Automotive Blog

There really are two main reasons for purchasing a utility or cargo trailer . The rising price of fuel today has caused small business owners to really examine their daily operating costs. Nothing expands the hauling capability of a small vehicle more then a small utility or cargo trailer. The second reason is for a specific recreation or hobby use.

At one time, the business owner would buy the largest truck possible which was capable of hauling all of his equipment to the jobsite. It really didn’t matter if you used all the equipment on every job or not. I can speak from experience here. You just wanted the security of knowing you were prepared for anything. Although that was a nice convenience, today it is simply impractical and expensive.

In today’s world of high fuel costs, it makes much more sense to operate your business with as small a vehicle as practical and depend upon a good quality utility trailer to haul your tools and equipment for the specific job at hand. Many owners of traditional “box-type” trucks are trading them in for standard and small size pickup trucks. At first, the owners suffer a bit of anxiety while deciding exactly what equipment is absolutely necessary to have with them every day and what equipment can be stored in their garage until they have that specific need. From personal experience, you will learn very quickly that most equipment you have been hauling around for years, simply isn’t necessary.

The second benefit of owning a good quality utility or cargo trailer is that it allows you to store your equipment in the yard instead of taking up valuable room in your garage. I’ve known more then one contractor who actually has two trailers for job specific equipment.

One convenience to look for when buying a cargo trailer is a side door if it is over 10 feet in length. This allows much easier access then climbing over equipment to find that one tool you stored in the front of the trailer and you only use once every six months. I’ve known some contractors who purchased large cargo trailers and actually set up a mobile shop inside the trailer. Another option to consider is a drop-down ramp door if you will be moving heavy equipment in and out of your trailer on a regular basis. I’ve found this option very beneficial for handling heavy floor maintenance equipment. Of couse the same would apply for landscaping or garden equipment.

The second reason mentioned was using your utility or cargo trailer to haul your special “toys.” The special motorcycle and snowmobile trailers are set up specifically for those types of equipment. Of course open utility trailers are fine for hauling quads as well as lawn mowers. Actually today you will find a good quality utility or cargo trailer for whatever your specific needs are.

The market for exports of U.S.-made construction machinery closed out 2007 with a gain of more than 26% compared to the previous year, for a total of $17.2 billion dollars worth of equipment sold worldwide, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM North American-based international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly export trends report.

“This positive export data underscores the importance of global trade to American manufacturers as they face a slowdown in U.S. business, as well as the continued need for free and fair trade across borders. The worldwide demand for infrastructure building has helped the construction equipment industry remain strong,” noted AEM Senior Vice President Al Cervero.

“Countries around the world are committing to infrastructure projects that increase their capability to compete in the global marketplace. The United States also needs to step up infrastructure investment or risk being left behind, especially by emerging markets,” Cervero added.

Africa, Asia and Europe showed the most growth in their export purchases, and Canada recorded the smallest gains for year-end 2007.

Africa led the way in 2007 with a 67% gain in export purchases, for a total of $1.1 billion. Exports to Asia grew 57% and totaled $2.4 billion dollars, while Europe took delivery of $2.8 billion of U.S.-made equipment, a 50% gain compared to 2007.

Export business to Canada showed the smallest growth–an increase of 8.5% that totaled $5.5 billion.

Construction machinery exports to South America grew 20% in 2007, with purchases worth $2.3 billion; and exports to Central America came in at $1.6 billion, a 27% increase. Export business to Australia/Oceania increased 12% to top $1.6 billion.