In the vast world of power washing, many contractors focus solely on residential homes or small commercial properties. But there’s one highly profitable and often untapped niche that deserves more attention: fleet washing services. From delivery vans and semi-trucks to buses and construction equipment, vehicle fleets get dirty — and they need cleaning regularly. 🧼🛻
If you’re looking to expand your service offerings, increase revenue, and secure long-term contracts, tapping into fleet washing could be your golden ticket. This article will break down what fleet washing involves, why it’s such a valuable niche, and how to get started — even if you’re brand new to it. 💼📈
🚛 What Is Fleet Washing?
Fleet washing refers to the regular cleaning of commercial and industrial vehicles that operate in a group, or “fleet.” These might include:
- Delivery trucks (e.g., FedEx, UPS)
- Semi-trucks and trailers 🚛
- Municipal buses and shuttle vans 🚌
- Utility company vehicles 🔌
- Construction machinery 🚧
- Rental car fleets 🚗
Fleet washing typically involves removing dirt, grease, grime, road salt, bugs, and exhaust stains from both the exterior and — in some cases — the undercarriage. Clean vehicles help businesses maintain their brand image, protect assets, and comply with DOT regulations.
💰 Why It’s a Profitable Opportunity
✅ Recurring Revenue
Most fleets require weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning — meaning steady, repeat business. One client can generate thousands of dollars annually.
✅ Fewer Marketing Costs
Fleet contracts are long-term and require less ongoing advertising. Once you land a few clients, referrals and renewals follow. 🔁
✅ High Volume
Instead of doing one house per appointment, you can wash 10–50+ vehicles in a single stop. That’s serious volume. 🚐🚐🚐
✅ Business-to-Business (B2B)
Fleet clients often have larger budgets, pay via invoice, and value reliability over bargain pricing. This means better margins and less haggling.
🧠 What You Need to Get Started
💦 Equipment Requirements:
- Commercial-grade power washer with hot water capability (4+ GPM)
- Water reclaim system (especially for jobs with environmental runoff restrictions)
- Telescoping wands or soft brushes for hard-to-reach spots
- Eco-friendly degreasers and detergents
- Portable water tank (if you’re offering mobile service)
🛠️ Some fleets may offer access to water and space on-site, but being self-sufficient helps you serve more clients and meet environmental codes.
🧽 The Washing Process: Step-by-Step
A typical fleet wash involves:
- Pre-rinse to loosen debris
- Application of detergent or degreaser
- Agitation or soft brushing (optional, depending on grime level)
- Rinse with high or soft pressure
- Spot-checking (mirrors, windows, chrome)
- Final rinse and optional drying or spot-wiping
⏱️ Most trucks can be washed in 10–20 minutes with a streamlined system.
📑 Know the Regulations
Washing vehicles outdoors can raise environmental concerns, especially related to water runoff and detergents entering storm drains. 🌎
Make sure you:
- Understand EPA guidelines for mobile washing
- Use biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents
- Invest in a water reclaim system if required in your area
- Have proper wastewater containment methods
Many fleet managers choose vendors who are fully compliant, so this can actually become a selling point for your service. ✅
📣 How to Find Fleet Washing Clients
Once you’re set up, it’s time to find the right clients. Focus on businesses that rely on clean branding and frequent road time.
Great targets include:
- Trucking companies 🚛
- Package delivery firms 📦
- Bus and shuttle services 🚌
- Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC fleets 🔧
- Car rental agencies 🚗
- Garbage and recycling companies ♻️
- Public works departments 🏛️
🔍 Where to Find Them:
- Local business directories
- Commercial truck stops
- Industrial parks
- Logistics and warehouse hubs
- Public transit and school bus depots
- Government and municipal bid portals
🗣️ How to Pitch Fleet Services
Approach fleet managers with a clear, compelling value proposition:
“We help companies keep their fleet looking sharp and DOT-compliant with regular, reliable washing services. Our mobile service is fully self-contained, eco-friendly, and can wash 10–20 vehicles in one stop — saving you time, money, and headaches.”
Bring:
- A flyer or brochure
- A sample service plan
- Your license and insurance info
- Before-and-after photos 📸
- A few Google reviews or testimonials
Don’t forget to offer a free demo wash or discounted trial package!
🧾 How to Price Fleet Washing
Fleet washing rates depend on:
- Vehicle type (vans vs. semis vs. buses)
- Number of vehicles per stop
- Frequency of service
- On-site water availability
- Level of grime (e.g., oil rigs vs. delivery vans)
Typical pricing ranges:
- Vans/small trucks: $25–$40 per vehicle
- Semi-trucks and trailers: $50–$90
- Buses and large equipment: $60–$100+
💡 Bundle discounts for large fleets or recurring contracts can help you close more deals.
📆 Offer Flexible Scheduling
Many fleets operate 24/7 — so you’ll need to offer:
- Evening or weekend washes
- On-site service at depots or lots
- Rain-or-shine reliability
Flexibility = more contracts. If you’re willing to clean before sunrise or on Sundays, you’ve already outshined 90% of your competition. ⏰🌙
🌟 Real-World Example: Scaling with Fleet Work
“When I added fleet washing to my services, I picked up two delivery depots with 30+ vehicles each. I started washing on Sunday mornings with my brother. Within six months, I had more fleet work than I could handle and hired two more guys. The recurring income keeps my business afloat all year.”
Fleet work isn’t just profitable — it’s scalable and dependable. 📈🧼
🧠 Pro Tips for Fleet Success
- Show up on time and deliver consistent results
- Keep detailed records of completed work for each visit
- Invest in high-visibility gear and safety signs
- Use before-and-after photos to show quality
- Offer monthly contracts with automatic billing
Little details go a long way in this niche. 🚧📋
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to diversify your power washing business, fleet washing is a goldmine. It offers:
✅ Recurring, high-volume work
✅ B2B relationships that pay well
✅ Year-round income
✅ Scalable service options
✅ A chance to become a trusted vendor in your community
With the right equipment, a focus on compliance, and a professional pitch, you can transform your slow months into profit — and build a business that goes the distance. 🚚💦💼
