Elevators and Moving Stairways Price Trends: BLS PPI Data for Conveying-Systems Bids
Estimators and general contractors handling multi-story commercial packages, vertical transportation scopes, or interior fit-outs around elevator shafts need accurate baseline numbers to evaluate conveying-systems bids. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks manufacturer selling prices for these assemblies under commodity series WPU114201, providing a transparent benchmark for long-lead equipment procurement and project budgeting.
Step 1: Identify the BLS Conveying Systems Commodity Benchmark
The first step in evaluating pricing for vertical transportation equipment is locating the authoritative federal series. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics PPI data for series WPU114201 covers "Machinery and equipment-Elevators and moving stairways." The series is published on a not seasonally adjusted basis using an index base period of 1982 = 100.
Because vertical conveying equipment requires significant factory lead time, estimators should check the latest published figures rather than rely on outdated supplier estimates. For September 2026, the series reached an index level of 218.1 (raw 218.061). Keep in mind that monthly values from the BLS are preliminary and remain subject to revision for four months after initial publication.
Step 2: Track Multi-Year Price Trajectories to Set Your Baseline
To determine whether current conveying quotes reflect stable market conditions or lingering post-pandemic increases, estimators must measure recent index levels against historical benchmarks. Between January 2019 and September 2026, the lowest monthly value recorded was 152.1 (raw 152.100) in January 2019.
In January 2020, before widespread supply chain disruptions, the index stood at 156.1 (raw 156.100). The climb to 218.1 in September 2026 represents a 39.7% jump over pre-pandemic levels. On a five-year basis, moving from 164.4 (raw 164.351) in September 2021 to 218.1 in September 2026 marks an increase of 32.7%. When reviewing subcontractor bids on long-cycle jobs, recognizing these compounding adjustments prevents carrying equipment allowances that understate actual manufacturing costs.
Step 3: Analyze Recent Short-Term Rate Shifts
While the long-term rise has been substantial, recent figures demonstrate noticeable leveling. Estimators preparing annual budgets should compare single-year shifts to evaluate pricing velocity:
- Two-year movement: September 2024 stood at 211.0 (raw 210.961), reflecting a 3.4% rise to September 2026.
- One-year movement: September 2025 recorded 215.4 (raw 215.408), indicating a 1.2% rise to September 2026.
- Window high: The peak monthly level across the entire January 2019 through September 2026 observation window occurred in March 2026 at 218.8 (raw 218.776). The September 2026 level of 218.1 is 0.3% below that historical peak.
- Month-over-month movement: The index shifted from 218.0 in August 2026 to 218.1 in September 2026, registering a 0.0% change.
Summary Table: BLS PPI Data for Elevators and Moving Stairways
The table below summarizes the key data points published under BLS series WPU114201 for estimating and bid-leveling comparisons.
| Reference Point | Index Date | Index Value | Percent Change to Latest (Sep 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Pandemic Baseline | January 2020 | 156.1 | +39.7% |
| Five Years Earlier | September 2021 | 164.4 | +32.7% |
| Two Years Earlier | September 2024 | 211.0 | +3.4% |
| One Year Earlier | September 2025 | 215.4 | +1.2% |
| Window High | March 2026 | 218.8 | -0.3% |
| Latest Available | September 2026 | 218.1 | 0.0% (MoM vs. Aug 2026) |
Step 4: Review Annual Averages and 13-Month Movement
Annual averages offer estimators a broader perspective on the trajectory of factory pricing across successive bid seasons. Calculated from monthly data, the annual averages were 154.5 in 2019, 156.8 in 2020, 164.0 in 2021, 193.7 in 2022, 202.3 in 2023, 208.6 in 2024, and 214.6 in 2025. For 2026, the average through September stands at 218.2.
Examining the trailing 13 months reveals how pricing plateaued. The index held flat at 215.4 across September 2025, October 2025, November 2025, and December 2025. In January 2026 and February 2026, it shifted upward to 218.5, then touched 218.8 in March 2026 and April 2026. Pricing eased to 217.7 during May 2026 and June 2026, registered 217.6 in July 2026, ticked up to 218.0 in August 2026, and closed at 218.1 in September 2026.
Step 5: Apply Trend Data to Escalation Clauses and Proposals
Given that conveying systems involve lengthy engineering and fabrication cycles, contractors bidding on multi-year delivery timelines should consider inserting price escalation clauses tied to documented benchmarks. Referencing series WPU114201 directly from the BLS PPI commodity series WPU114201 gives owners, developers, and trade contractors a clear, published basis for adjustments if factory delivery extends beyond the standard bid validity period.
Sources
Published November 9, 2026. No affiliate links on this page. Facts come from the sources linked above; check them for updates.