How about this for fleet washing? sorry but long

[bigdog265]

Hello everyone,
This is my first post as I am very new to the business. I must say that this has been the most informative bbs I have visited. Thanks for the advice!

I am about to acquire my first fleet washing account. The client has 140 trucks with box trailers. I will clean about 40 to 50 a weekend (I hope).

My first question is pricing. It seems that a price of around $25 per truck is the norm, but what about discount pricing? What seems reasonable to you guys?

My plan on washing is as follows:
1. Spray truck down with pressure spray.
2. Brush wash truck using commercial car wash chemical
3. Rinse truck with clear water pressure spray.
4. Allow to air dry and check for missed spots.

Does this sound reasonable? How long does it take you guys to wash a truck using this method? What other methods are you using?

Let me say that I am definatly starting on a shoestring budget. I have a gasoline powered SEARS cold water power washer (3.5 gpm @ 2500 psi) with a downstream (only puts out chemical on low pressure (I think it's called downstream?) chemical injector. I've not done so yet but I am going to trailer mount it along with a tank for a resovoir. I plan to buy better equipment as money allows. Is there other equipment that I will need to start (wands, spray tips, etc.)? I'm sure I will need more hose than the 25 ft. on my PW.

Also, these are OTR trucks so I don't think they will be muddy (i.e. cleaning time). I have a couple of helpers if I need them (teenage little brothers). They will work cheap (lol).

Any help you folks can give would be great.
Greg

PS I did not mention washing the trailers as I will get to that next time>

[This message has been edited by bigdog265 (edited November 19, 2000).]

 

[Larry L.]

Hi Bigdog

First I'm going to wish you ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD.Do NOT take my answers as being a smart????????but will try to be as honest as I can.

Glad you have a account of that size to start with,,with an account that big ya be better off to go get ya'll a better more dependable pw you would be money ahead if ya did.

For the price I agree but your in fleet washing,have seen accounts at 12 dollars,heard some lower.

The 40 to 50 I hope will be hard to do my yourself cuz of the size of the washer and brushing.These trucks are going to be dirty cuz you'll be lucky if some of them gets washed once a month(40 to 50=140).They want be muddy but they will have alot of road grim,worst if running in rain(over the road),mud is easier to get off.The time it takes for one person depends,but your looking right at 30min. or longer.You will need atleast 100ft. of hose,need good wands,pumpup sprayer would help,long handle brush,ect.You will need your little brothers help,have repect for them and do not workem cheap or ya'll be doing it my yourself,they'll make ya money if you pay them that they helped you make more of.To getem to work startem out at so much a truck then work from there.You want have time to go back and check for missed spots,don't miss any.Your facing alot of trucks to keep clean,take your time when you start washing them,do not try to wash all in one day

,what I'm saying is that hurry-up hurry-up when first starting may in a fight with little brothers,,,,Good luck.............C-ya

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When In Doubt,,,,Think It Out.