If you’re in the business of snow and ice removal, you’ve more than likely heard about the salt shortage plaguing the Midwest and Northeast. An unexpected late season ice storm last spring, a labor strike at the world’s largest salt mine, and issues surrounding a large mining operation in Ohio have resulted in a deficit in a salt deficit as plow companies begin stocking their supplies for winter. Since municipalities typically get first dibs on road salt, private plow companies are sent scouring the globe for reliable suppliers.
As is the curse of supply and demand, snow removal businesses that are able to find a salt source will likely be shelling out more than double the usual price. Additionally, since North American reserves are virtually empty, or at least will be once government bids go through, salt will need to be imported from overseas, tacking on the high cost of freight and logistics to an already expensive commodity.
However, snowfighters are no strangers to salt shortages and, as a result, many have developed inferior alternatives to rock salt as well as conservation strategies to use less salt. They’re also learning to keep an eye on the market and winter weather predictions and secure their salt supply long before the first snow of the season. A few business leaders in the industry have shared their advice for making it through the salt shortage.
Troy Clogg, owner of Troy Clogg Landscape and Snow Associates in Michigan, explains, “The sooner we all find and secure a salt deal to meet our needs the better off we will be going into winter, negotiating contracts and sharing this process with the end user: our clients. I strongly urge you to educate yourself and educate your clients on the process of procuring salt. Knowledge is always powerful and helpful.” Learn more about how Troy mitigates risk with snowfall insurance.
Kevin Gilbride, executive director of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA), was advising snow contractors to secure their salt inventory back in July. “Start talking with your salt suppliers now. Talk with more than one of them. Get bids now. Commit as soon as possible, then take delivery as soon as you can.”
Phill Sexton, certified snow professional and president of WIT Advisers, also shared his advice for remaining profitable during the salt shortage on the SIMA blog:
- Measure and use no more salt than is necessary
- Utilize brine or other liquid forms of salt that are more efficient
- Anti-icing, which proactively prevents snow from bonding to pavement, enables reduced salt use by at least four times compared to traditional rock salt application methods
- Communicate to your clients that a supply shortage exists and help them to understand the importance of pre-ordering at least 75 percent of annual estimated inventory next year
Another way snow contractors can mitigate the risk associated with the salt shortage is by investing in snowfall insurance. Spectrum offers snowfall insurance for excess snowfall–which covers additional supplies and labor costs if snowfall exceeds what is covered in a contract–as well as insurance that can make up for the loss in jobs if there’s a lack in snowfall during the season.
