Current Equipment Policies of Utility Contractors

This paper summarizes the results of an extensive survey of contractors concerning equipment policies. This study shows how contractors, particularly utility contractors, establish and implement varying equipment policies. Topics such as equipment financing, disposal, depreciation, obsolescence and acquisition are addressed. The survey results indicate important discrepancies between current contractor practices in management of equipment and the policies often recommended in research and professional literature. Also, comparative analysis of survey responses for small, medium, and large firms reveals significant differences in typical equipment decisions and use.