A successful plowing season begins well before the first snowfall. Securing a full roster of properties is important, but how you organize your schedule can make a big difference in efficiency. Focusing on route density — grouping nearby accounts and factoring in travel time — helps maximize each route while minimizing fuel use and labor.
Pricing matters just as much. Knowing local rates for similar services will ensure your contracts remain competitive without undervaluing your work. Investing time in research and planning up front lays the groundwork for a smoother, more profitable season.
Preseason Property Walkthrough & Preparation
Once contracts are locked in, visit the site again in person to do a preseason walkthrough. Take notes and photos of any sensitive spots, obstacles, curbs, pre-existing damage, and other challenging areas.
Aspects to plan out with the site owner or manager:
- Where they want snow piled and stored. Watch out for drainage spots.
- How much are they okay with having pile ups. Hauling away snow is usually an additional service that may require additional vehicles or equipment.
- Areas that would need special attention.
- How they want the property staked.
- Where to store larger equipment, if necessary.
Tip: Talk to property owners about leaving a camera on site to monitor property conditions throughout a storm. Knowing the status of the lot can help you determine what equipment to bring or if you even need to make the trip.
Finding the Right Tools for the Job
Plan how you will attack the property with equipment from largest to smallest. For a large, open lot, a pusher plow and a loader will allow you to move large amounts of snow with every pass. A work truck equipped with a straight blade, v-plow, or winged blade with a spreader on the back allows for clean up in obstructed areas and allows for application of de-icing materials.
Having a mix of equipment and vehicle types allows contractors to clear properties as efficiently as possible. Larger equipment clears snow in large sections while smaller equipment is needed to maneuver around obstacles and handle final clean up.
Tip: If you have large equipment that is needed for multiple lots, storing this at a central site will save time and money when the pressure is on.
In addition, be prepared to clear walkways and sidewalks with walk-behind equipment and UTV attachments. A UTV is a powerful piece of equipment that quickly clears walkways and cleans up hard-to-reach areas that a truck may miss or can’t access.
Have a back-up plan in case there are unforeseen circumstances that arise. It will most likely be needed.
Weather Plays a Huge Role
Weather conditions are constantly changing, and contractors need to be able to easily adapt in a moment's notice. Having a plan in place for each type of storm and knowing how you will react to the varying conditions will be important.
Track weather patterns and storms throughout the day and night so you can determine when a plan needs to shift. Know what equipment you need depending on precipitation type and changing temperatures throughout the day and night.
If the forecast calls for sleet or ice, you will want to be prepared with de-icing services, normally delivered by salt or sander trucks. Pre-treating with liquids up to 24 hours prior to the storm will help your in-storm clean up efforts. If there is more snow, you will want to be prepared with additional equipment you can deploy to sites that need the extra assistance.
Surprises Will Arise
There are tons of variables in the snow and ice control game. No matter your experience level, there is always going to be a surprise. Be prepared with an emergency parts kit, safety equipment, tool kits, blankets, and more in the event of a breakdown. Having a flexible and plan-ahead type mindset will be critical because the only thing that’s predictable about winter is that it’s unpredictable.
Tip: Build a good relationship with your nearest dealer that has 24/7 service, because you never know when you might need help. Some things you just can’t plan for.
For larger properties or heavy snowfall, having the right equipment makes the snow removal season more manageable. Pusher-style plows and high-capacity blades can move significant volumes of snow, helping you complete jobs more efficiently and maintain consistent service throughout the season.
