A well-managed snow removal program ensures your commercial properties are safe, accessible and operating smoothly even amid tricky winter conditions. Choosing the right snow and ice removal provider up front lessens the chance you’ll need to change providers mid-season. Here are six key things to look out for as you select your snow removal partner.
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A well-managed snow removal program ensures your commercial properties are safe, accessible and operating smoothly even amid tricky winter conditions. When you’re selecting a snow removal provider for your commercial properties, you’ll want to explore several critical factors, including the specific needs of your organization and its locations to more universal considerations.
Choosing the right snow and ice removal provider now helps lessen the chance you’ll need to change providers mid-season, which can come with a pricing premium and unwanted logistical challenges. Here are six key things to look out for as you select your snow removal partner.
Expertise in commercial snow removal
Ideally, your snow removal provider should have plenty of experience at every level, from snow removal veterans out in the field servicing your properties to the support staff who’ll be providing timely service scheduling and verification as well as helping out if you encounter a problem.
SIMA-certified snow professionals
As proof of their expertise, your snow removal provider should have the credentials and expertise to ensure your success, including having SIMA-certified snow professionals on staff. This designation validates your provider’s snow removal expertise in key areas, including the science of snow and ice operations, snow and ice operations management, and risk management.
A national snow program
Having boots on the ground across the country via a national snow program means your snow removal provider will be able to service your properties in a timely and efficient manner, with the equipment, staffing and local or regional expertise necessary to handle the job to your corporate specifications. Working with a national (or regional), multi-site provider also reduces the number of vendors you must manage, invoices you’ll need to approve, services to verify and systems you’ll need to integrate with.
Proven and streamlined processes
Knowing your partner has proven processes and procedures in place for your snow removal program not only increases its efficiency and eases communication, but it also enhances safety, reducing the risk of an accident like a slip or fall and your liability if one occurs. (And be sure your partner carries the necessary insurance in the unfortunate event of a slip and fall.)
Continuous monitoring of snow conditions
It can be challenging to have eyes on all your properties across various states and regions, so having a snow removal provider who can constantly monitor your sites and service them promptly means you can rest assured your employees and customers will be able to safely access your properties in snowy conditions.
Open communication and transparency
Having an open flow of communication and transparency with your provider is essential. From personalized pre-storm communication based on your site locations to real-time updates on and verification of services being performed, a constant flow of information means you’ll always know when your sites are cleared to open. It also helps ensure that your post-season inspection goes smoothly.
Choosing a snow removal provider is not easy. But when you know the traits to look for in a provider, you’ll set your program up for success and save yourself a great deal of hassle and expense.
Looking for an experienced, trusted snow removal partner? Consider MCS. Contact Tom Snyder or Teresa Phelps to request a quote today and learn how we can partner with you to effectively meet all of your commercial snow removal needs.
For additional information and best practices on effective snow and ice management programs—Download our Free Guide: Snow Removal Best Practices for Before, During and After the Season. >>
