How to Decide Which Trucks to Buy and Which Options to Add

Photo courtesy Daniel Banks, Buildsmore Wastewater Services

The truck-buying decision can keep any PRO up at night, regardless of how long they’ve been in business. Pumper trucks, flatbeds, and pickups with slide-ins aren’t cheap. And the various options for pumps, tanks, and control panels can make your head spin. You need an efficient portable restroom fleet. But how do you decide which trucks to buy and what options to add?

Start by considering your short and long-term needs. Speak with other PROs and dealers to explore options and costs. Then, weigh the advantages and drawbacks of various trucks and options. Here’s how to start.

Main Business Considerations for Truck Types

A new portable restroom business with a few clients can scrape by with a pickup truck and slide-in unit. However, if those customers typically rent many units at once, a flatbed vehicle and a vacuum truck may work better. Of course, a pumper truck is ideal for high-volume pumping. Drivers can service their regular route and deliver or pick up two portable restrooms. The bottom line is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it’s time for a new truck.

Think about these factors when choosing between a pumper, pickup, and flatbed truck:

• Current fleet: Do you need a truck to replace an aging or broken model? Or, are you choosing a vehicle to expand your capacity or capabilities?
• Budget: Consider purchasing costs, monthly payments, and long-term expenses for repairs, servicing, tires, and more.
• Five-year plans: Do you want to expand into the event market and haul many units at once? Or, are you considering adding pumping services for septic tanks?
• Drivers: Will certain trucks have CDL licensing requirements? If so, factor in the cost of driver training and certificates.
• Routes: How spread out are your customers, and how many clients do drivers service per route? What is the frequency of unit delivery and retrieval?
• Region: Do you live in a colder area where it’d make sense to have a larger holding tank for winter brine solutions?

Get Accurate Information for Comparison

Once you’ve decided what type of truck would work best, it’s time to consider the costs and options. However, it’s not only about the price tag. It’s important to understand the lifetime cost of choosing a particular make, model, tank material, or accessory. Along with price quotes, pick the salesperson’s brain to learn how tank, pump, and hose features differ in maintenance and part replacement. Remember to factor in training costs if you’re thinking about trucks and options that your team isn’t familiar with.

Explore Truck Buying Resources

With pricing and dealer information in hand, assess your key considerations again. Did a manufacturer offer details about warranties or local servicing that changed your opinion? Or, did something click when another PRO expressed buyer’s remorse? Continue to build your pros and cons list for each make, model, and option.

Refer to these articles to:

• Understand each component of portable restroom trucks and options
• Learn about the different kinds of pumper trucks
• Review slide-in vacuum tanks
• Compare tank materials

Select the Right Pickup, Flatbed, or Pumper Truck

Your portable restroom fleet gives you the capability to service, deliver, and pick up units. In return, you must pay (or train your shop technicians) to maintain and repair it. The same goes for various accessories and options. By weighing your decision against multiple factors, you can improve the truck buying process and get equipment that serves its purpose for many years.

Looking to Take Your Portable Restroom Business to the NEXT LEVEL? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Operating A Portable Restroom Business.”

Thinking About GETTING INTO the Portable Restroom Industry? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Starting A Portable Restroom Business.”