Commercial Contractor Concern Over Lumber and Steel Shortages is Growing in Q3

The rising percentage of construction firms that report facing material shortages is matched by a growing portion of firms concerned about higher costs

September 22, 2020

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

An ongoing shortage of lumber due to the coronavirus pandemic is leading to headaches for builders and contractors. Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Q3 Commercial Construction Index revealed that wood/lumber is the most reported material shortage at 11%, jumping from just 5% in Q2. Additionally:

62% of contractors say cost fluctuations for materials have a high or moderate impact on their business, up from 59% in Q2.
41% of those who expressed concern are concerned about steel, up from 33% in Q2. 21% are concerned about price changes in lumber.
54% face shortages for at least one material, up from 45% in Q2.

White Cap has also acquired Crimson Steel Supply, LLC (Crimson Steel), a distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products serving non-residential and infrastructure end markets.

White Cap Expands Reach in Oklahoma, Oregon

White Cap has acquired Bend Construction - a supplier of struts, fasteners, anchors, and concrete accessories and products - and Crimson Steel - a distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products.

The Port of Baltimore is used by many of the largest construction machinery manufacturers.

Construction Supply Chain and the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

How much will construction and other supply chains be impacted by the collapse of the Baltimore Bridge and the suspension of traffic through the Port of Baltimore? End users may temporarily face delays and increases.

Emerging technologies and advancements including visual intelligence, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, robotics, immersive collaboration and 3D printing are surging in popularity among contractors and construction professionals.

Construction Trends for 2024

While the industry will continue to go through transformation like many others, those willing to marry the fundamentals of the craft with new technology and sustainable building methods can continue to experience great success in 2024 and beyond.

A Maryland Natural Resources Police officer conducts an overflight assessment of the M/V Dali, a 948-foot Singapore-flagged container ship, and Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Md.

Baltimore Bridge: Supporting Workers’ Families and Addressing Force Majeure Clauses

Authorities announced the discovery of the fifth body of a construction worker in the aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collapse. In light of this tragedy, experts emphasize the importance not only of safety, but for contractors to address force majeure.

Leica Geosystems’ GNSS Machine Control technology offers possibilities to enhance safety for construction workers and pedestrians around busy work sites and to protect existing and newly built infrastructure through automatic height, depth, and slew hydraulic control for excavators.

Navigate Your Possibilities With Aftermarket GPS

Integrating GPS or GNSS technology aftermarket is achievable and can provide many benefits to contractors, workers and machines.

The Spokane area has been witnessing a surge in infrastructure projects, healthcare facilities, and both commercial and residential building initiatives.

Topcon Expands Retail Territory

The store will not only cater to the needs of new customers but will also bolster existing local Topcon dealers with comprehensive parts, service, and product training support.

The Hyundai HT100V CTL working in a gravel-hauling application.

Compact Track Loaders: Benefits & Challenges

Is a CTL right for your business? Understand the advantages, drawbacks and machine capabilities.

Using modern estimating programs, workers can easily use historical scope and cost data to create more accurate estimates.

Twin Challenges for Construction in 2024: Technology and Policy Reform

The $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill, growing investment in green power infrastructure, rising U.S. consumer demand, and initiatives to reshore manufacturing have all contributed to tremendous growth in commercial construction.

Under the leadership of Andringa, Vermeer introduced the first HDD for testing in 1991.

Vermeer's Andringa Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Andringa’s journey began in the late 1980s when she expanded on the vision of the founder of Vermeer, Gary Vermeer, who aimed to install utilities underground without disturbing the surface.

Pending tax changes that will become law for 2023 and 2024 may give many contractors the opportunity to amend their 2023 tax returns and receive additional benefits that could reduce 2024 estimated tax payments.

How Potential Tax Changes May Impact Your Construction Biz

Pending tax changes may put cash in your pocket.

HVO can be used interchangeably with petroleum diesel.

Mack Trucks Uses Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil as Fuel

HVO is produced from lipid sources, such as waste vegetable oils and tallow, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The need to transport skilled workers to remote locations not only incurs additional costs but also poses logistical challenges for contractors.

