United Locating Services

United Locating Services provides specialized underground utility locating and damage prevention services to utility companies and excavation firms across the United States, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Founded in Missoula, US, United Locating Services specializes in underground utility locating and damage prevention. The company has undergone strategic growth and was acquired by Sparus Holdings, Inc. in November 2022, although financial terms were not disclosed.

The founder's history and previous ventures are not publicly documented. United Locating Services (ULS) specializes in underground utility locating and damage prevention services, providing critical support to utility companies, excavation firms, and engineering agencies across the United States. Their core offerings include hydro vacuum excavation, which employs pressurized water and a vacuum system to safely expose buried utility lines, minimizing damage and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. ULS also conducts leak monitoring and natural gas system surveys, addressing industry-specific damage prevention needs tailored to clients’ requirements.

The company serves a diverse client base that includes public utility providers and private property owners, particularly in states such as Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, and Texas, though their services extend nationwide. With a commitment to safety and efficiency, ULS leverages advanced techniques like Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), which integrates mapping, surveying, and civil engineering to avoid conflicts with underground infrastructures, ultimately improving project planning outcomes. The revenue structure of United Locating Services is primarily derived from B2B transactions with utility companies and excavation contractors who require specialized locating and excavation services. Clients engage ULS for various projects, which may include customized service agreements for hydro vacuum excavation and utility locating, aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency in their construction and maintenance activities.

Service fees are assessed based on the scope and scale of the project, with clients potentially entering into long-term contracts for ongoing services. ULS also offers bespoke software solutions for mobile dispatching, which streamline data collection and field operations. While specific pricing plans for individual services are not detailed, ULS’s service offerings are designed to meet diverse operational needs, thereby establishing a strong foundation for sustainable revenue generation through repeat business and client partnerships. The acquisition of United Locating Services by Sparus Holdings, Inc.

in November 2022 is strategically aimed at driving continued organic growth in infrastructure services. ULS plans to enhance its service offerings and expand into new markets across the United States, with a focus on increasing its geographical presence in the Midwest and Southern regions. The funding from this acquisition will facilitate investment in new technology and resources, supporting ULS’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and service delivery.