There are many factors that need to be considered before hiring heavy equipment haulers near me. One of them being the price of service. Although flatbed hauling rates average the same throughout the US, the increasing numbers have become a concern for consumers.
Not Enough Flatbed Hauling Providers
Even though the hauling quotes are high, people can’t just boycott providers because they need the service. There is a shortage of flatbed service providers because the demand for hauling services has increased drastically over the past few decades.
It’s not like the flatbed providers can’t accommodate everyone. They can, but there are a few reasons that have influenced the demand for flatbed services. Even though flatbed hauling rates can be high, consumers are ready to pay. Here are some of the major reasons influencing the rates:
1. State of the Industry/ Market
Market trends influence flatbed demand on a drastic level. Not just the trends within the hauling industry, but especially the ones that are used as cargo.
Heavy Equipment Haulers Near Me Increasing Rates
Take home construction, for example. When the economy favors people they invest in houses, which in turn increase the demand for construction material. People hire heavy equipment haulers near me to get their raw material on time, but the increased demand affects the hauling rates. Similarly, when people buy cars made of steel or aluminum, the demand for these automotive raw materials goes up and sways the hauling rates.
2. Latest Technology
Like every other sector, the technology used in the hauling industry has also improved over the past decade. Flatbed carriers are using the latest Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to improve safety and efficiency. It positively impacts the industry by decreasing paperwork time and chances of logging mistakes.
The industry isn’t the only one benefiting from advanced technology. Drivers are also getting a chance to use their time productively and avoid unnecessary errors.
3. Shortage of Truck Drivers and Carriers
The average age of a flatbed truck driver is 55 in the United States, and they are retiring fast. Also, not many young people are interested in this industry which is creating a shortage of drivers. As the demand for cargo hauling increases, this shortfall becomes a problem for consumers as they have to pay higher flatbed hauling rates.
Hauling companies try to hire new drivers, often using multiple methods like print media and social media. As they aren’t only looking for older drivers, they find social media platforms, like Facebook and LinkedIn, useful in reaching young drivers.
4. Damaging Weather
When you search for heavy equipment haulers near me, you will find that the rates change due to the local weather. Some industries, like construction, are booming during the summer season. They demand raw material supply quite often in those months, so the hauling rates go up.
Damaging weather conditions, like snow, hurricane, or tornado, also affect the flatbed industry. The companies have to reroute and reschedule their deliveries, which affects the customer service. Also, when cities are rebuilding after the disaster, the hauling rates go up as they get more orders.
Even though the industry is changing because of the reasons mentioned above, you will find that flatbed hauling companies are doing their best to provide safe and professional service to their customers. If you are looking for a heavy haul transportation service, reach out to us here at Flatbed Hauling Quotes.