What Cherokee Truck Equipment does

Cherokee Truck Equipment, LLC is a regional commercial truck equipment distributor and upfitter headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee with a second facility in Mableton, Georgia. The company sells, installs, services, and supplies parts for truck-mounted cranes (Auto Crane, Stellar, National Crane, Fassi, Liftmoore), refuse collection vehicles (Curbtender), mechanics and service bodies (Knapheide, American Eagle, VANAIR, Hannay Reels), aerial platforms (Dur-A-Lift), dump trucks, lube trucks, liftgate systems, and snow/ice removal equipment. A defining specialization is the design and build of Hi-Rail railroad trucks and certified FRA Hi-Rail inspection services, serving Class I, regional, and shortline railroads as well as railroad maintenance contractors. The firm maintains more than 20,000 OEM and aftermarket parts in stock across its two facilities and offers both in-shop service and mobile on-site service, including a parts e-commerce storefront on eBay and a "Work Ready Trucks" program of pre-configured vehicles.

The company has been in business for over 40 years (founded 1981/1982) and was acquired on April 30, 2022 by ML Utilities, a strategic operating company pursuing a "one-call" cradle-to-grave model for fleet maintenance and utility services. Cherokee now operates as a division of ML Utilities, serving customers across an Alabama-Georgia-Tennessee tri-state service region. Revenue is generated through a mix of new and used equipment sales, custom upfit installation, recurring parts supply, and service contracts (inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, refurbishment, and disposal). Pricing is predominantly quote-based on high-ticket configured vehicles (Work Ready Trucks listed in the $169,900-$217,750 range), with unit pricing on individual components and credit-account billing available for business customers.

Cherokee's go-to-market is direct sales-led, supported by industry trade show participation (e.g., APWA Georgia Chapter events), an authorized-dealer network across multiple OEMs, and a transactional eBay parts channel. The customer base spans railroad operators, utility services (electric, water, gas, telephone, cable), construction and industrial contractors, county and municipal governments, and independent trade contractors — a vertical-segmented mix that provides some diversification against any single end-market downturn.

Name

Cherokee Truck Equipment

Legal name

Cherokee Truck Equipment, LLC

Website

https://cherokeetruck.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Cherokee Truck Equipment is a regional commercial truck equipment distributor and upfitter based in Chattanooga, TN, selling, installing, and servicing cranes, refuse trucks, Hi-Rail railroad vehicles, mechanics trucks, and related parts. It operates as a division of ML Utilities, serving railroad, utility, construction, and municipal customers across the Southeast.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Truck Equipment Upfitting

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing (33621), Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (33639)

SIC

Truck & Bus Bodies (3713), Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)

akta.pro primary industry

Truck Body & Upfitting Manufacturing (Box Bodies/Service Bodies/Cranes/Liftgates) (IMACABAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Truck Body & Upfit Manufacturing (Box/Dump/Service/Refuse) (IMACAGAC), Vocational/Work Truck Manufacturing (Dump/Refuse/Mixer/Utility) (IMACABAF)

Keywords

• Truck equipment upfitting
• Truck mounted cranes
• Hi-rail railroad trucks
• Commercial truck parts
• Mobile service truck equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Truck Equipment Sales: Sale of new and used truck equipment including truck-mounted cranes, refuse trucks, aerial buckets, service bodies, lube bodies, dump trucks, liftgate trucks, railroad trucks, and related equipment
2. Parts Sales: Sale of OEM and aftermarket truck parts for refuse trucks, truck-mounted cranes, aerial buckets, service bodies, lube bodies, and rail gear. They have over 20,000 parts in-stock and access to thousands more through manufacturer relationships.
3. Service and Maintenance: Equipment diagnosis, testing, inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment services. Also includes mobile service for on-site support.
4. Truck Upfitting and Customization: Custom truck equipment packages and upfitting services for various industries including railroad operations, utility services, and construction.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Cherokee Truck Equipment sells, installs, and services commercial truck equipment including truck-mounted cranes, refuse/garbage trucks, aerial bucket trucks, service bodies, lube bodies, dump trucks, liftgate trucks, and Hi-Rail railroad trucks. The company acts as an authorized distributor and upfitter for multiple OEMs, supplies over 20,000 parts, and provides custom upfitting, certified FRA Hi-Rail inspections, mobile service, and refurbishment to fleet and individual customers.

