The Fleet Manager’s Guide to New Way Garbage Trucks: Selecting the Right Truck

Maximizing efficiency in waste collection depends on factors like cycle time, payload density and equipment uptime. Selecting the wrong garbage trucks for the job leads to slower routes, higher labor costs and lower truck utilization.

As the authorized New Way dealer serving municipalities and private haulers across Canada and key U.S. states, Joe Johnson Equipment (JJE) has the industry knowledge and technical expertise to help you select the right collection truck based on your route.

Key Engineering Features: The New Way Advantage

New Way® product and engineering teams have spent significant time ensuring that their refuse bodies are engineered for maximum efficiency. Key advantages include:

• Pack-on-the-go: The ability to compact waste while the truck is in motion helps improve route efficiency.
• Superior compaction: Higher density per cubic yard means fewer trips to the landfill.
• High tensile steel bodies: Provide superior strength for hauling heavy loads while helping operators remain weight compliant.
• Operator ergonomics: Controls designed to adjust to route conditions provide ease of operation.

Comparing Refuse Truck Configurations: Which is Right for Your Route?

Rear Loader Garbage Trucks (The Versatile Workhorse)

Rear loaders remain the industry standard for varied routes and waste collection needs. Waste is loaded into a rear hopper and packed forward by a heavy-duty compaction blade.

• Best for: alleyway pickups, bulky item collection and routes with non-standardized containers.
• Crew staffing: Manual (Driver + 1-2 helpers) or semi-automated with a cart tipper.
• Pro tip: The New Way Cobra is the gold standard for haulers who require a balance of high-compaction and maneuverability in tight residential areas.

Automated Side Loader (ASL) Trucks (Efficiency & Safety)

ASLs use an automated arm to collect standardized carts, allowing the driver to remain safely inside the cab.

• Best for: High-volume residential routes with standardized carts.
• The “Non-CDL” Advantage: The New Way Wolverine offers a compact solution for tight routes that does not require a Class B CDL, helping fleet managers address issues related to driver shortages.
• Efficiency: One operator can service more homes per hour than a manual rear-loader crew.

Front Loader Garbage Trucks (High-Volume Commercial)

Front loaders use heavy-duty forks to lift commercial dumpsters and empty waste into a high-capacity body.

• Best For: Commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential routes.
• Payload: Designed to handle high-density, heavy-duty loads with maximum legal payloads.
• Durability: The New Way Mammoth features one-piece side body construction for superior strength.

How to Choose Your Next Garbage Truck

When evaluating your fleet expansion, consider these factors:

Factor	Consider This…	Recommended Configuration
Route Type	Standardized residential carts?	Automated Side Loader (ASL)
Labor Goals	Reducing crew size to one operator?	Automated Side Loader or Front Loader
Waste Density	Heavy commercial or industrial debris?	Front Loader
Maneuverability	Tight alleys or high-density areas?	Rear Loader or Wolverine (non-CDL)

Why Partner with Joe Johnson Equipment (JJE)?

Buying a refuse truck is an investment; maintaining it is a partnership. Joe Johnson Equipment is the premier New Way dealer across North America, offering:

• Regional Support: Strategic locations across Canada and the U.S.
• Parts availability: An extensive inventory of OEM New Way parts to minimize downtime.
• Technical expertise: Factory-trained technicians ready to address your fleet’s service needs.

Ready to Optimize Your Waste Collection Operation?

Contact Joe Johnson Equipment today to schedule a demo or to discuss fleet needs for your operation.