5 Essential Tips for Making Sure Your Portable Sanitation Business is Prepared for the Busy Season
Now that the warmer weather is here, it means that many seasonal events are about to be underway. Outdoor festivals, concerts, and even construction and building projects are soon going to ramp up. While these things might all seem very different, they do share one common trait: they typically require the use of portable restrooms. In turn, this means that the restrooms will need to be serviced by vacuum tank trucks. All that to say that if you work in the portable sanitation business, your busy season is about to begin.
Whether you are a rookie or a veteran in this industry, proper preparation is essential. That is why we’ve compiled a few essential tips to help you gear up for the all that the busy season has in store:
#1.) Review Your Maintenance Checklist
Right out of the gate, you want to ensure that all of your equipment is ready to go for spring, including your vacuum tank trucks. Begin this process by working through your maintenance checklist. One should already be in place, but double check with your equipment manager to be sure. Also, talk it over with your team to verify that everything necessary is on your list.
Inspect Your Tires
Prior to setting out on the road, you will need to inspect your tires. The summer heat and hot asphalt can do a number on your tires, so it is best practice to be adequately prepared. Plus, a blown tire could easily leave a driver stranded and in extreme heat, that could be very dangerous. Spring is also notorious for flip-flopping between different weather patterns, which can affect your tire’s air pressure. Replace any outdated tires and train drivers on what to look out for going forward.
Check Engine Oil
Do you have a few vacuum tank trucks that sat idle for most of the winter? If so, they could be overdue for an oil change. While you likely have a set oil change and maintenance routine for your fleet, it doesn’t hurt to do another inspection. Make sure that any oil changes or maintenance has been properly documented along with the number of miles.
Switch Out Air Filters
While you are performing an oil change, go ahead and swap out the air filter. Also, keep an eye on the air filter as you progress through the busy season. After all, many events that require portable restrooms are often in more remote areas with dirt or sandy roads. A non-paved road can increase the amount of dirt and debris that goes into your truck’s engine.
#2.) Brush Up On Training
Fall and winter were likely a slower season for you, meaning that your employees weren’t often on a time crunch. However, now that you have a lot of work lined up, brushing up on training is a good idea. This is because when things are more stressful or hectic around the job site, the easier it becomes to make mistakes. In this line of work, a mistake could lead to an injury or worse.
Start by talking things over with your employees or foremans. Discuss what training topics need to be addressed or see if they have any recommendations. From there, schedule a few training and information sessions to review any of these topics. Doing your due diligence in advance will keep your business running smoothly, but above all else, keep everyone safer.
#3.) Prioritize Hydration
In hot weather, it only takes a few minutes for heat stroke or heat exhaustion to kick in. If you are feeling thirsty, then you are already on your way to dehydration. Reiterate with your team the importance of staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water while they are at work, especially on days where they are spending hours on the road or out in the field. Encourage them to pack an insulated water bottle. You could even provide your team with back up water bottles to keep stored in their vacuum tank trucks as an additional precaution.
#4.) Encourage Defensive Driving
All too often, driving hazards are only attributed to winter weather, such as ice and accumulating snow. However, defensive driving is essentially no matter what time of year it is. In the summer, there is a lot of extra traffic to consider. Plus, road construction and closures can cause delays in your day. Teach your drivers to plan ahead, keep their eyes peeled, and to minimize distractions while driving. Operating vacuum tank trucks is a big responsibility and your goal should always be to stay safe.
#5.) Invest in New Equipment
Last but certainly not least on this list: don’t be afraid to invest in new equipment. Take a good, long look at your current fleet of vacuum tanker trucks. Are you truly ready to handle this next busy season with what you currently have? Or would you be better off selling off your old machine and replacing it with an upgrade? Remember, your equipment truly sets the tone for your work. Even the best employees can only do so much, so fast with outdated or faulty equipment.
If you are worried about how you are going to afford a new machine, have no fear! There are typically many different financing options available, especially for small businesses. A high quality vacuum truck that is built to last is always your best option.
Vacuum Trucks For Sale From FlowMark
This year, be prepared to tackle the busy season head on by ensuring that all of your equipment, as well as your team, is up to speed. By doing so, you will be able to increase your revenue, improve your company’s reputation, and leave your customers with a big smile on their faces.
If you do find yourself in need of a new vacuum tank truck, however, then turn to the experts at FlowMark. Here, all of our equipment is made right in America’s heartland, meaning that it is upheld to our standards of quality and excellence. Contact us today for your free quote and to find out just what vacuum tank trucks from FlowMark could do for your portable sanitation business.