strategic manufacturer partnerships (Dur-A-Lift, Knapheide, Stellar, Auto Crane, Venturo, Elliott, TBEI, Rugby) enabling comprehensive cradle-to-grave lifecycle support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Service Bodies Compartmentalized storage systems designed to transform standard trucks into organized mobile workspaces for field service operations across utility, telecommunications, construction, and municipal applications.
- Crane Bodies Combined storage and lifting solutions featuring hydraulic cranes from brands such as Knapheide, Stellar, Auto Crane, and Venturo, with capacities ranging from 3,000 to 14,000 lbs, designed for construction and utility work.
- Dump Bodies High-strength steel dump bodies for material transport in construction, landscaping, municipal maintenance, and material delivery, with length variations from 9 to 16 feet and options for tarp systems, toolbox integration, and specialized tailgates.
- Lube Bodies Mobile maintenance platforms featuring multiple fluid storage and dispensing systems, waste oil recovery, integrated tool storage, and climate control for on-site preventive maintenance of equipment fleets.
- Flatbed and Gooseneck Bodies Open-deck transport platforms with heavy-duty steel construction, integrated tie-down systems, and reinforced loading areas for construction materials, equipment hauling, utility pole delivery, and machinery transport.
- Bucket Trucks Aerial work platforms available through the Dur-A-Lift partnership, offering insulated and non-insulated configurations ranging from 35' to 75' working heights on Ford, Ram, and other commercial chassis, with telescopic and articulating boom designs for utility, telecom, municipal, and tree service applications.
- Digger Derricks
Quantifiable outcome
- Fleet operators experience enhanced productivity through purpose-built configurations designed for specific operational workflows.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ML Utilities
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
ML Utilities technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
ML Utilities partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.
- Dur-A-LiftcoreAuthorized Dur-A-Lift dealer providing bucket trucks including insulated and non-insulated units ranging from 35' to 75' working heights. Dur-A-Lift is a premier manufacturer of aerial equipment known for durability, stability, and performance in demanding work environments.
- KnapheidecorePremium manufacturer partner for service bodies, dump bodies, flatbed, and gooseneck configurations. Knapheide products feature galvanneal steel construction for durability and professional appearance.
- ElliottcoreManufacturer partner for bucket trucks and digger derricks. Elliott provides versatile aerial equipment solutions for utility, telecommunications, and construction applications.
- Auto CranecoreManufacturer partner for crane bodies ranging from 3,000 to 14,000 lbs capacity with multiple boom configurations and advanced control systems.
- StellarcoreManufacturer partner for crane bodies and trailers with reinforced structures designed for hydraulic crane demands in construction and utility applications.
- VenturocoreManufacturer partner for crane bodies with various configurations for construction and utility work, eliminating need for separate lifting equipment.
- TBEI (Truck Bodies & Equipment International)coreManufacturer partner for dump bodies with high-strength steel construction and multiple sidewall heights and tailgates.
- RugbycoreManufacturer partner for dump bodies providing durable material transport solutions for construction, landscaping, and municipal maintenance.
- VMACcoreManufacturer partner for welders and compressors adding welding, lifting, hauling, and operational capabilities to work vehicles.
- BrandFXcoreManufacturer partner for service bodies with weather-resistant construction and professional appearance for field service operations.
- NTEA (National Truck Equipment Association)coreActive member with NTEA MVP status. NTEA is the premier organization for the truck equipment industry providing networking, education, and industry standards.
- TMEPA (Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association)regionalRegional industry association membership supporting utility and municipal sector relationships in Tennessee.
- AGC (Associated General Contractors of America)coreMembership in construction industry association providing networking and industry advocacy connections.
- ARA (American Rental Association)coreMembership supporting equipment rental operations and industry standards for rental equipment providers.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ML Utilities competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Altec Inc. Altec is a leading manufacturer and service provider of bucket trucks, aerial devices, and utility equipment with a strong direct-sales and service network across the US. Direct competitor to ML Utilities' aerial and utility equipment business, especially with utility and telecom customers.
- Versalift (Time Manufacturing): Versalift designs and manufactures aerial lifts, bucket trucks, and digger derricks for utility, telecom, and tree care markets. Overlaps with ML Utilities' core bucket truck and digger derrick offerings.
- Terex Utilities: Terex Utilities manufactures and services aerial devices, digger derricks, and specialty equipment for the electric utility industry. Competes head-on with ML Utilities in bucket trucks and digger derrick configurations for utility customers.
- Elliott Equipment Company: Elliott manufactures truck-mounted aerial work platforms, digger derricks, and cranes. While also a manufacturer partner to ML Utilities, it competes in the same end markets and similar product categories.
- Maintainer Corporation: Maintainer builds custom service bodies, crane bodies, and lube trucks for the utility, construction, and mining industries. A peer to ML Utilities' upfitting and crane body business.
Broad incumbents
- Knapheide: Knapheide is one of the largest manufacturers of truck bodies, service bodies, dump bodies, and flatbeds in North America. A manufacturer partner to ML Utilities that also competes in the same equipment categories.
- Stellar Industries: Stellar manufactures hooklift, cable lift, and crane bodies plus service trucks. A manufacturer partner to ML Utilities whose products directly overlap with ML Utilities' service body and crane body portfolio.
- Auto Crane Company: Auto Crane manufactures truck-mounted hydraulic cranes and crane bodies. A manufacturer partner to ML Utilities whose products are integrated into ML Utilities' crane body upfits.
- BrandFX Body Company: BrandFX produces composite service bodies that compete with steel service bodies in the same end markets. A manufacturer partner to ML Utilities and a competitor for service body fitments.
- TBEI (Truck Bodies & Equipment International): TBEI manufactures dump bodies, truck bodies, and trailers. A manufacturer partner to ML Utilities whose products overlap with the company's dump body and material handling offerings.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ML Utilities social profiles
Digital presenceML Utilities financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ML Utilities leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ML Utilities subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
ML Utilities funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ML Utilities M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ML Utilities
What does ML Utilities do?
ML Utilities sells, rents, upfits, and services specialized work trucks and equipment for utility, telecommunications, construction, railroad, and municipal customers. Its offerings span custom upfitting of service bodies, crane bodies, dump bodies, lube bodies, and flatbed/gooseneck bodies; aerial equipment such as bucket trucks and digger derricks; new and used equipment sales; monthly rentals; OEM and aftermarket parts; and factory-trained maintenance, repair, and testing services.
Is ML Utilities a public or private company?
ML Utilities is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ML Utilities founded?
ML Utilities was founded in 1981. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is ML Utilities based?
ML Utilities is headquartered in Charlotte, United States, in the North America region.
How does ML Utilities make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. New Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are used Equipment Sales, upfitting Services, equipment Rental, parts Sales and service & Repairs.
Who are ML Utilities's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Altec Inc., Versalift (Time Manufacturing), Terex Utilities, Elliott Equipment Company and Maintainer Corporation. Broad incumbents are Knapheide, Stellar Industries, Auto Crane Company, BrandFX Body Company and TBEI (Truck Bodies & Equipment International).
Does ML Utilities have an API?
No public API is recorded for ML Utilities.
What industry is ML Utilities in?
ML Utilities's product category is Work Truck Equipment and Upfitting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLABABAJ, Utility / Service Body Truck Leasing & Rental (Bucket, Field Service, Telecom/Power). Its NAICS code is 333924 and its SIC code is 3537.