Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Utility Locating Services
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
Smarter cost management starts with comprehensive market intelligence
United States
Europe
Global
Quick Navigation
Utility Locating Services Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Construction firms in this market assess a job site before an excavation project begins to determine utility lines' locations. Services include assessment of utility lines for natural gas, telecommunications, electricity, fiber optics, water, sewage, traffic lights, and other underground and underwater utility equipment. Vendors also specialize in safety management and typically work directly with construction crews in the early stages of excavation projects. Local governments source utility locating services for utility infrastructure maintenance activities and oil and gas production companies. Key buyers include construction and engineering companies, utility companies, municipalities and government agencies, telecommunications companies, oil, gas, and pipeline companies.
This Report Includes:
- Assessment of Underground Utility Lines
- Assessment of Construction Sites
Not in this Report:
- Engineering Consulting Services
- Right-Of-Way Maintenance Services
Global Utility Locating Services Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Utility Locating Services market.
Warning Trends
Tariffs to negatively impact the building and construction machinery sector
- The Trump Administration’s reciprocal tariffs, which apply general tariff rate increases to most countries the United States trades with, are set to take effect on August 7, after the administration finalized the national rates on August 1. As a result, leading sources of imported construction machinery face significantly higher tariff rates, including Japan (15.0%), Mexico (25.0%), South Korea (15.0%), the European Union (15.0%), the United Kingdom (10.0%), China (54.0%), and Canada (35.0%).
- The increase in tariffs on building and construction machinery imported from tariff-impacted countries will add to the price of imports, which are typically passed on to buyers in the form of higher prices. According to The Budget Lab at Yale, the additional tariffs on imports will increase overall prices for machinery and equipment by 13.3%.
- Additionally, the administration has already implemented 50.0% tariffs on all aluminum and steel imported into the United States, with the sole exception of imports from the United Kingdom. These tariffs will increase input costs even for construction machinery suppliers with domestic manufacturing operations.
- According to an April 2025 survey from Construction Equipment Magazine, around half of the respondents reported that the higher tariffs will increase operating costs by up to 15.0%, and more than half said they plan to pass those increases along to buyers.
- As many building and construction machinery brands source parts and components such as steel, engines, and electronics from foreign countries, higher tariff rates will put upward pressure on prices and lead to greater rental rates as manufacturers and dealers pass on costs. In addition, suppliers that source parts from tariff-affected regions may see supply chain disruptions as they seek alternative suppliers to mitigate tariff impacts.
Increased tariffs on copper imports take effect
- On August 1, the Trump administration implemented 50.0% tariffs on imported copper. Chile and Canada will be most impacted by these tariffs, as they account for a combined 87.0% of all copper imports in the United States.
- However, these tariffs are less sweeping than initially expected, only applying to semi-finished copper products, while excluding high-purity refined copper and copper input materials, such as ore and concentrate. As leading importers, such as Chile and Canada, have both high copper mining and refining capacities, they will likely avoid most of these tariffs by either exporting the copper in its unrefined form or refining the copper before exporting it to the United States
- These copper tariff exemptions limit the impact on the electronics and electrical equipment sectors because these applications require refined copper due to its optimal conductive properties.
- Thus, the prices of metal alloys that include copper, consumer products made from copper, tools, plumbing, corrosion-resistant alloys, and construction materials made from copper are forecast to rise by an average of 39.2%, according to the Yale Budget Lab.
Global Utility Locating Services Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 Europe | 9,550 |
| #2 China | 9,235 |
| #3 Africa & Middle East | 5,190 |
Explore supplier concentration across the globe
We've uncovered the 11 top regions for global procurement, based on feedback from our most strategic clients. Access vendor counts for each unique region when you subscribe.
2
Geography Drilldown - US & Europe
Average Cost of Utility Locating Services
United States
2026 Market Pricing$140.00 to $XXX.XX
per hourEurope
Average Price
Prices in the Utility Locating Services market range from $140.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Utilities Present, Level of Specialization, Land Conditions and Project Location. For example, lower prices are associated with Electrical utility, whereas higher prices are associated with Water utility.
Need the scoop on international price trends?
Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Utility Locating Services Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Utility Locating Services market, prices in the US have grown 1.7% from 2022 to 2025. Meanwhile, the recent three-year CAGR for Europe is +1.0%.
