FBM announces delivery cost increases

Foundation Build Materials (FBM) said it will increase delivery costs this week following increases from suppliers and rising gasoline prices.

In a letter from Chief Sales Officer Kirby Thompson, published on the build material distributor’s site, FBM said, “The unanticipated rapid rise in fuel cost has resulted in our suppliers implementing increased delivery charges, fuel surcharges and or previously unannounced price increases on shipments beginning as soon as this week.”

FBM noted that it has seen increases in the price of drywall, insulation, ceilings, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRB) products, and steel. 

“Nearly every supplier has communicated that there will be continued price escalation throughout 2022,” Kirby said in the announcement.

The Santa Ana, Calif.-based company pointed to transportation charge increases of $300 per truck from Armstrong and price hikes as high as 35% from Crane on FRP products. 

“Due to the turmoil in Europe, worldwide supply chain issues, and a worldwide energy calamity we believe we will be dealing with many of these issues throughout 2022,” Kirby said in the letter.

FBM customers will be contacted by regional representatives with more details about the increases in freight and transportation charges expected to be implemented on April 1.

Ridgefield Supply Company, the Connecticut pro dealer and a division of US LBM, announced earlier this month that it was implementing a $25 fuel surcharge in addition to other delivery fees.

The dealer attributed the additional charge to rising prices for gas and diesel “with no immediate end in sight.”

AAA reported that the national average price for regular gas is $4.236 per gallon as of March 30. This compares to $2.869 per gallon one year ago.

The national average for diesel fuel is $5.124 as of March 30, compared to an average of $3.095 for the same date last year.