Personal Vehicle Programs Shuttle Workers to Remote Sites

One solution to address the challenge of mobilizing skilled workers to remote jobsites is the implementation of vehicle reimbursement programs.

This partnership signifies a significant expansion in access to Magni's telehandlers throughout both states.

MacAllister Enters Magni's Dealer Network of Telehandlers in Indiana and Michigan

With Magni's telehandlers now readily available through MacAllister, customers across Indiana and Michigan can expect enhanced efficiency, safety, and productivity on their projects

A diagnostic tool provides comprehensive technical information for every make and model of construction equipment.

Diagnostic Tools Upgrade Preventive Maintenance

Equipment care can help revolutionize the construction industry.

Adobe Stock 249267163 Grooveriderz

American Concrete Institute Elects 2024-2025 President and Board

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has announced its 2024-2025 president, vice president, and four board members.

Charter Up Construction

Hidden Costs of Worksite Parking

Re-evaluating crew transportation logistics through the lens of shuttle services is not just an operational decision, it's a strategic investment in the future of construction project management.

Interop Annc V1

Autodesk to Improve Collaboration, Cloud Tools

The interoperability agreement with Nemetschek Group will allow the two companies to improve upon existing data exchanges and open new data-centric workflows that span disciplines and industries.

Rental Snapshot Tom Butts of Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals

Rental Snapshot: A Desire to be Unique

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals has evolved into a unique, electrifying company. Part of that ingenuity comes from owner Tom Butts, who shares his insights in this month’s Rental Snapshot.

Reputable sellers, UCC searches, and ensuring all paperwork is accounted for are all good practices to follow.

Buying Used Concrete Equipment? Beware of Hidden Liens

There's an uncommon-but-real issue that could crop up when buying any type of used equipment, and that’s buying equipment that unknowingly has a lien on it.

Shortly after its origin, the Cary-Lift product line was acquired by Pettibone, and it remains a popular solution for pipe, pole, and log handling to this day.

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Pettibone announced that it is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Cary-Lift.

Terry Harris began his career in the concrete industry in 1979 and has more than four decades of experience with ready mixed concrete, precast, masonry, and admixtures.

Concrete Industry Veteran Earns Leadership Award

National Ready Mixed Concrete Association established the Shydlowski-Turner Materials Leadership Award to honor an individual who, as a materials supplier to the ready mixed concrete industry, exemplifies leadership, commitment, and support for industry.

Unicontrol and Level Best, united in their commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the construction industry, aim to push the boundaries of construction technology, setting new benchmarks for excellence as the industry becomes increasingly receptive to these advancements.

Unicontrol to Integrate 3D Tech With Level Best Equipment

By integrating Unicontrol's 3D machine control system with Level Best's precision grading equipment, this partnership aims to raise standards in machinery efficiency and usability.

The electric-powered excavator can be charged rapidly using the PowerTree.

DEUTZ Highlights Eco-friendly Parts, Software

The company will showcase the TCD 3.9 engine in the sub-4 liter category along with an electric excavator, powered by DEUTZ Electric System, and the DEUTZ PowerTree mobile rapid charging system at INTERMAT.

Gerrit Marx.

CNH Names CEO

Gerrit Marx will succeed Scott Wine as of July 1.

Deere3

Deere, Purdy Search for Chief Tractor Officer

To apply, candidates must submit a short-form video with their pitch for the position, showing the creativity, humor, and passion they’d bring to the job.

White Cap has also acquired Crimson Steel Supply, LLC (Crimson Steel), a distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products serving non-residential and infrastructure end markets.

White Cap Expands Reach in Oklahoma, Oregon

White Cap has acquired Bend Construction - a supplier of struts, fasteners, anchors, and concrete accessories and products - and Crimson Steel - a distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products.

Adobe Stock 226955427

Designing an Effective Hiring Process

Getting the right people on your team is critical to the sustainability of your business. High turnover rates or underperforming team members can have a detrimental impact on your business and profitability.