United States (2022-2025)
Europe (2022-2025)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Wondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Utility Locating Services
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Utility Locating Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Delays may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Implementation
Billed During
Compliance
Unforeseen
Delays
Scope Changes
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -1.0 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Market Share Concentration. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Europe
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Medium, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Navigational Instrument Manufacturers
- Computer & Packaged Software Wholesalers
- Fuel Dealers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Electrical Equipment Wholesalers
- Computer Manufacturers
- Software Publishers
- Petroleum Refineries
Biggest Utility Locating Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Utility Locating Services vendors by revenue in the US are Cox Utility Services Inc., ELM LLC and Mason Private Locating LLC. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dycom Industries, Inc. | WEST PALM BEACH, FL | >10,000 | < 5 | |||||
| United States Infrastructure Corporation | International | Indianapolis, IN | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Cox Utility Services Inc. | Regional | Charlotte, NC | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| ELM LLC | Regional | Peoria, IL | 501-1,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Mason Private Locating LLC | Regional | Pittsboro, INI | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| Subsurface Imaging Inc. | National | Paramount, CA | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| Atlantic Leak Detection and Utility Locating, LLC | National | Marlboro, NJ | 51-100 | < 5 | ||||
| Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Llc | National | Toledo, OH | 251-500 | < 5 | ||||
| United Locating Services | Regional | Missoula, MT | 251-500 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Utility Locating Services market is 12.2% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Overhead. The cost trend for this component is stagnating, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
The utility locating service market has a low level of market share concentration, with the four largest players accounting for less than 5.0% of total market revenue. There are more than 4,000 utility locating service companies in the United States, the majority of which operate on a local or regional basis.
Average vendor risk is moderate due to the high competition in the market and a moderate pace of regulatory change.
Supply chain risk is moderate in the utility locating services market; in recent years, the number of navigational instrument suppliers has decreased because many firms have been absorbed by more stable suppliers. This trend has decreased the level of price competition within the navigational instrument supply market, thus increasing supply risk for utility locating service firms.
Although the United States is a net importer of measuring instruments, this does not impact buyers of utility locating services, as these instruments are purchased by service providers and have a long useful life.
Supplier Information
Atlantic Leak Detection and Utility Locating, LLC
Atlantic Leak Detection and Utility Locating, LLC is a private company operating nationally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 2010, the company is currently headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey,... Subscribe to learn more
Cox Utility Services Inc.
Cox Utility Services Inc. is a private company operating regionally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 1837, the company is currently headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of... Subscribe to learn more
Dycom Industries, Inc.
Dycom Industries, Inc. is a public company operating in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 1900, the company is currently headquartered in PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida, United States of America with... Subscribe to learn more
ELM LLC
ELM LLC is a private company operating regionally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 1991, the company is currently headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, United States of America with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more
Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Llc
Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Llc is a private company operating nationally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 2001, the company is currently headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, United States of... Subscribe to learn more
Mason Private Locating LLC
Mason Private Locating LLC is a private company operating regionally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 2022, the company is currently headquartered in Pittsboro, India, United States of America... Subscribe to learn more
Subsurface Imaging Inc.
Subsurface Imaging Inc. is a private company operating nationally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 2004, the company is currently headquartered in Paramount, California, United States of America... Subscribe to learn more
United Locating Services
United Locating Services is a private company operating regionally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 1983, the company is currently headquartered in Missoula, Montana, United States of America... Subscribe to learn more
United States Infrastructure Corporation
United States Infrastructure Corporation is a private company operating internationally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include utility locating services. Founded in 1978, the company is currently headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana,... Subscribe to learn more
Accelerate the vendor selection process
Get a clear picture of the competition in a market and discover which vendors are best-suited for your sourcing needs. Our supplier profiles include hard-to-find financial ranges for private companies, cover public company data and feature an interactive competitor matrix.
Procurement Management KPIs for the Utility Locating Services Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) and Employee Retention Rate. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Planning and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) |
|
Number of positive customer responses Number of customer responses |
Customer satisfaction represents customers’ overall satisfaction with a company. Customer satisfaction can be used to determine whether customer improvements are required. Customer satisfaction can be used to evaluate a company’s reputation. |
| Employee Retention Rate |
|
Number of employees at start of period Number of employees at end of period |
The employee retention rate represents the share of employees a company is able to retain over a set time frame. The employee retention rate can be used to estimate a company’s costs associated with employee turnover. The employee retention rate can be used to determine a company’s likelihood of retaining quality employees and performing quality work. |
|
|||
Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Experience and Expertise
Tell me about similar projects you have worked on in the past. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
On average, how many years of experience does your staff have in this field? How does that measure up to the market average?
Competition
How do you attract new clients and retain existing ones?
As a large company, how do you compete with the emergence of smaller players into the market?
Service Performance
How do you ensure the accuracy/quality of your service? What systems/tools/software do you have in place to minimize the number of errors? How often are these systems checked and updated?
What checks and balances are in place to ensure that my project has received a thorough evaluation?
The ultimate prep for procurement negotations
View all 24 negotiation questions for this category when you subscribe.
Utility Locating Services RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should describe the size of their organization and provide information about their operations.
Buyers should include information about their organization type, such as if they are a manufacturing, commercial or military.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should state the number of locates to be performed, along with length of utility lines and type of utility for this specific RFP.
Buyers should include a full list of the required services needed because some vendors offer a range of related services.
Project Budget
Municipal buyers should disclose from which part of their budget (or fund) service payments will be made.
All buyers should suggest the best method of billing.
The RFP process made easy
Find out how you can access RFP templates for 800+ procurement categories to start writing better, more consistent RFPs.
We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
