The origins of the utility truck come from the Australian State of Victoria in the 1930’s. Allegedly, a farmer’s wife wrote to the Ford manufacturing plant and inquired as to why the company had not invented a vehicle that could simultaneously be used to haul the family to church on Sunday, while transporting the pigs to market on Monday. Part of her inspiration had to do with the fact that at that time, the Australian banks would provide loans for farming vehicles, but not passenger vehicles. Thankfully the good people at Ford liked the idea, and the first Utility Truck was born.
Alternatively, a plumber typically has to carry all kinds of equipment, whether it is wrenches, elbow joints, piping, a plumbing ‘snake’, and other tools. Specially designed utility trucks come with lockable storage containers mounted onto the sides of the vehicle that are perfect for storing all of this various equipment. Today the utility truck has expanded from the original Aussie ‘Ute’ to take on many forms. It is the prototype for the modern parcel van, single or dual rear wheel utility truck, contractor flatbed, service truck, and a whole host of other vehicles that are used for commercial use today.
