Every snow removal contractor knows that unbillable travel time is the number one cause of decreased profits. While it’s impossible to completely avoid travel, there are things they can do to minimize it as much as possible.
Before the storm begins, commercial properties should be treated with liquid deicer to help lower the freezing point and hasten snow melting faster. This will allow faster snowmelt.
1. Get the Right Equipment
As snow removal becomes an essential service, having the proper tools is of utmost importance. From shovels for lighter snowfalls to larger driveway plows and blowers, there’s an array of equipment available.
Finding the appropriate equipment requires understanding your region’s snow conditions and types. For instance, lake-effect snow requires more robust machines than light, dry snowfall.
Once you’ve determined the type of equipment to use, creating profiles for each crew member in the Zeo dashboard is straightforward. Simply add each driver’s name, vehicle type, driving preferences and any additional notes – helping ensure efficient route planning and execution for your team.
2. Optimize Your Routes
Winter can be especially tough on city planners and transportation system engineers. Their job involves keeping roads clear so vehicles and pedestrians can navigate them safely; their efforts become even more demanding when snow and ice is present.
GIS-based mapping technologies and snowplow route optimization apps have become essential tools for city officials looking to ensure everything runs smoothly, enabling more efficient plowing operations while cutting costs associated with labor, fuel consumption and truck maintenance costs.
Utilizing a snow removal pricing formula that gives customers the choice between signing up per push or as an annual contract is an ideal way to provide options and encourage clients to remain loyal during heavy snowfalls. With this approach, price increases can be implemented without losing unprofitable clients and your business remains profitable throughout the year.
3. Keep Trucks Clean
An snow removal machine is an indispensable asset in any fleet of trucks or trailers, since manually shoveling or raking snow is time-consuming and puts drivers in danger. Additionally, chunks of snow may fall from truck beds while driving and obscure other motorists’ views, potentially leading to collisions.
Many states have laws on the books that mandate drivers and fleet owners to clear their vehicles of snow before driving them on public roads, resulting in fines or penalties if this law is broken. Implementing a reliable snow removal process to maintain safe fleet operations.
There are various tools available to drivers who wish to keep their trucks clean, including ice scrapers, extendable snow brushes with bristles and rubber squeegees. Drivers may also use old magazines or jacket sleeves in a pinch as an effective means of cleaning windshields; however, for roofs and tops a snowplow provides the most effective method.
4. Keep Customers Satisfied
To ensure the success of your snow removal business, exceptional customer service should always be your goal. Loyal customers, increased retention rates, and revenue generation for your company all stem from excellent service provided to customers – according to one recent study, businesses which prioritize exceptional customer service can generate $48,000 more during one winter season!
Maintaining quality equipment reduces downtime and expensive repairs, leading to increased productivity and profits for your snow removal business. Furthermore, using reliable equipment helps establish an excellent reputation with clients, leading to repeat business as well as word-of-mouth referrals.
As costs for materials, labor, transportation fees and insurance premiums increase annually, snow removal businesses should make price evaluation a top priority each year. Regular price reviews help your snow removal company set break-even prices that cover overhead while still creating profit.
Establishing strategic alliances with local businesses can be an excellent way to grow your snow removal clientele without spending an arm and a leg on advertising. By taking advantage of complementary services and offering referral incentives, this collaboration can increase customer reach while expanding profitability.