Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association Accused of Sharing Pricing Data
July 1, 2026
Competitors are generally not supposed to share pricing information with each other — that's one of the basic principles behind federal antitrust law. A pending case alleges that's exactly what happened in the fire truck industry, through the very trade association meant to serve the industry.
What's Alleged in This Case
The litigation alleges that the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association was used as a channel for sharing sensitive and confidential pricing information between competing fire truck and fire apparatus manufacturers. According to the allegations, this kind of information-sharing between competitors can result in price fixing or price gouging, since it undermines the independent, competitive pricing that antitrust law is designed to protect. These are allegations only, consolidated into the federal case, MDL 3179, and have not been proven in court.
What This Means for Your Department
If fire trucks have seemed too expensive to your department since 2016, this alleged conduct may be part of the explanation. As a fire professional, you may have a potential claim on behalf of your department to recover some of those funds if the allegations are proven. A free case review is the most direct way to find out where your department's purchases stand relative to the litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association?
It's a trade association connected to the fire apparatus industry. The litigation alleges it was used as a mechanism for improper information sharing among competitors.
Does this affect all fire truck manufacturers, or just some?
The allegations name specific defendants in the case; a case review can help clarify how this applies to your department's specific purchases.
How do I start a case review?
Contact our office directly — there's no cost for the initial consultation.
Watch attorney Peter Bowman explain the allegations: Sharing Price Info (YouTube).
If fire truck costs have concerned your department since 2016, contact BBB Attorneys for a free case review under MDL 3179.
