becoming contractor for ROWs

[cricket1]

Hi guys Iam new member on this site but not in the green idustry.after 12 years in the business landscaping and lawn maintenace I would like to expend my business and start working for utility companies clearing ROWs mowing,hydro seeding and brush hogging.
My question to you guys is how can I get in contact with right person in what department?do they post bids? does utility co. picks one cotractor to do all that work or they have different contractor for diferent jobs like one for clearing ROWs with skidsteer one for cuting trees, one for mowing ....... and so. :confused2:
thanks.

 

[Heavyduty]

Wow, 70 views on this tread and you can hear crickets. :laughing:

In the ROW business, you will soon find getting the contracts is harder than doing the clearing. I'd call around and see who has the current ROW contract in your area and ask some ??? Problem you may find is that you don't have the experience they require. You never know who's getting out of the buisness and you could get lucky.

You might be better off working for a big ROW contractor first, to see if you like the work, before spending alot of $$$ and not having any work for your equipment. Good Luck, its a tough business.

 

[beenthere]

Go directly to the potential customer and ask those questions.
Just like you likely did in your 12 year landscapoing and lawn business.

Probably can start by searching the company name, and finding out if there are any local (close to you) offices. I doubt emailing for a contact would work.

Good luck.

 

[cricket1]

thank you for reply on my question.

 

[two_bit_score]

cricket1, it might help if you said where you are located or where you wer interested in getting work.

Utitlty company ROW work would also be different than DOT ROW mowing work I would think.

Are you talking about relocating utility lines for the utility companies or just clearing trees and brush? Maintenance mowing?

 

[cricket1]

cricket1, it might help if you said where you are located or where you wer interested in getting work.

Utitlty company ROW work would also be different than DOT ROW mowing work I would think.

Are you talking about relocating utility lines for the utility companies or just clearing trees and brush? Maintenance mowing?

I am located in north east ohio. I would do clearing tree and brush and also maintenace mowing.
thanks.

 

[DIRTROAD]

Cricket

Imagine the amount of malpractice insurance that a brain surgeon has to carry.

In doing ROW work you are essentially like that brain surgeon.

Imagine if you broke a transmission or distribution line. You would not only be responsible for the costs associated with repairing the broken line, but also everything else that happened as a result of that broken line.

This includes the Nursing Home or Hospital that had to go to back up power. The traffic signals that were disrupted resulting in accidents. The grocery store whose meat and ice cream were ruined as a result. The wildfire suppresion costs for the wildfire that sparked as a result of the downed line.

There is no way to list everything that could happen.

Insurance is just the start.

A new ROW Woods Boss tractor and Brown Tree Cutter will run you around $75,000 each depending on specs.

Then you have to put an operator in each tractor and fuel and maintenance.

Then you need certified sawyers and arborists on each crew as well as all of thier cutting and climbing gear.

Then you will need a chip truck and chipper per crew as well as a bucket truck.

It adds up real quick.

Unless you have multiple references noone will even begin to talk to you.

This is just food for thought.

It can be done. Unless you have millions to invest, you will need to start as a sub working under someone else. Then in time you might be able to expand and secure some contracts. The problem is that all of the big companies like Asplundh have most of the contracts wrapped up. To work for them you must work for the amount that they set.

I wish you luck

 

[Robbie Hegwood]

What Dirt said is case in point, it took him some time to learn the info he just gave you. What you are talking about is what the guys on here and my customer's work so very hard for. Making the right contacts and out performing the other guy. I do wish you luck but Dirt is right, working for someone doing this is the best place to start. Then see what you think.

 

[cricket1]

thank you guys for advice.I did not know that was lot of BS involved in this.
best thing to do is fined some local company and try as a sub.
does any body knows any company in my area who does that kined of work and who hires subcontractors??

 

[bc realtor]

If you go into it make sure you have an insurance policy that is directed towards the equipment that you have. Most insurers tend to want to avoid roadside and brush mowers. Last year a local roadside mower here severed a gas vent that was hidden in a pile of brambles.The total cost came to 2.6million in damages when all was settled.
The mistakes are costly and the insurance costs show this.
But if you can find the right contract that you will be paid well for, check your numbers and have fun.