U.S. Army to Receive More Heavy Dump Trucks

Mack Defense will continue building the U.S. Army’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck under a new five-year contract worth up to $221.8 million for as many as 450 vehicles.

The award, finalized on June 24, 2025, follows the completion of the company’s initial 2018 contract and comes just three months after Mack marked the rollout of its 500th M917A3 in March.

“This contract represents continued confidence in our ability to deliver mission-critical vehicles to the U.S. Army,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “The M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck is a commercial-based truck modified to meet mission-critical functionality that directly supports the Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard operations within the United States and around the world. This new contract award is a testament to the commitment of our team, which includes our supplier partners, as well as to the robust capabilities of this heavy tactical vehicle platform.”

According to Mack Defense, the trucks are a core component of the military’s construction and infrastructure maintenance capabilities, used in building and maintaining airfields, roadways, landing strips, motor pools, and supply depots. They are also deployed in disaster relief operations following severe weather events.

The M917A3 HDT is based on the commercially available Mack Granite model but is re-engineered for military service. Vehicles receive heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, a raised suspension, and ruggedized components to handle extreme operating environments. They also incorporate ABS, modern controls, and active safety systems.

Production takes place at Mack Defense’s dedicated assembly line inside the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a facility created in 2021 with a $6.5 million investment. The company draws on resources and personnel from its main Lehigh Valley Operations plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

“From day one, we’ve worked hard to foster a transparent, collaborative relationship – one that has helped ensure this program remains on track, on time and aligned with the Army’s evolving needs,” said Derik Beck, senior director of sales, marketing and business development at Mack Defense. “We are also proud to continue working closely with U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserve and the various U.S. National Guard Adjutant Generals, whose ongoing support has been essential to the program’s success. As we move into the next phase, we’re committed to maintaining that level of engagement while also looking to our Congressional stakeholders for sustained support.”

The M917A3 HDT is a key asset for the Army’s Engineer Regiment, designed to transport heavy loads over challenging terrain. The current order will add to the 549 trucks already procured under the original 2018 contract, which authorized up to 683 vehicles for a total value of $296 million.

Mack Defense notes that both the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard have placed repeat orders, reflecting ongoing demand for the platform. With this new award, deliveries will continue through the next five years, ensuring the Army maintains a modernized and capable heavy tactical truck fleet.