Product overview

Cherokee Truck Equipment, A Division of M-L Utilities, is a truck equipment sales, installation, and service company offering a comprehensive portfolio of commercial truck upfitting solutions. The company operates as a distributor and installer of truck-mounted equipment from multiple manufacturers, organized into product categories including Truck Mounted Cranes (Auto Crane, Stellar, National Crane, Fassi, Liftmoore, Ramsey Winch), Railroad Trucks (Hi-Rail equipped vehicles with gear from Harsco, Rafna, DMF), Mechanics Trucks (service bodies from American Eagle, Knapheide, VANAIR, Hannay Reels), Aerial Platform Trucks (Dur-A-Lift), Dump Trucks (Godwin, Henderson, TBEI, O'Brian, VIBCO), Lube Trucks (Knapheide), Liftgate Trucks (Tommy Gate, Maxon, Leyman, Waltco, NLP), Medium/Light Duty Trucks and Vans (Adrian Steel, Knapheide, RKI, Velvac, Buyers Products), Snow & Ice Removal Equipment (SaltDogg, Snow Dogg, Henderson), and Garbage/Refuse Trucks (Curbtender, Bayne, Brush Hawg). The company also offers Work Ready Trucks (pre-configured demo and new trucks) and extensive parts supply with over 20,000 parts in-stock. Services include custom upfitting, mobile service, Hi-Rail inspections, and refurbishment. Cherokee operates facilities in Chattanooga, TN and Mableton, GA, and sells parts through an eBay store.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Work Ready Trucks: A program offering pre-built and work-ready commercial trucks with various equipment packages including mechanics trucks, crane trucks, and railroad trucks.

Products and services

• Truck Mounted Cranes Full line of telescoping and articulating boom cranes for trucks, including stiff boom and knuckle-boom cranes from manufacturers such as Auto Crane, BuiltRite Handlers, Fassi, Liftmoore, National Crane, Ramsey Winch, and Stellar Industries. Distributed and installed for fleet and contractor customers.
• Railroad Trucks (Hi-Rail) Trucks equipped with Hi-Rail or High-Rail Gear for railroad operations, including utility pickups, tractors, signal maintenance trucks, track inspector trucks, Hi-Rail gang trucks, MOW trucks, Hi-Rail bucket trucks, and mechanics trucks. Railgear sourced from Hi-Rail Inspection, Rafna Railgear, Harsco Rail, and Diversified Metal Fabricators of Atlanta.
• Mechanics Trucks Service body and workshop trucks for mobile mechanical work, featuring products from American Eagle Accessories Group, Hannay Reels, Knapheide, and VANAIR.
• Aerial Platform Trucks Bucket trucks and aerial work platforms for elevated work access, featuring Dur-A-Lift products including the DPM-52 model with 57 ft working height.
• Dump Trucks Dump bodies and dump truck equipment from manufacturers including Godwin Manufacturing, Henderson Manufacturing, O'Brian Tarping Systems, TBEI, and VIBCO Vibration Products, for road construction, quarry, mining, and material handling applications.
• Lube Trucks Fuel and lube bodies for transporting and delivering liquids such as oil and hydraulic fluid to job sites, featuring products from Knapheide Manufacturing and Hannay Reels.
• Liftgate Trucks Hydraulic liftgate systems from manufacturers including Leyman Liftgates, Maxon, National Liftgate Parts (NLP), Tommy Gate, and Waltco Truck Equipment.
• Medium & Light Duty Trucks and Vans Upfitted medium and light duty trucks and vans for various commercial applications, featuring products from Adrian Steel, Sortimo (By Knapheide), Buyers Products, RKI, and Velvac.
• Snow & Ice Removal Equipment Snow plows and salt/spreaders from manufacturers including SaltDogg Spreaders and Snow Dogg Plows (by Buyers Products), plus Henderson Manufacturing products, for municipal road clearing and winter maintenance.
• Garbage Trucks / Refuse Collection Equipment Refuse collection vehicles including automated side loaders, rear loaders, and front loaders from Curbtender Inc. (formerly Wayne Engineering), plus cart tippers from Bayne and Perkins, and knuckleboom grapple loaders from Brush Hawg.
• Work Ready Trucks Pre-configured and demo trucks available for immediate purchase, including mechanics trucks, railroad trucks, and various upfitted commercial vehicles, plus used railroad trucks and utility work trucks sourced from Class I Railroad organizations.
• Parts & Components OEM and aftermarket parts for all truck equipment categories, including crane parts, garbage truck parts, railroad truck parts, mechanic truck parts, aerial platform truck parts, dump truck parts, lube truck parts, liftgate parts, and general truck equipment parts. Over 20,000 parts in-stock between facilities, with thousands more accessible through manufacturer relationships. Sold direct and via eBay storefront.
• Van Upfitting Custom van interior upfitting services featuring Knapheide Van Equipment and Adrian Steel products, including partitions, shelving, and storage boxes for commercial vans.
• Hi-Rail Equipment Inspection Certified FRA Hi-Rail Inspections performed in-shop or in the field with mobile service truck, plus railgear parts and refurbishment services including painting and hydraulic system overhauls.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• ML UtilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2022ML Utilities acquired Cherokee Truck Equipment effective April 30, 2022. Cherokee is now a Division of M-L Utilities. The acquisition expands ML Utilities' footprint and range of customized services to support customers throughout Tennessee, Georgia, and the surrounding region.
• Auto CranemajorTechnology or IntegrationCherokee Truck Equipment is an official OEM Auto Crane Dealer. They offer full line of Auto Crane products including truck-mounted cranes, service bodies, and parts.
• KnapheidemajorTechnology or IntegrationKnapheide is a leading manufacturer of truck equipment. Cherokee offers Knapheide products including van equipment, service bodies, and lube trucks.
• National CranemajorTechnology or IntegrationNational Crane products offered through Cherokee for telescoping boom cranes applications.
• Stellar IndustriesmajorTechnology or IntegrationOfficial distributor for Stellar Industries equipment including refuse trucks, TMAX mechanic service bodies, and crane products.
• Stellar TMAXmajorTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Stellar TMAX Aluminum mechanic service bodies - lightweight aluminum bodies with Torq-Isolator understructure.
• Curbtender Inc.majorTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Curbtender (formerly Wayne Engineering) for refuse collection vehicles including automated side loaders, rear loaders, and front loaders. Demo unit available.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Stellar Industries: Manufacturer of mechanic service bodies, cranes, and refuse equipment distributed by Cherokee as an authorized dealer — comparable as a major OEM partner enabling Cherokee's product portfolio, with significant category overlap in service bodies and crane trucks.
• Curbtender (formerly Wayne Engineering): Manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles (front loaders, rear loaders, automated side loaders) distributed by Cherokee — comparable as an OEM partner in Cherokee's refuse/garbage truck product category serving municipal and waste-hauler customers.
• Auto Crane: Major OEM manufacturer of truck-mounted hydraulic cranes and a key product partner of Cherokee — comparable as a critical supplier in Cherokee's upfitting ecosystem, though Auto Crane operates upstream in the value chain rather than as a competing upfitter.
• TBEI (Truck Bodies & Equipment International): Manufacturer of dump bodies, hoists, and other heavy-duty truck equipment distributed through Cherokee — comparable as a key OEM supplier in Cherokee's dump body product line serving the same construction and industrial end markets.

