VMAC’s 2026 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report provides new data on how service fleets are using compressed air equipment, the technologies they prefer and the factors influencing purchasing decisions.
The report collected responses from professionals throughout North America, including fleet managers, equipment operators, mechanics, equipment repair specialists, construction professionals, transportation companies, agricultural businesses, utilities, municipalities and service truck upfitters.
According to the report, service vehicles remain central to mobile operations, with more than 76% of respondents operating service trucks or vans.
The survey found that businesses are continuing to prioritize equipment reliability, productivity and operating costs while navigating economic uncertainty. Although respondents identified economic conditions as their top business concern, 90% expect conditions to remain stable or improve over the next year.
Compressor Technology and Tool Usage Trends
The report showed strong interest in rotary screw air compressors, with more than 73% of air compressor users preferring rotary screw technology compared with reciprocating compressors.
For service vehicle applications, more than 78% of respondents require less than 100 CFM. The survey also found that 35.2% consider the air compressor the most important piece of equipment on their service vehicle, while 45.8% have compressors installed across their entire service truck fleet.
Pneumatic tools remain a major application for mobile compressed air systems. Approximately 86% of respondents use pneumatic impact wrenches, followed by ratchets, grinders and percussive tools.
“Fleet operators are carefully evaluating every piece of equipment on a truck based on reliability, weight, efficiency and long-term operating costs,” said Mike Pettigrew, VMAC marketing manager. “The 2026 findings show that operators are increasingly choosing integrated rotary screw compressed air systems that help maximize productivity while reducing downtime.”
Report Tracks Industry Changes
The 2026 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report examines fleet composition, compressor preferences, tool usage, emerging technologies and business pressures affecting the mobile compressed air market.
VMAC said the report is intended to provide fleet operators, manufacturers, upfitters and equipment suppliers with information to compare their operations with industry peers and better understand trends shaping the industry.
Jul 14, 2026
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