Have you ever wondered if we are ever going to get to the point where things seem to be “normal”? Since Covid hit, it seems that we’ve been navigating one issue after another that none of us have any control over. The latest issue being the tariffs.
I’m sure you are getting questions from your customers about what trailer pricing is going to do as a result of the tariffs. We’re receiving the same questions. As you know, SmithCo announced a 2% price increase starting with the July 1st 2026 model year. This price increase was not due to the tariffs but was due to the ever- increasing costs of doing business (labor, insurance, utilities, etc.). At this time, we really don’t have any clear indication on how much the tariffs are going to affect our costs and if a further increase will be needed. We do know that our quotes for steel have increased 30%-33%. We’ve also seen some smaller increases in other components.
Back in 2022 when inflation took off, SmithCo did not take advantage of the situation. During 2022, there were companies that increased pricing way beyond their cost increases. If SmithCo is forced to increase pricing beyond the scheduled 2% increase, we will only do so after giving you proper notification, and any increase will be limited to our actual cost increases. We are committed to being honest, open and transparent about our pricing and the reasons for any increases.
I’ve said this numerous times, and it’s still true. SmithCo is in partnership with you. We view our relationship with you as such...a partnership. We will do everything in our power to share in the cost increases that may occur. We will keep close tabs on the side dump market and will make sure that we remain competitive with our pricing.
Sales have been strong in the first 3 months of 2025. We are currently booked into the second week of July and are taking orders almost daily. If you have not done so, please reach out to your SmithCo sales representative to make sure you have build slots allocated for yourself. The number of “stock” units in our yard is now less than 25 units total, and they won’t be there very long. Don’t get caught without trailers available to sell. We all know that a customer is more likely to buy a trailer if it’s sitting in your lot.
Thank you for all that you do in making SmithCo the #1 side dump manufacturer. We truly appreciate your partnership and the effort that you give to selling SmithCo trailers. If there is anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Best Regards,
