Pricing for a newbie (semi & trailer)

snagtooth

New member
Truck washing, where to even start on prices? I had an inquiry today about cleaning a semi and trailer. Was thinking about a simple soap/brush/high pressure spray off. He also wants a quick interior clean, not looking for a detail just vac and wipe down. Any pricing help appreciated. Thanks.
 
I guess you'd have to tell a bit more about the truck. Is it a daycab? Sleeper? Big Bunks? Aluminum Wheels/tanks? Headache rack? Does he want engine done? How long of a trailer? How dirty is it? Does he want aluminum brightened? Is he expecting a scrub? How often will it be getting done?

Sorry that probably doesn't answer your question.... :)
 
I guess you'd have to tell a bit more about the truck. Is it a daycab? Sleeper? Big Bunks? Aluminum Wheels/tanks? Headache rack? Does he want engine done? How long of a trailer? How dirty is it? Does he want aluminum brightened? Is he expecting a scrub? How often will it be getting done?

Sorry that probably doesn't answer your question.... :)

Mike, what's a headache rack?
 
Mike, what's a headache rack?
That’s the rack you put your head ache on when you are driving. Sometimes old headaches get left there and tend to go off a bit …. You know they get a bit of a smell to them. Stinks up the truck cab real bad if the fully go off. Ya just gotta keep ya headache rack clean.
 
Close, but on a flat bed the head ache rack is the aluminum (usually) behind the cab. It keeps unauthorized cargo from entering the cab in the event of an emergency, thus preventing a head ache.
First off, I can see from what the guy wants that he is going to be more demanding than he is letting on. If it is just one truck, I would not do it for less than $100, and that might be too cheap. By the time you figure travel, set up and tear down, and other associated things, it is going to take you three hours from roll out to roll in to wash that truck. If the guy is a jerk, and most truck drivers are, (Having driven a truck myself) it could be even longer. However, we all have to learn, so at least $100.

But I am not hungry.
 
Exactly what Scott said however if you can wash for an owner operator you can wash for anyone.It will give you a chance to learn what method works for you an they don't mind how long you stay either.Once you get it down pat move on to fleets and then you will know how and your work speed will be there.
 
Ok, thanks guys. I grew up washing cars and trucks, and doing special details on all kind of rigs at a local carwash so I got a basic idea what im doing. Not sure on cab size, trailer is a 53' reefer, havent seen it yet but it sounds dirty. Gonna use my chem sprayer with a degreaser and some basic car soap, brush the whole thing. Also bringing along some acid to hit wheels/tanks if they are aluminum. I was thinking $200? Maybe thats high.....Oh yeah its just a one time clean and there is a little travel time involved.

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I think your best bet is to figure out what your business requires as far as a rough hourly wage. Figure out how many hours you believe it should take, from leaving the shop to returning back to the shop. Maybe knock a little off that price if it means landing the job and you learn some valuable things from it. If $200 is what it takes to achieve that then no, 200 is not to high if you ask me.
 
Good luck with 200 bucks with the right chemicals it's at most 45 min job.There are plenty of vendors on here that sell great soaps,you wouldn't go elephant hunting with a 22.
 
Well took way too long but its ok, first big rig. Customer happily paid $200. Next time I think I could cut my time in half. Got some more jobs by talking with the brick manufacturer next door too! Good day.
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