Labor rates are rising fast—and you’re feeling it. Whether you’re managing a fleet, overseeing service operations, or specifying builds on the OEM side, you’ve seen the invoices creeping up.
Every repair, every maintenance check, every small wiring fix is costing you more. What used to be a quick $50 job is now north of $125 per hour in labor alone—sometimes higher in busy metro areas. And that’s not counting lost time or idle trailers.
So how do you get ahead of it?
With smarter, low-maintenance wiring systems like Peterson’s Defender® Harness System, you can reduce shop time, prevent failures, and keep your equipment moving.
The Real Cost of Labor
The average shop labor rate has topped $125/hour, with rates significantly higher in urban markets. Even a 30-minute wiring job can quickly become a $100+ problem—not including lost revenue from downtime.
What’s worse? Most of these issues are avoidable. Common failure points include:
- Corroded or exposed wiring
- Poor sealing and water intrusion
- Cheap, failure-prone connectors
- Pinched wires during install or repair
Every time you pull a trailer from service for an electrical repair, it’s a costly chain reaction: delays, diagnostics, labor, and loss.
Smarter Wiring = Less Labor
Whether you’re running 10 trailers or 10,000, labor savings scale fast when every hour counts Peterson’s sealed, modular wiring harnesses are engineered to solve labor cost challenges from the start. Here’s how:
- ✔ Fewer Failures – Our corrosion-resistant, fully sealed connections are built to withstand extreme conditions like road salt and repeated pressure washing.
- ✔ Faster Troubleshooting – Techs can isolate and fix problems quickly thanks to a simplified, modular layout—meaning less time spent on the lift and fewer hours on the clock.
- ✔ Easier Repairs – Damaged section? Just swap it. Our modular harnesses eliminate the need to rewire entire trailers.
- ✔ Longer Product Life – With OEM-grade materials and testing protocols that simulate years of abuse, Peterson wiring systems are made for longevity and fewer service intervals.
Learn more about the Peterson Defender® Harness System and what it can do for your fleet.
Compare the Long-Term Cost: Low-Cost Wiring vs. Peterson’s System
Here’s how a low-cost wiring setup stacks up against Peterson’s Defender® Harness System over time:
| Feature | Low-Cost Wiring | Peterson Modular System |
| Initial Cost | ✓ Lower upfront | ✓ Higher upfront |
| Failure Rate | ✗ Frequent | ✓ Rare |
| Labor for Repairs | ✗ Extensive | ✓ Minimal |
| Downtime Impact | ✗ High | ✓ Reduced |
| Total Cost Over Time | ✗ Higher | ✓ Lower |
The Smarter Investment for Every Trailer
A cheaper wiring solution might save you a few dollars today—but how many hours will you pay for later?
With Peterson Manufacturing, you’re not just buying parts. You’re investing in:
- Fewer repair hours
- Minimal downtime
- Longer-lasting equipment
- Peace of mind across your fleet
Ready to Spec Your Setup?
Our team is ready to help you build a smarter spec—one that supports your goals, keeps your trailers compliant, and protects your bottom line.
Let’s talk about what the Defender Harness System can do for your fleet.
👉 Talk to a Peterson Representative Today
Peterson Manufacturing Company
Founded in 1945, Peterson Manufacturing Company is a world-leading innovator in the design, engineering and manufacturing of a complete line of commercial vehicle/trailer safety lighting and harness systems. With headquarters in the greater Kansas City area, Peterson is a privately held company. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Peterson Manufacturing is a key subsidiary of Peterson Corporation, five highly specialized companies and nearly 700 associates working in global transportation-related industries. For more information, visit PMLights.com.