News

A payment dispute in Washington, D.C. has left more than 100 snow contractors waiting on millions after January storm work, raising broader questions about emergency snow contracts and compensation rules.

What started as a career inside corporate America eventually became something more: a decision to build an independent media platform focused on real equipment insight, real contractor experiences, and the people who keep winter moving.

You might think snow and ice equipment manufacturers take it easy in the summer—but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. From forecasting sales and managing inventory to launching marketing campaigns and running cold-weather tests, the so-called “off-season” is anything but quiet. In this guest editor piece, Mark Klossner pulls back the curtain on what keeps OEMs busy long after the snow melts—and why getting it right in July makes all the difference in January.

Hilltip will host its first North American Fleet Days event May 21–22, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bringing winter maintenance professionals together for product demos, technical training, and industry insights. Attendees will get a first look at new spreader and plow models for the 2026–2027 season while connecting with peers and Hilltip experts.

A wide range of surplus snow equipment, trucks, and heavy machinery is now available through a timed online auction closing May 20. Contractors and municipalities have the opportunity to bid on plows, spreaders, and fleet vehicles from Maple Leaf Inc.

The compact equipment attachment manufacturer is growing its North American footprint with a new Iowa facility designed to support rising demand and strengthen production capabilities.

The work doesn’t end with the final snowfall. Post-season snow operations—including cleanup, maintenance, and client review—are key to protecting assets and preparing for the next winter season.

The annual Indianapolis event brought together 15,646 commercial vehicle professionals and 547 exhibitors, with major announcements from Ram, Ford Pro, and Harbinger highlighting advancements in chassis design, AI fleet tools, and alternative powertrains.

Green Truck Summit is evolving into Future Truck Summit in 2027, signaling a broader focus on advanced vehicle technology, data, and fleet innovation. Led by NTEA – The Work Truck Association in collaboration with NAFA Fleet Management Association, the expanded conference will deliver deeper insights into the systems and solutions shaping the future of work trucks.

The 2026 Snow Alliance Spring Conference is set for April 24–25, 2026, bringing snow and ice professionals together for two days focused on education, collaboration, and industry relationships.

Looking to reach decision makers in the snow and ice industry? Snow Plow News provides a focused platform to promote products, generate leads, and connect with professionals actively involved in purchasing snow and ice equipment.