American firefighters are in distress as they face the heat of skyrocketing fire truck prices, now reaching a daunting $2 million, leading to calls for an investigation.
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The consolidation of the fire truck manufacturing sector into the grip of few major players is being blamed for pushing up prices and delaying deliveries.
This calls into question public safety and demands immediate action.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has sounded the alarm to federal antitrust authorities.
The union has joined forces with the American Economic Liberties Project, submitting a detailed letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.
They are calling out the monopoly of three main companies: REV Group, Oshkosh Corporation, and Rosenbauer, which together control about two-thirds of the market for fire and emergency vehicles.
According to the IAFF, fire truck prices have doubled over the past decade.
With the costs for specialized ladder trucks peaking at $2 million, departments are struggling under budget constraints.
The IAFF emphasizes that these price hikes threaten emergency response, leaving communities vulnerable, especially in disaster-prone regions such as California, which has recently faced devastating wildfires.
Manufacturers cite supply chain issues, heightened demand, and inflation as the main causes of climbing costs and delays.
Oshkosh has poured investments into enhancing manufacturing capabilities and technology to fulfill demand.
On the other hand, REV Group points to labor shortages and rising material costs as formidable obstacles.
The IAFF raises concerns over extended delivery wait times, with fire departments reportedly experiencing backlogs of up to four years.
Prices are proving to be unpredictable, with variable pricing agreements resulting in increased costs even after orders are placed.
This financial uncertainty is a stumbling block on the path to securing vital emergency equipment promptly.
The union is urging comprehensive study by the FTC to understand the impact of industry consolidation on the availability of critical emergency response services.
As fire departments grapple with these challenges, the IAFF’s push for an antitrust probe might be the crucial step toward reinstating competition in the fire truck manufacturing industry.
Such a move is expected to bring about reduced prices and more efficient production, thereby enhancing the capability of fire departments to protect public safety.
As fire truck prices hit $2 million, US firefighters demand an antitrust probe https://t.co/0q3IJlY3ET https://t.co/0q3IJlY3ET
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 13, 2025