Direct peers

• Imperial Truck Bodies: Multi-state regional truck body manufacturer and upfitter offering service bodies, dump bodies, and refuse truck bodies — comparable to Cherokee in product breadth, B2B fleet customer segments, and multi-facility regional distribution model.
• Monroe Truck Equipment: Regional truck equipment upfitter and distributor serving the Midwest with crane, dump body, liftgate, and snow & ice installations plus parts and service — directly comparable in product mix, GTM (direct sales + service), and customer base (contractors, municipalities, utilities) to Cherokee Truck Equipment.
• Reading Truck (Reading Body Works): Northeast-based truck body and equipment manufacturer/distributor offering upfitting, parts, and service for work trucks — directly comparable in business model (multi-OEM distributor, upfitter, parts/service), product categories (cranes, service bodies, dump bodies), and B2B fleet customer focus.
• Wilcox Truck Bodies: Georgia-based regional truck body manufacturer specializing in dump bodies and refuse trucks — directly comparable to Cherokee's southeastern U.S. geography and vocational truck body upfitting business serving contractors and municipal customers.
• Stahl Truck Bodies: Regional truck body manufacturer and upfitter serving the Midwest and Southeast with service bodies, dump bodies, and crane trucks — comparable to Cherokee in scale, product portfolio, and sales-led distribution model targeting contractors and fleet operators.

Broad incumbents

• Knapheide: Largest U.S. manufacturer of truck bodies, service bodies, and van upfitting equipment, also operating a national dealer network — comparable to Cherokee as both an OEM partner (Knapheide products distributed by Cherokee) and a broader incumbent in the same vocational truck body category.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CherokeeTruckEquipment

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cherokee Truck Equipment