If your department is buying new apparatus and more than 1-2 units are anticipated over the next 5 years or so consider bidding out your replacement or acquisition program. One of the benefits is you get a bid for all apparatus with prices now and price factors for each piece and when it will be built.

What you also do is develop a relationship with your manufacturer and dealer that extends not just to customer service but price. In fact you may end buying trucks 5 years from now at todays or yesterdays price. This is especially true with Pierce, American Lafrance and Central States.

Food for thought!