What concerns me most about the sector can be summed up in one word — capacity. We are gearing up for projects that have been on the books since 2024 but have moved to the right. That, combined with new awards, makes 2026 a full year, and this is across several industries — it is not limited to one vertical. With projects implementing new strategies and continuing to build bigger, there will be a shortage of specialized equipment and personnel in the market to cover the work. We are already seeing a renaissance in hiring sprees for companies gearing up for 2026. Combined with specialized equipment being booked out 12 months in advance, it will be a fight for space for those who leave it to the last minute. We see this across the board, with particular focus on deck carriers, barges and rail cars. With projects continuing to move further inland — and seeing booms in areas that traditionally haven’t had mega projects — we are seeing equipment and resources spread further across the US, reducing the ability to share across projects. There is a finite number of resources, and those who plan early and place their MOUs will be best suited for a successful 2026.
Ryan Blewett, Vice President and Country Manager, deugro (USA)