VMAC Report Highlights Mobile Air Compressor Trends

VMAC has released its 2026 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report, providing insight into fleet composition, mobile air compressor preferences, tool usage, emerging technologies and economic factors affecting the industry.

The annual report is based 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 indicate that the mobile compressed air industry remains focused on measured growth despite economic uncertainty. While economic conditions were identified as the leading business concern, 90% of respondents expect conditions to remain stable or improve over the next 12 months, compared with 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.”

Rotary Screw Compressors Remain Preferred Choice

The report found continued demand for rotary screw air compressor technology among mobile service operators. More than 73% of air compressor users surveyed said they prefer rotary screw technology over reciprocating compressors.

Additional findings from the report include:

• More than 78% of respondents require less than 100 CFM for 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.

Service vehicles continue to be a key part of mobile operations, with more than 76% of respondents operating service trucks or vans.

Compressed Air Supports Multiple Industries

The report noted that compressed air remains an important component of service vehicle productivity, supporting applications including tire service, equipment repair, construction, transportation, agriculture, utilities and other industries requiring sustained airflow and dependable tool performance.

VMAC said the report is intended to help fleet operators, manufacturers, upfitters and equipment suppliers compare their operations with industry peers and better understand technology preferences, purchasing priorities and business pressures affecting the mobile compressed air market.