Driver responsibility with the cleanliness of issued trucks?

No need to word things differently. If you are the company owner, you set the rules. Youre not trying to make a big national company, but a small specific company. Set your rules. Your company wont be for every driver and every driver wont fit in to your company.
Some drivers want nicer equipment. Nice equipment demands better care. Some drivers dont even want to dispose of the garbage in their trucks, and so a bottom of the line fleet truck will be just fine for them.

 

As a company driver, I always made sure my equipment was as clean as possible. My interior was ALWAYS spotless, period. There is no excuse to have a filthy interior. My truck is my office and my home so there is no excuse for it to be dirty. I know it's not always possible to keep the outside of the truck clean 24/7, but I tried my best. When I worked for Trans Am back in '05 I would take advantage of the free company washes and when I would come home for hometime, I would run by the truck wash here in Tampa and get it washed out of my own pocketbook before I went home. When I got my local job, my company had Fleetwash come by twice a month to wash the tractor and they would wash the trailer once a month.

The same guys with a driver's personal appearance. I always showered and shaved before heading into a shipper or receiver. It's amazing what a little bit of self respect and pride will do for you out on the road.

 

Since you are going to provide the washer and soap and such,have you thought about some high school kid or college student who would love to make some extra money.And I know what some of u are thinking,kids dont want to work.But I bet all of u know some kid that everytime u see them they're mowing yards or washing cars or something to MAKE money.They are the ones you can count on to be on time for work.Just a thought.But I agree with you about wanting to make a statement with clean equipment.Last thought,when someone pulls up looking for a job take a glance in there ride.It will give you an idea how they will take care of yours.

 

Good point! I wish I'd seen how my ex-wife lived BEFORE I married the slob!

 

Negative, ghostrider. EPA and legal issues (like Workman's Comp). Leave those issues with the streakin Beacon. It will be cheaper. Set up an account with the Blue Beacon and have your drivers run the truck through the Beacon. If theyre sloppy, fire em.

Dont try to please every driver. Tell them whats required and leave it at that.

 

What kind of freight are you looking to haul?