The theme for this issue of PRO is trucks and tanks, so I wanted to take a few moments to ask for your thoughts on the latest trends in portable sanitation service vehicles. I also want to make a pitch for you to submit your truck for our PRO Rides feature.

Included with the usual editorial content is a vacuum tank directory, which shows off the latest offerings of our industry manufacturers. I’m certain these companies do ample customer research to determine the features restroom contractors want in vacuum tanks and truck buildouts. Take a look at the products and be sure to reach out to these talented builders if you want more information when planning for your next new rig.

Years ago, we introduced a feature called PRO Rides, where we published a photo of a new service truck and talked about the features that made the vehicle a handy and helpful tool for its owner, one of the readers of the magazine. We showed off some nice trucks — however, the reader contributions slowed and PRO Rides was pushed to the back of the garage where it has gathered dust.

But now, like a dust-covered barn find truck being pulled out into the light of day after years of slumber, I’m inviting you to send in a photo of the new or refurbished truck that is your current workhorse. And the process is very easy — much simpler than bringing that barn find back to life. I ought to know, as I’ve brought woefully neglected old cars back to life. Maybe you have, too.

SHINE AND SHOW

To feature your truck in PRO Rides, simply shine it up, take a few photos and send them to my email address, editor@promonthly.com. Be sure to include a couple of side views and close-ups of convenience features you like best. Then tell us a little bit about the truck: Who built it and when? What is the make, model, engine and transmission choice? Tell us how you picked the tank size and material — aluminum, steel or stainless — and the vacuum pump? How did you settle on the colors and the graphics that make the truck a great rolling billboard? Who drives the truck, what type of route does it run and how many units are cleaned daily?

PRO Rides is a way to bring attention to the professionalism of your company. You will be able to link to the published story on your website or social media pages to show your loyal customers that you’re on the cutting edge of industry advancements. After all, if you take so much pride in the appearance and functionality of your service trucks, you most certainly will do a thorough and professional job cleaning restrooms.

Being involved in this feature is also a way to give a shoutout to the partner vendors who do such a good job delivering the tools you need to succeed in portable sanitation. I know our industry truck builders appreciate whenever one of their products is featured in the magazine. And that goes double if one of their customers takes the initiative to provide this type of testimonial that goes out to all of the PROs. Beyond the tank manufacturers and builders, this benefit extends to the graphics team, the pump providers, and even to your favorite chassis manufacturers.

YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED

I’d also like your feedback on a variety of truck trends. If you have thoughts on these questions, please share them and I can pass them along to the PRO community in a future column:

What is the ideal tank configuration for your routes?

Tank size can be a complicated balance between the daily capacity you require, the need to keep the truck under CDL limits and maintaining enough fuel efficiency to ensure profitability. Are all of your trucks outfitted with the same tank, or do you keep a variety of sizes — for example a smaller one for tighter, urban service routes? What is the tank size sweet spot for your particular business?

What is the best chassis platform for your company?

Do Ford, Chevy or Ram pickups running flatbeds or medium duty Hinos, Peterbilts or another brand better suit your needs? Are you loyal to one brand or buy across the spectrum of manufacturers looking for that perfect rig?

What is your must-have convenience feature?

Every PRO has his or her top priorities in service truck specs. Some look for ergonomics in hose handling or the bucket fill. Others want to be in a luxury environment with leather seating and an in-cab tablet for trouble-free routing. What is the one feature you can’t do without?

Is it important that all of your trucks match in appearance?

Many PROs dress their service vehicles in corporate colors or graphics and lettering that become familiar to customers as they roll for many thousands of miles each year. What are your colors, and how else do you use your truck to bolster your brand?

Is there a place for electric-powered trucks?

Do you see a day in the not-too-distant future when PROs will electrify their fleets? Are your routes conducive to running on electric all day and charging overnight? Or are you counting on internal combustion engine trucks to be around for a long time to come? In your mind, will the higher cost for today’s electric vehicles be offset by lower maintenance expenses expected in electric models?

BLAST FROM THE PAST

I dug back in our files to pull photos of a few of the PRO Rides trucks we featured in the past. I’d enjoy hearing from the owners of these trucks to let us know if they’re still on the road or what sort of service longevity they provided. And I invite all PROs to send in a photo of their rig to feature in an upcoming issue. In the meantime, my wish for you is that you never break down while running a route and that your truck returns you safely home after every workday.