The 2026 Civil Contractor Report: Overcoming Operational Challenges Through Better Data

Civil contractors are drowning in disconnected data. A new survey of 150 U.S. and Canadian earthmoving firms reveals that 38% struggle with disruptive design updates, 35% juggle software that won't share data, and nearly a third still rely on phone calls to make critical decisions. Even more telling: 62% are using manual methods, either alone or mixed with software, and about half admit they're not fully satisfied with their current site management tools. What's holding contractors back from upgrading, and what would finally convince them to make the leap? Download The 2026 Civil Contractor Report to find out.
Aug. 14, 2026

Construction technology is evolving fast, but is the civil construction industry actually keeping pace? The 2026 Civil Contractor Report surveyed U.S. and Canadian earthmoving and excavation professionals to find out.

The results paint a clear picture: contractors know their current workflows are inefficient, but many haven't made the jump to fully integrated site management solutions. Frequent design updates, siloed software, and manual phone-based communication top the list of daily headaches. Even firms with technology in place report it can take hours, sometimes more than a full workday, for updated design information to reach the field.

The report digs into what's really driving (and blocking) adoption. Cost remains the top barrier, cited by half of respondents, followed by implementation concerns and uncertainty about choosing the right solution. Yet contractors also see real upside: nearly two-thirds expect better estimating and takeoff data from improved data collection, and a quarter anticipate 10% or more in equipment repair savings through predictive maintenance.

Featuring commentary from Trimble's Elwyn McLachlan (VP, Civil Solutions) and Giffory Dew (Principal, Industry Workflows), along with real-world examples and direct quotes from surveyed contractors, this report offers a data-driven look at where civil construction stands today, and what it will take to close the gap between recognizing a problem and actually solving it.

Download the full report to benchmark your organization against your peers and build the case for smarter site management technology.