Fleets and max # of chips billed

[Sneck]

I am beginning to take on fleet accounts with semi-trucks. This last semi-truck I did had 11 chips total on one truck. This truck has a two-piece flat glass windshield. (one passenger side, one drivers side).

What is the max number of chips (or rather the max dollar amount) you would charge on a good fleet customer?

I signed my customer up on a fleet price agreement structure, but when I designed my agreement form, I didn't take into account that one vehicle could have that much repairable damage.

I don't want to over charge, but I want to get what the job is worth.

Considering that the windshield(s) are flat glass, that means it should be in-expensive for my fleet customer to just replace the windshield, so obviously I need to keep my total invoice WELL below the replacement cost.

My gut feeling is a max of about $75 per truck (especially on two-piece flat glas). I am repairing in Washington State.

Your thoughts???

Ps. This new customer is a potential gold-mine. Their fleet runs cross-country and back so they see a lot of damage on a weekly basis.

[Lee]

Only 11 chips in 2, 1/2 w/s's. If this account is this valuable to you, you should be dead honest with these people. Take a look at the overall appearance of the windshields and ask your self would I drive this vehicle?
Glasses with 11 chips must have major pitting and are dangerous to drive.
Most large fleet co's have regular replacement schedules for glass as they get so pitted over time it's cheaper to change than have an accident. I don't know your situation but you may want to get into glass replacement or partner up with an installer. Rubber set truck glasses aren't bad but some of the newer bigger glue ins are a pain. HTH Good luck!

[screenman]

Sneck,
What you charge is up to you as long as you agree with the customer that in future you will do fleet survey on a weekly basis and are allowed to do all the damage you find. After the initial clear up you will find that a lot of the screens will only have 1 or 2 chips in and the job will get easier. Do not forget you are trying to get someone to change their methods do not shock them.

[Sneck]

Lee,

I originally told the customer that it was a good idea for me to repair the passenger side as it only had two chips. The seperate drivers side glass (I suggested) that they may want to consider having it replaced. Customer said yes they would end up replacing it, but for now - to keep the driver on the road - they said fix em - so I did.

[maxryde]

I have a similar client with circumstantially the same damage, and fee, (actually I'm a little higher). How many chips are there on the next shield? It balances out in the end. Oh and for my customer’s damage that will impair the driver's line of site, and not meeting the DOT requirements :eusa_naug where the truck will be traveling, are the only contraindications for repair..
You didn't say how many vehicles they have. That is another factor. If they are a national chain whit greater purchase power the value of their replacement glass is lower as is the price for repair. While you may work a little hared on this kind of job. It pays in the long haul. Regular work, indoors at times, regular pay... ETC...:eusa_ange

Oh, where in WA State are you? Maybe we could have a cup of coffee sometime? Ahh near Spokane, hard to keep a cup of coffee hot over there right now!!!

[Sneck]

Screenman,

You are right. I am basically getting this customer caught up on their windshield repair needs as their last repair guy just quit showing up - so that is probably why there was so much damage.

I was curious why the last repair guy quit showing up. I was hoping that it wasn't due to slow payment (or no payment?). But so far, this fleet customer has been paying me by check within 3 to 4 days of receiving my invoice.

Now I just gotta keep on working on landing more fleet accounts and who knows... this might just finally turn into a full-time gig for me

[Sneck]

Maxryde,

You didn't say how many vehicles they have. That is another factor. If they are a national chain whit greater purchase power the value of their replacement glass is lower as is the price for repair.

This carrier works closely with another carrier, so by landing this one account, I am actually responsible for windshield repair for two different trucking companies. Neither of which are a national carrier, just smaller local carriers that make long interstate runs. As for the total number of trucks, I honestly don't know yet. So far Ive repaired 5 semi-trucks for this customer.

Ps. I'm in Spokane, so if you are in the area - i'll buy the coffee!

[Onsite]

Does anyone have a fleet agreement form I could look at for an example to write my own agreement? Or have any guidiance for writing one.

[maxryde]

Maxryde,



This carrier works closely with another carrier, so by landing this one account, I am actually responsible for windshield repair for two different trucking companies. Neither of which are a national carrier, just smaller local carriers that make long interstate runs. As for the total number of trucks, I honestly don't know yet. So far Ive repaired 5 semi-trucks for this customer.

Ps. I'm in Spokane, so if you are in the area - i'll buy the coffee!

I don't know when :eusa_thin but I'll take you up on the coffie when I get over that way.

[Sneck]

Onsite, I have a Fleet Agreement I made that my fleet customers sign that I really like. I'm on my way to bed right now, so I'll try and put one up for you tomorrow.

You can also PM me your mailing address and I can mail you a copy.

Oh wait,... I might be able to make a PDF file of it and email it to you.

I'll let you know tomorrow.

It's way past my bed-time...

Goodnight.