When it comes to choosing fleet cleaning services for your company’s trucks, there are many options available to you.
However, not all fleet wash services are equal. Finding the best company to meet your needs requires asking the right questions.
A good fleet cleaning company will have the answers available on their website but, if they don’t, here are the questions you should be asking:
1. How Long Does It Take You to Wash a Fleet of # Vehicles?
When you pay for fleet washing services, you want to make sure you are paying for quality and efficiency.
If a fleet cleaning service can wash anywhere between 22-30 trucks per hour then it’s possible they are rushing and doing a subpar job.
Companies that can wash 6-8 trucks per hour are more likely to provide higher quality results by ensuring that all grime and dirt is properly washed away.
2. What Cleaning Methods Do You Use?
Most fleet cleaning services use pressure washers and hand brushes to wash commercial trucks to remove filthy buildup that can negatively impact the look and performance of your rig.
If a cleaning business claims they can wash a large number of trucks per hour with hand brushes, it’s likely that they are simply spot brushing.
Check to see what methods of cleaning they use to give you an idea of the quality of services they provide.
3. What Type of Chemicals and Detergents Do You Use?
Many jurisdictional regulations stipulate that fleet washing services must use certain soaps and detergents – and non-compliance could result in a fine.
Some companies will attempt to cut costs by using cheaper, non-biodegradable detergents so it’s important to check what types of chemicals and soaps they are using.
4. Are Your Services Environmentally-Friendly?
Apart from using approved chemicals, there are other ways fleet washing services can reduce their environmental impact by focusing on sustainability, health, and safety.
For instance, proper chemical storage and disposal are important aspects of green cleaning. As are the reduction of plastic and other disposable materials such as paper towels.
Eco-friendly practices also include using energy-efficient equipment with HEPA filters to improve the interior air quality of your truck.
5. What Are Your Hours/Availability?
It’s possible that a company does not have the manpower or equipment to service a large fleet of trucks during the days and times that work for you.
Before you commit to any fleet washing services, make sure the company can work with your schedule. Companies who want to keep your business will answer honestly and strive to meet your unique needs.
6. What Do Your Services Include?
While it can be assumed that a fleet washing business will clean the exterior of your truck, it’s important to find out what other services they include.
For instance, having your trailer washed out is crucial whether your cargo is food-related or not. Mold and bacteria can form and damage your cargo or the interior of your trailer.
A good fleet washing service will remove the slats and wash the entire inside of your trailer to ensure dangerous mold and bacteria do not grow.
7. Are Your Mobile Wash Services Fully Equipped?
Mobile fleet washing companies are becoming more popular because they offer the convenience of coming to your place of business.
However, keep in mind that some mobile washing companies require the use of your water and electricity to get the job done.
Look for a mobile fleet wash company that is fully equipped with its own water, water reclamation equipment, cleaning tools, and power.
8. Do You Outsource Your Work to Other Companies?
While there is nothing wrong with a trailer washing company outsourcing their work to keep up with demand, these third-party companies may lack accountability and provide subpar cleaning services.
9. Do You Require a Signed Contract?
Some truck washing companies will require you to sign a contract to access their services. Be wary of signing anything until you understand the benefits of doing so.
For instance, a company may have you sign a contract if they are hiring additional employees to ensure your account is properly serviced or if they are adding a mobile unit specifically for your location.
Ask if the company requires a contract in order to provide extra support or to offer affordable rates. Otherwise, there is no point in signing one.
10. How Do You Invoice Your Services?
Before you commit to a fleet washing business, you need to understand how you are going to be invoiced and how you can pay on your account.
For example, if the cleaning service is subcontracted, you will likely be invoiced by the same person servicing your account.
Alternatively, you may be invoiced on a corporate level by the business meaning that dedicated accountants are handling the process.
11. What Kind of Quality Control Checks Do You Use?
It’s one thing to wash a truck, but who is double-checking the work to make sure it is done correctly?
Ensure that the company you choose conducts inspections on each truck to ensure that the services you are paying for have been 100% delivered.
12. Are You Insured?
Lastly, you’ll want to make sure the fleet wash company you choose has proper insurance – specifically liability insurance.
Liability insurance protects the company should damage occur to your trucks. While you can go after them for damages, their insurance provider will protect their business and over the repairs.
Without liability insurance, you would have to fight for compensation and only receive it if the company has the money.
Keep Your Fleet Clean With Quality Fleet Wash Services!
Don’t forget, it’s important to find a company dedicated to offering the highest quality service to meet your trucking business’s unique needs.
It’s always best to browse and look around for options. You can even compare different websites for more information and contact them if you have any questions on services, but that’s a totally separate blog post!
