New Freightliner Improves City Fleet
July 01, 2026
Launch the media gallery 1 player(Pictured: Public Works Director Curt Shields applies the department logos officially welcoming the newest vehicle into the city’s fleet.)
The City of Lamoni officially accepted delivery of a brand-new 2026 Freightliner refuse truck last Friday. While Lamoni’s existing trash trucks have served the community reliably for years, this represents a straightforward, common-sense upgrade designed to keep the city’s essential services running smoothly. “Aging equipment inevitably results in escalating maintenance costs, increased operational downtime, and occasional service delays,” Public Works Director Curt Shields applies said.
The truck is equipped with a hydraulic packer that compresses loose waste to maximize payload capacity called a Neway Packer. It also comes equipped with safety features and greater fuel efficiency to optimize departmental operations in addition to the packer.
“You kind of hate to put trash in a brand-new truck,” joked Shields. “But it’s nice to be able to skip the shop bills with equipment that will run well into the future.”
The Trash Department funds its own equipment and operations entirely through the revenue generated from regular garbage collection which means this purchase does not require new taxes or additional fees. The long-term investment ensures that Lamoni can maintain its high standard of waste management without placing a financial burden on taxpayers.
“The new trash truck is more than a piece of equipment – it’s a symbol of Lamoni’s ongoing commitment to reliable, customer-focused public services," said Mayor Douglas Foster. "With this investment, the city is positioning itself to meet current needs and prepare for future growth.”