When your crew is running 12-hour shifts in the oilfield, your service body needs to keep up. Two of the most requested brands at Star Truck Equipment—STI (Service Trucks International) and CM—both make excellent service bodies, but they’re engineered for different priorities. This guide breaks down how each performs in real oilfield conditions so you can make the right call for your operation.
STI Service Bodies: Built for the Field
STI has built its reputation on one thing: durability in demanding environments. Their service bodies are a common sight on oil and gas service trucks throughout Texas and Louisiana for good reason. STI bodies feature heavy-gauge steel construction, fully welded compartment doors, and reinforced mounting systems designed to handle rough lease roads and heavy daily loading.
Key STI advantages for oilfield applications:
- Heavy-duty compartment locks — Weather-sealed, paddle-style latches that hold up to vibration and mud
- Crane-ready platforms — Many STI bodies are pre-engineered to accommodate truck-mounted cranes, a must for oilfield service
- Lube and fuel body configurations — STI also manufactures dedicated lube trucks and fuel service bodies, making them a one-stop solution for full-service field trucks
- Recessed compartments — Deeper compartments accommodate larger oilfield tools, tubing equipment, and chemical totes
STI service bodies are available in multiple widths and configurations, including combination bodies that pair a service body with a mechanics section. For fleet operators running large oilfield crews, this flexibility matters.
CM Service Bodies: Versatility at a Strong Value
CM has long been the go-to brand for contractors who need a reliable, versatile service body at a competitive price point. The CM SK service body is one of the most popular configurations in Texas, and for good reason—it offers solid steel construction, clean compartment layouts, and enough customization options to work across trades and industries.
For oilfield applications, CM offers:
- Powder-coat finish — Corrosion-resistant coating that handles humidity and chemical exposure well
- Multiple body lengths — From compact configurations on 3/4-ton trucks to full-length bodies on F-550 or Ram 5500 chassis cabs
- Flat-lid compartment option — Ideal for storing pipe, rods, and long tubular goods
- Cost efficiency — CM typically comes in at a lower price point than STI, making it attractive for companies outfitting multiple trucks simultaneously
The CM SK and CM SB series are both popular at STE. Where CM falls slightly short for heavy oilfield use is in crane integration—you’ll typically need additional fabrication work to mount a crane body alongside a CM service body versus an STI body that’s pre-engineered for it.
Head-to-Head: STI vs CM for Oilfield Applications
| Feature | STI | CM |
|---|---|---|
| Build Weight/Gauge | Heavy-duty | Standard commercial |
| Crane-Ready Option | Yes (pre-engineered) | Requires custom fab |
| Lube/Fuel Configs | Yes (full lineup) | No |
| Compartment Depth | Deeper (oilfield tools) | Standard depth |
| Price Point | Premium | Mid-range |
| Best For | Heavy oilfield, crane trucks, lube rigs | Multi-trade, light oilfield, fleet value |
Which Brand Is Right for Your Oilfield Operation?
If your trucks are running full service cycles in the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, or Haynesville Shale, and your team needs crane integration, lube capabilities, or heavy-duty compartment access every single day—go with STI. The upfront investment pays off in durability and reduced downtime.
If you’re outfitting a mixed-use crew where some trucks run oilfield calls and others handle general contractor work—or you need to outfit multiple trucks on a budget—CM is a strong choice. You’ll get a reliable, well-built body that handles most field conditions without the premium price tag of a fully heavy-duty spec.
Many of our customers run both brands depending on truck function. STI on their dedicated field service rigs, CM on their general-purpose crew trucks. That hybrid approach often makes the most sense economically and operationally.
See Both Brands at Star Truck Equipment
Star Truck Equipment carries both STI service bodies and CM service bodies and can help you spec the right configuration for your oilfield operation. We serve Texas and Louisiana from our location in Wharton, TX, and we understand what it takes to keep field crews running efficiently.
Whether you’re outfitting a single service truck or a full fleet of oilfield rigs, give us a call at (979) 532-1486 or visit our facility to see your options. We’ll help you compare configurations, select the right chassis, and get your truck built the way your job demands it.
Also see: STI service body lineup | CM service body options | Oilfield truck upfitting guide
