Fuel Costs vs. R.S. Means Data

[DMcGrath]

Any idea what the baseline fuel cost ($/gallon) is in the RS Means "Construction Cost Data" is? I am looking primarily at Section 02315 for Hauling. I presume that the estimators could not have forecast the recent meteoric rise in fuel costs when the book went to press.

What I am looking for is a rough idea of the cost per gallon used in their estimates, so I can apply an increase factor to account for reality these days. For example, if the estimates were based on diesel at $3/gallon, and now it is $4.50/gallon, I could add 50% to get a rough idea of the impact. I know the total cost is more than just fuel, but I also know I cannot use the data out of the book at face value anymore.

 

[GoldDredger]

Sounds to me like a great question to ask the folks at RS Means. When you find out from them post it here, would be curious to know what they say.

 

[Hoagie]

You may want to check anything you extrapolate or adjust from Means (or Saylor, or USACE cost data, etc) with a contractor or trucking company. I've recently had problems with published cost data due to the zaniness of fuel cost, the weak dollar, demands abroad, i, etc...

Allow me to suggest that you denote that the cost data is only current/valid/useful for 30-days.

 

[firai]

On a side note from Hoagie's comment: The latest I've heard from contractors is that quoted prices are valid for a period closer to 7 days because the costs are rising so rapidly, especially when it involves any construction involving materials like steel where there's a huge global demand for.

 

[bobmewis]

When you adjust the published cost to your location with the city cost index, the average cost for diesel fuel in your location for that quarter is included.