Construction News Tracker Video: Market Indicators Point to Robust 2014

Several industry associations and consulting firms are indicating 2014 will be a good year for construction industry growth plus more news on the October 3, 2013, edition of Construction News Tracker

Market indicators point to a robust 2014...

Colorado flood rebuilding bids sought...

Consumer Reports recommends Ram 1500 over top rated Chevy pickup...

Equipment rental market to grow...

That and more on Construction News Tracker brought to you by Caterpillar and produced by ForConstructionPros.com.

Construction growth for next year and beyond appears strong, as far as the Portland Cement Association believes. Chief economist Ed Sullivan reports all the fundamentals are poised to show 9.7% consumption increases in each of the next two years.

Architecture Billings Index Shows Strongest Growth in Six Months

Meanwhile, FMI, the management consulting firm specializing in the construction field, claims the CPIP or construction-put-in-place shows a 7% growth for 2014, rising to $977 billion, in both the residential and commercial fields.

Analyst Expects Construction Will Be 'The Place to Be' In 12 to 18 Months

Even the green building sector is in for sustained growth as the latest report from the USGBC indicates half of all commercial and institutional construction will be green certified by 2016.

As Colorado flood waters recede the calls go out for construction bids to rebuild communities that suffered damage. Energy producing firms such as gas wells and storage facilities suffered substantial damage such as spills and exposed lines in addition to chemical holding tanks.

CDOT: Flood Damaged Colorado Highways Will Reopen by Dec. 1

Colorado Highway Crews Work to Reopen Flood-Damaged Roads

Pontoon bridges and other temporary fixes are planned to reconnect scores of one road flood blocked mountain towns. With winter just around the corner in the mountainous state, contractors are racing the clock to get relief in place as soon as possible.

Secretary Foxx Announces Additional $30M in 'Quick Release' Emergency Relief Funds for Colorado

Confusion may be brewing following recent Consumer Reports tests. The independent testing agency rates the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 as its top half ton, but truck testers report the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 may be the better daily drive. After vigorous and varied side-by-side comparisons they finished 1 and 2, separated by only three points. Silverado is a little more capable, but Ram gets top ride and comfort marks. The Ford F-150 XLT trailed the Chevy by 11 points. What it really boils down to then is buyer preference, capability or comfort.

Video: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review from Consumer Reports

Video: 2013 Ram 1500 Review from Consumer Reports

The equipment rental market continues to grow, reaching the $32 billion mark thi year and poised to hit $36 billion next year. Frank Manfredi says economic uncertainty is one of the reasons for the surge along with stock piling Tier 3 machines by rental agencies ahead of the Tier 4 mandate that looms ahead.

In a recent interview with cat CEO Doug Oberhelman, I asked him about the importance of the rental market for Cat dealers...

Finally, never be afraid to do something new. Remember amateurs built the Ark but professionals built the Titanic.

This is Construction News Tracker watching out for the industry that makes the world a better place. Brought to you by Caterpillar and produced by ForConstructionPros.com.

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