5 Reasons Owner Operators Need To Keep Their Semi-Trucks Clean

Dispelling A Myth

Before we delve into why Owner-Operators, more than any other type of truck driver should keep their Semi Truck clean, let us dispel a myth.

Successful Owner-Operators are not truck drivers, they are a brand. I know it may be hard to believe, but it is true.

We understand that Owner-Operators today have to deal with certifications, trucking regulations, speed limits, emissions, ELD (electronic logging devices), and the DOT (department of transportation) to name a few. But don’t neglect your brand.

What do we mean by brand?  A brand is the process where your trucking business makes itself known to the public and differentiates itself from competitors.

There is good news. It’s not that hard to create a great brand.  You probably already have an excellent brand and don’t know it. A great brand starts with building confidence with your clients.

Because of the pandemic, driver shortages and supply chain issues, Owner Operators who provide excellent customer service, pick up and deliver on time have a positive image with their clients. So, if your truck suddenly breaks down in the middle of the road and you need towing services, contact a towing company immediately to shorten the time of delay of your delivery.

Owner-Operators Need To Keep Track of The Small Details

Owner Operators and trucking companies often forget that small details make a big difference. Whether you haul long distances with a dry van, short distances with a flatbed or reefer van, your image is constantly on display.

 Here Are The Top 5 Reasons Truckers Should Keep Their Trucks Clean

If you are in the trucking industry, here are 5 reasons to keep your commercial vehicle clean.

1. The DOT

Having worked as a Service Manager for a fairly large trucking company, I can tell you first hand the benefits of clean trucks. Our company prided itself on keeping the fleet well maintained and clean. Unfortunately our yard and warehouses were near the scales, so we had to pass through them all the time. But we turned that negative into a positive.

The inspectors appreciated that we kept our trucks clean. It was easier for them to inspect. That trust over time saved us thousands of dollars and a whole lot of time. As you know, violations can sometimes be subjective. Helping them do their job, will help you do yours.

2. Save Money

Whether you are in New York, California, or Canada, keeping money in your pocket is the goal of everyone in the trucking business.

1. A clean truck creates less drag. Less drag means your truck consumes less fuel. Less fuel = More money in your pocket.
2. Corrosion prevention – Keeping corrosive materials off of your truck using a fallout remover saves you from costly repairs as well as downtime.

3. Resale Value

Truckers who keep their tractor-trailer clean over the life of their use, are rewarded with a higher resale value. Protect your investment.

4. Safety

Keep the inside of your cab orderly. A cluttered and dirty cab is both a safety and health hazard. There are plenty of truck stops, there is no excuse for not being able to keep the inside of your over the road truck neat.

5. Image / Branding / Free Advertising

It doesn’t matter whether its a long haul truck, a local truck or even a 26,000 lb. GVW truck that doesn’t require a CDL (commercial drivers license), a clean motor vehicle tells your customers a lot about your business. Not to mention potential customers. You may not think a well-kept big rig is important but shippers do. In addition, trucks with vehicle advertising wraps can also be a great tool to market your business.

While keeping your big rig clean is imperative for Owner-Operators, it applies to anyone in the trucking business. Learning to keep your truck neat is a skill that should be taught to all class A drivers, new drivers and veteran company drivers.  Driver retention is all the rage in the truck driving industry. Good looking trucks are key factor in driver retention.

Whether you have a new truck or a million mile truck, owner operators should make every effort to keep them clean, your business depends on it.

On the other hand, are you looking to buy or sell a business? Many business owners also move and need to find a new business, and the best way to do that is with a quality business brokers.