Commercial Plowing Service: Top 5 Essential Tips in 2024

Why Commercial Plowing Service is a Must for Your Business

Commercial plowing service is vital for maintaining smooth business operations during the winter months. Unsightly snow build-up can not only inconvenience your customers and employees but can also increase your legal liabilities. Here’s a quick list of why having a dependable commercial plowing service is essential:

• Ensure safety: Prevent slip-and-fall accidents on your property.
• Maintain accessibility: Keep parking lots and walkways clear.
• Reduce liability: Decrease your legal risks with professional snow removal.
• Boost operational efficiency: Minimize downtime caused by snow and ice.

When winter hits, the last thing any business needs is to face operational delays due to inaccessible parking lots and icy walkways. These hazards can result in injuries, leading to potential legal issues. Having a reliable commercial plowing service ensures that your property remains safe and accessible, regardless of the weather conditions.

I’m Scott McLeod, founder of McLeod Landscaping. With over three decades of experience in landscaping and commercial plowing service, I know how crucial it is to keep your business running smoothly during harsh winter conditions. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch snow management solutions to ensure your property remains safe and operational.

Understanding Your Snow Removal Needs

When it comes to choosing the right commercial plowing service, understanding your specific snow removal needs is crucial. Here are the key factors to consider:

Assessing Property Size and Layout

The size and layout of your property significantly impact your snow removal needs.

• Parking Lots: Large parking lots require efficient snow plowing to ensure all spaces are accessible. Snow hauling might also be necessary to remove large piles that occupy valuable parking spaces.
• Walkways: Sidewalks and walkways need to be clear to ensure the safety of foot traffic. Shoveling and deicing are essential to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
• Loading Docks: Snow and ice can disrupt operations in loading docks, posing risks to warehouse workers and delivery drivers. Keeping these areas clear is vital for smooth operations.

Frequency of Snow Events

Understanding your region’s weather patterns and historical data can help you plan your snow removal strategy.

• Regional Weather Patterns: Areas with frequent snowfalls will require more consistent and intensive snow removal services.
• Historical Data: Reviewing past weather data can help you predict the frequency and intensity of snow events, aiding in the selection of the right service plan.

Specific Requirements

Different properties have unique needs that must be addressed to ensure safety and efficiency.

• Deicing: Freezing temperatures can quickly turn walkways and parking lots into hazardous zones. Deicing treatments, like rock salt applications, are essential for preventing ice build-up.
• Snow Hauling: Accumulated snow can take up valuable space. Snow hauling services remove large piles, ensuring that your property remains functional and visually appealing.
• Emergency Services: Severe weather can strike unexpectedly. Having access to 24/7 emergency snow removal services ensures that your property is always safe and accessible, regardless of the time or day.

By carefully assessing your property size and layout, understanding the frequency of snow events in your area, and identifying specific requirements like deicing and snow hauling, you can choose the right commercial plowing service that meets your needs.

Evaluating Commercial Plowing Services

Choosing the right commercial plowing service involves looking at several key factors. Here’s what you need to know:

Service Offerings

Different services cater to different needs. A comprehensive commercial plowing service should offer:

• Snow Plowing: Essential for clearing parking lots and driveways. Efficient plowing ensures all areas are accessible.
• Deicing: Prevents ice build-up on walkways and parking lots. This is crucial for preventing slip-and-fall accidents.
• Snow Hauling: Removes large piles of snow from your property, freeing up valuable space.
• Sidewalk Shoveling: Keeps walkways clear and safe for foot traffic.

Technology and Equipment

Modern technology and equipment can make a big difference in service quality. For example, KBS uses KBSforce™, a web-based application for tracking KPIs and audits. This system allows for:

• Real-time Updates: Clients can see when, where, and how work was performed.
• Proactive Issue Resolution: The customer service team can quickly address local service issues.

Cutting-edge technology ensures that snow removal services are performed efficiently and to the highest standards.

Customer Service and Reliability

Reliable customer service is crucial for any commercial plowing service. Look for the following:

• 24/7 Emergency Service: Snowstorms can happen anytime. Having access to emergency services ensures your property is always safe and accessible.
• Proactive Follow-Ups: Regular check-ins to ensure services are performed to spec and to correct any issues.
• Real-time Updates: Keeping clients informed about service progress helps maintain transparency and trust.

By evaluating service offerings, technology, and customer service, you can select a commercial plowing service that meets your needs and ensures your property remains safe and accessible during the winter months.

Pricing Structures and Contracts

When choosing a commercial plowing service, understanding the different pricing structures can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the three main pricing models:

Seasonal Pricing

Seasonal pricing offers a flat monthly rate that covers all snow removal services throughout the winter season. This “all-inclusive” approach simplifies budgeting and expense management.

Benefits:
– Budget Predictability: Knowing your costs upfront allows for better financial planning.
– Simplicity: One rate covers all services, eliminating the need for multiple invoices.
– Comprehensive Coverage: Any work done during the season is included, ensuring your property is always maintained.

Per Event Pricing

Per event pricing charges you based on the amount of snow that falls during each storm. Each time it snows, a crew is dispatched, and you pay according to the snow accumulation.

Benefits:
– Cost Variability: You only pay for the services when it snows, which can be cost-effective in regions with infrequent snowfall.
– Flexibility: Adjustments can be made based on the severity of each snow event.
– Transparency: You can see exactly what you’re paying for after each storm.

