Learning All About Cleaning Crews

Posted on: 29 June 2018

Visual first impressions can truly set the tone for business relationships. A brick-and-mortar storefront likely would not get much business if it's poorly maintained, just like customers may turn up their noses if your commercial fleet isn't properly cleaned and maintained. One convenient option for owners of large -- or small -- fleets of commercial vehicles is a fleet washing service. Here are some of the top things to consider when contracting with a fleet washing or cleaning company.

1. How often and how thoroughly do trucks and trailers need to be cleaned?

Semi trucks can accumulate a lot of road grime and diesel soot, even after short trips. A dirty semi cab can make fleet drivers, as well as their employers, appear to be less responsible and professional, which could spell fewer future contracts and less revenue. Trucks can't be washed while driving down the freeway, so availability during off-peak hours or on weekends also needs to be considered.

Trailers should also be cleaned frequently, especially after hauling chemical-based goods, livestock, or food products. A dirty trailer is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew and cross-contamination between loads could lead to serious illness or injury for the final consumer, which could mean rejected shipments and revenue loss for the shipper. Trailers should be washed out periodically and should be thoroughly cleaned in between different types of cargo.

2. What methods would be best for cleaning my fleet?

Most fleet washing services will use a heated pressure washer for a lot of the light work, but that''s not always enough. Brush washing is another great option for scrubbing away heavy buildups of grime on a semi cab as well as providing a deeper clean for dirty trailers. Different cleaning companies will provide different standard levels of cleaning, but other specific needs can usually be negotiated in the contract.

Chemical use is another important factor when contracting with a fleet washing service. Typically, a company will allow requests for specific cleaning agents (or request that they be omitted entirely). Environmental and legal concerns should be researched -- regulations for chemical runoff from truck and trailer washes can vary from region to region.

3. Who is responsible?

Different fleet washing contractors may have different expectations for their customers, so it's important to hash out the finer details before agreeing to a contract or making payments. Fleet owners may be asked to provide access to water during a job, ensure that truck interiors are accessible for cleaning, or provide documentation of existing damage to trucks and trailers. On that note, it will also be necessary to discuss who is ultimately responsible for damage incurred during the cleaning and washout process -- and determine who to contact if it becomes necessary to escalate communication up the corporate ladder.

Semi cleaning and trailer washout services can be vital for any fleet owner, no matter the size. Determining what services are necessary, how those services should be performed (including any legal or environmental impacts), and hammering out the more minute details will definitely help to offset potential headaches and protect a fleet's assets down the road.

If you are interested in fleet washing services, contact a business such as Pristine Wash Services.