In the heavy-duty repair business, relying on the same stream of oil changes, brake jobs, and engine rebuilds is no longer enough to grow. Margins are tight, customer expectations are rising, and the industry is changing. If you want to scale your revenue and stay ahead of the competition, diversification isn’t optional - it’s the playbook.
According to recent industry data, heavy-duty shops offering a broad suite of services significantly outperform those that specialize in just one or two. In fact, 28% of shops offering seven or more services broke the $4M annual revenue barrier, while most single-specialty shops cap out at $250k–$2M. That’s a massive gap.
But don’t get it twisted - this isn’t about offering gimmicky extras or getting distracted by trendy nonsense. It's about solving more of your customers' real-world problems and getting paid accordingly. Below, we explore four service expansions proven to drive revenue for independent and mid-sized heavy-duty repair shops: mobile repair, 24/7 roadside assistance, DOT inspections, and equipment/trailer repairs.
Mobile repair has quickly evolved from a nice-to-have to a revenue-driving must. Truckers hate downtime, and bringing the repair to them is a win-win: they avoid tow bills and lost loads, and you charge higher rates for the convenience.
Revenue Upside: Shops charge roughly 20% more for mobile work, plus trip fees, call-out minimums, and parts markups. A well-utilized mobile tech can bring in $12k–$20k in labor monthly - often outperforming in-shop techs.
Getting Started: You don’t need a $100k rig. Many shops launch with a $25k–$30k box truck or utility-body pickup equipped with:
Avoiding Chaos: Mobile work introduces logistical complexity. Digital scheduling software is key. It helps:
Pro Tip: Start with business hours only. Build demand and add after-hours coverage as it makes financial sense.
Once you’ve nailed daytime mobile repair, the next revenue booster is offering emergency roadside service. When a rig breaks down at 2 AM, your shop could be the only one willing to roll. And that’s where the margins climb.
Pricing Advantage: Shops typically bill 1.5x to 2x standard labor rates for after-hours work. Add minimum charges and mileage fees, and you’ve got a high-margin job every time the phone rings.
Demand: With over $2.7 billion spent annually on heavy vehicle roadside services, the market is wide open. If you're near major highways or industrial hubs, your shop is well-positioned.
Operational Musts:
Retention Boost: A well-executed 2 AM rescue can turn a one-time caller into a loyal fleet account. Reliability earns repeat business.
DOT inspections are mandatory, repeatable, and often lead to repair work. That’s the kind of service every smart shop wants.
Billing Potential: Shops typically charge $100–$200 per DOT inspection, sometimes more for mobile or specialized inspections. Even 10 a week brings in extra thousands each month.
Upsell Opportunity: Every inspection has the potential to uncover repair needs. Burnt-out lights, worn brakes, air system leaks - you fix it, you bill it.
Fleet Program Strategy:
Digital Advantage: Use tablets and software to:
Being the shop that keeps a fleet compliant makes you indispensable.
Why stop at trucks? If your techs can fix a diesel engine, they can handle backhoes, generators, or trailers. And customers are already asking.
Heavy Equipment Work: Construction and agriculture clients need field service too. These jobs often:
Trailer Service: Trailer repairs are often simpler and faster than tractor work. Common jobs include:
Strategic Expansion: Most successful shops offer service on 4–6 vehicle types. That diversity gives stability without spreading too thin.
Diversification adds revenue but also complexity. Managing mobile schedules, part inventory across trucks and bays, invoicing, and compliance can get messy fast.
Enter shop management software. Cloud-based systems like ShopView or Fullbay are purpose-built for diesel and fleet maintenance. Key features:
One shop owner put it best: “We didn’t grow because we worked harder - we grew because we worked smarter.”
Adding services like mobile repair, roadside rescue, DOT inspections, and equipment work isn’t just a growth tactic - it’s a survival plan. The top-performing shops are doing it, and they’re reaping the benefits in revenue, stability, and customer loyalty.
But you need the systems to support that growth. Whether you’re launching your first mobile truck or scaling to three, the right tools make sure every new service line runs lean and profitable.
Ready to grow your shop without the chaos? Book a free demo of ShopView and see how top heavy-duty shops run smarter, not harder.