Per Service Pricing

Per service pricing involves paying a set rate each time a specific service is performed, such as plowing, deicing, or sidewalk shoveling.

Benefits:
– Flexibility: Choose and pay for only the services you need.
– Control: Allows for customization based on specific requirements and budget constraints.
– Transparency: Clear billing for each service rendered, making it easy to track costs.

Choosing the right pricing structure depends on your property’s needs, your budget, and the frequency of snow events in your area. Whether you prefer the predictability of seasonal pricing, the flexibility of per event pricing, or the control of per service pricing, understanding these options can help you make the best decision for your business.

Next, we will discuss the Benefits of Professional Snow Management, focusing on safety, liability reduction, and operational efficiency.

Benefits of Professional Snow Management

When winter hits, professional snow management becomes crucial for businesses. Let’s explore the key benefits of hiring a commercial plowing service: safety, liability reduction, and operational efficiency.

Safety and Liability Reduction

Slip-and-Fall Prevention: One of the biggest concerns during winter is slip-and-fall accidents. Icy walkways and parking lots can be hazardous for employees, customers, and tenants. By hiring a professional snow removal service, you ensure that these areas are regularly cleared and treated with deicers, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

Legal Protection: Accidents on your property can lead to costly legal battles. If someone slips and falls due to poorly managed snow and ice, your business could be held liable. Professional snow management services help mitigate this risk by maintaining safe, accessible pathways and parking lots, thus protecting you from potential lawsuits.

Operational Efficiency

Minimize Downtime: Snow and ice can disrupt your business operations, causing delays and closures. Professional snow removal services work around the clock to ensure your property is clear and accessible. This minimizes downtime and keeps your business running smoothly, even during severe winter weather.

Maintain Accessibility: Ensuring that your property is accessible at all times is crucial for customer satisfaction and employee productivity. Professional services offer 24/7 emergency support and proactive snow removal, so you never have to worry about blocked entrances or unsafe conditions.

By prioritizing safety and operational efficiency, professional snow management services provide peace of mind and help your business thrive during the winter months. Next, we will answer some frequently asked questions about commercial plowing services.

Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Plowing Services

How to quote commercial snow removal?

When quoting commercial snow removal, you have a few pricing options:

• Flat Fee: This is a set amount charged for the entire season. It offers budget predictability and is great for businesses that prefer a consistent monthly expense. For example, a flat fee can cover all plowing, deicing, and snow hauling services throughout the winter.
• Hourly Rate: This pricing model charges based on the hours spent on snow removal. It can be cost-effective for properties that only need occasional services. However, it may be harder to predict your total expenses.
• Additional Inch Cost: Some services charge extra for snow accumulation beyond a certain threshold. For instance, you might pay a base rate for up to six inches of snow and an additional fee for each inch beyond that.

Each pricing model has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your budget and needs.

Does plowing make money?

Plowing can be a profitable business, but several factors need to be considered:

• Business Plan: A clear business plan outlining your services, target market, and pricing strategy is essential.
• Factors to Consider: Equipment costs, labor, fuel, and maintenance are significant expenses. Additionally, consider the frequency of snow events in your area and the demand for services.
• Profitability: Profit margins can be high if managed well. Regular contracts with commercial properties can provide a steady income stream. However, unexpected costs like equipment repairs can impact profitability.

What are the best plowing methods?

Efficient plowing methods can make a big difference in the quality of service:

• Straight Lines: Plowing in straight lines is the most efficient way to clear large areas like parking lots. It reduces the time and fuel needed.
• Wind Direction: Always consider the wind direction. Plowing with the wind helps prevent snow from blowing back onto cleared areas.
• Snow Piling: Create designated snow piles away from high-traffic areas. This keeps walkways and parking spaces clear and accessible.

By using these methods, you can ensure that snow is removed quickly and efficiently, keeping your property safe and operational.

Next, we’ll wrap up with some final thoughts on choosing the right commercial plowing service for your business.

Conclusion

Choosing the right commercial plowing service is essential for keeping your business safe and operational during the winter months. At McLeod Landscaping, we bring over 30 years of experience in providing comprehensive snow removal and management services. Our expertise ensures that your property remains accessible and safe, even during the harshest winter conditions.

Located in the Merrimack Valley, we serve a diverse range of commercial properties, including shopping centers, office buildings, and condos. Our dedicated team is available 24/7, providing timely and efficient snow removal services. From snow plowing and de-icing to snow hauling and sidewalk shoveling, we cover all aspects of snow management to meet your specific needs.

We use state-of-the-art mobile technology to ensure constant communication and real-time updates. This allows us to respond quickly to any snow emergency and keep you informed about the status of your property. Our fleet of modern equipment, including Bobcats, Snow Pushers, and Front-End Loaders, ensures that we can handle any snow event, big or small.

If you’re looking for reliable and professional commercial snow removal services, look no further than McLeod Landscaping. We are committed to providing top-notch services that keep your business running smoothly throughout the winter season.

For more information or to get started with our team, visit our commercial snow removal services page.

By partnering with McLeod Landscaping, you can rest assured that your business will be well-prepared for any winter storm. Our comprehensive services, combined with our decades of experience, make us the trusted choice for commercial snow removal in the Merrimack Valley.