San Diego County Sues Fire Truck Makers Over Alleged Monopolies

Antitrust lawsuit claims companies have taken over the market, leading to higher prices and longer wait times for new trucks.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A close-up photograph of a polished, metallic fire truck suspension component resting on a plain white background, conveying the abstract corporate strategy and market dynamics impacting fire department equipment.A single fire truck component symbolizes the complex corporate forces behind rising equipment costs and delivery delays for fire departments.San Diego Today

San Diego County has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against several fire truck manufacturers, alleging they have consolidated the market and eliminated competition, resulting in higher prices and longer wait times for new trucks to replace the county's aging fleet. The lawsuit names companies like American Industrial Partners and Oshkosh Corporation, claiming their acquisitions and control over parts have allowed them to charge exorbitant prices and delay deliveries for years.

Why it matters

San Diego County's fire department serves 42 communities and operates around 75 trucks, some of which are well past their recommended service life. County leaders say the alleged monopolistic practices have endangered public safety by making it difficult to quickly replace aging equipment and prepare for wildfire season.

The details

The lawsuit alleges the defendants acquired a number of smaller fire truck manufacturers, essentially eliminating competition for the vehicles and their parts. This has led to trucks costing more than double what they used to and taking around one to four years to be delivered, according to the county. The suit names private equity firm American Industrial Partners, which allegedly consolidated multiple manufacturers into REV Group, as well as Oshkosh Corporation, which has allegedly taken steps to ensure its subsidiary Pierce Manufacturing controls the market for chassis and replacement parts.

  • The county Board of Supervisors filed the lawsuit on April 2, 2026.
  • The lawsuit comes a year after the county Board of Supervisors first raised concerns about the issue.

The players

San Diego County

The county government that filed the federal antitrust lawsuit against several fire truck manufacturers.

American Industrial Partners

A private equity firm that allegedly consolidated multiple fire truck manufacturers into a single entity known as REV Group.

Oshkosh Corporation

A manufacturer that has allegedly taken steps to ensure its subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing, controls the market for fire truck chassis and replacement parts.

REV Group

The entity that was allegedly created through the consolidation of multiple fire truck manufacturers by American Industrial Partners.

Cal Fire San Diego Unit Chief Tony Mecham

The fire chief who stated it is critical for firefighters to have the equipment needed to protect residents and quickly contain wildfires.

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What they’re saying

“Firefighters don't have a choice — when a truck breaks down, they need a new one. For years, fire departments have been paying more and waiting longer.”

— Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair

“San Diego County is going after a handful of greedy companies that turned fire trucks into profit cash cows while our communities were left waiting and vulnerable to fire risk. We're taking those companies to court to stop the greed that's endangering lives and get our money back.”

— Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair

“It's critical for our firefighters to be prepared and have the equipment needed to protect residents and quickly contain wildfires. We've seen the devastation wildfires can cause in our communities. Increased costs and long wait times for equipment should not impact our ability to keep people safe.”

— Tony Mecham, Cal Fire San Diego Unit Chief

What’s next

The lawsuit is currently pending in federal court, and the judge will determine whether to allow the case to proceed.

The takeaway

This antitrust lawsuit highlights the growing concerns over consolidation and lack of competition in the fire truck manufacturing industry, which has led to higher costs and delayed equipment for fire departments tasked with protecting communities from growing wildfire risks.