3. Shipping Costs Keep Rising

Freight and logistics costs have surged in recent years due to fuel costs, port congestion, driver shortages, and stricter emissions regulations. Every component of a steel tank, especially large or custom-built ones, relies on timely and expensive shipping either from US manufacturers or, most certainly, from offshore providers. NST is fortunate to be one of the largest providers in the country and receive preferential treatment, getting our tanks delivered on time. Although we negotiate the best rates possible, the current pricing model for any shipping company is at the high end of historical pricing and is expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future. If you can order your tank now, you can lock in better rates and avoid further surcharges.

4. Limited Manufacturing Capacity

The post-pandemic manufacturing landscape is marked by reduced capacity and labor shortages. Steel tank production is no exception. Production slots fill up fast, with some lead times stretching several months into the future. With tariffs delayed for a 90-day window, there is a sense of urgency to get orders in ASAP, and that is showing itself in most production facilities at max capacity and, in some cases, beyond. Placing your order now ensures your spot in the production queue.

5. Global Instability Impacts Supply Chains

Global events, from wars to political unrest, can disrupt steel supply chains overnight. These disruptions seem to be coming in ever-increasing frequency and can delay shipments or lead to material shortages that halt production completely. Acting now and placing your order long in advance becomes the only way to avoid the inherent delays predicted to become standard in the industry.

6. Seasonal Construction Windows

There are only so many months in a year for outdoor projects when construction is viable due to weather. Your design and engineering staff have most certainly accounted for optimum installation timing in their submitted plans. Production delays that move delivery of the tank into an off-season create massive logistical issues with storage and permit issuance in case the tank is for fire suppression. The entire development is now delayed because of the mandated tank installed on the property.  Perhaps ordering sooner rather than later may keep your project on schedule and opening as planned.

7. Cost of Delay Could Outweigh Cost of an Accelerated Purchase

Any new or existing project without water storage solutions may cost you more in lost operations, emergency sourcing, or inefficiencies than you can imagine. Delays have real financial consequences, whether it’s a compliance requirement, fire protection, or irrigation system. Investing now saves money in the long run.

8. Limited Inventory of Certain Tank Sizes

Not all steel tank sizes and types are readily available. Some high-demand sizes are usually the first ones to feel pressure from shortages as they sell out quickly without any excess inventory to pick up the slack.  Waiting may mean settling for a less-than-ideal size or configuration—or facing longer lead times and increased costs for custom builds.

9. Potential for Tax Incentives and Grants

Purchasing water storage tanks for agriculture, commercial buildings, or fire protection may qualify for government incentives or rebates—many of which are time-sensitive. Act now to maximize your potential tax or grant benefits.

10. Beware of Cut-Rate, Sub-Standard Products that Seem Like a Solution

Water Storage is no longer optional; it’s essential and often mandated by many cities, counties, and states before a project is permitted. Historically, anytime there is a shortage of products like steel tanks, we see an increased number of fly-by-night operations springing up with shiny but substandard solutions. Don’t be fooled and BUYER BEWARE, as we typically spend a lot of time cleaning up the problems this type of tank provider creates. The message here is clear: Buy Now, Buy Quality, By Reputation and Experience, and stay away from the “too good to be true” sellers, which never are.