Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1280285
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION AUGUST 19, 2020 Page 7 Ron Inman—Northwest Cascade HoneyBucket Longtime PSAI volunteer and Andy Gump Award recipient Ron Inman from Northwest Cascade HoneyBucket shared some additional insight and observations, concerning "the ideal truck." Ron advocates considering standardized truck configurations for the entire company. In this way, route service technicians can go from truck to truck and have a vehicle that handles the same way, with equipment that is stored in the same place. It makes everything more efficient. A key point that all operators need to take into account is that "you should consider your market's needs and not what is on the lot in terms of selecting a truck." Ron continues, "Know the needs of your customers as well as your company, and then select a truck that meets those needs." He advises against just looking at the trucks that are available and selecting the one that "you can make work." When possible, it is better to build a truck to your specifications. Ron shares several other valuable tips: • Choose the right vacuum pump. A slightly larger pump will mean faster service and in today's environment that is important. A driver who doesn't have to wait too long for a vacuum can do more service in a day. It's more efficient. • Consider a PTO that will run off a non-idling engine. This will save gas, and it is more efficient. • Calculate each truck's cost per mile to operate. Consider the fuel, maintenance, and repairs to evaluate the performance of each individual truck. This can help with replacement decisions as well as the design of future vehicles. • Manage your trucks as a fleet. Look at all your trucks as would a fleet manager, and make decisions based on the whole of your needs now and looking forward. They are valuable pieces of equipment and should be treated as such. • Work to develop a low center of gravity on all your trucks. This will greatly reduce the risk of truck tip overs. Truck safety should never be overlooked or compromised. Final Thoughts This article was intended to inform, inspire, and educate operators about the "ideal truck." The COVID-19 situation has changed our society and our industry, and we must adapt to these changes. Both suppliers and operators have shared their time and their wisdom to help their fellow PSAI members with some of these changes. This is just an example of one of the PSAI's biweekly virtual roundtable sessions. The hope is that the investment of time— just one hour every two weeks—will strengthen and enhance your business. Please consider regular attendance at these sessions and spread the word to your friends in the industry! The next virtual roundtable is Thursday, August 27, 2020 where we will be discussing (a) cross training staff, and (b) marketing your restroom trailer inventory. Have other ideas for topics? Please send them to info@psai.org and plan to attend! v The Ideal Truck for Portable Sanitation…continued from page 4 Ron Inman