HCS strives to offer our customers a complete solution to their fleet washing needs. As part of our proven process, our account managers consult with customers and distributors to determine what their challenges are and figure out what systems and products will help them produce an efficient and low cost per wash.
This process can involve:
- Choosing the best truck wash soap(s) for your needs: How these soaps are applied is also part of a consultative approach and will vary based on the type of customer and equipment.
- Customizing a customer’s wash solution: With the variety of detergent solutions, packaging volumes, and blending options available. HCS has detergent products available in 5 gallon pails and up to 275 gallon totes or even bulk-tank filling capacity with our local delivery truck.
- Which type of automated truck wash system should you choose: Larger fleets, municipalities, and commercial truck washes may utilize an automated wash equipment package.
- Manual pressure washing applications: to clean their own equipment or operate a mobile washing business, HCS has a number of fleet washing tips available on our blog as well.
How do I know what’s best for me?
Before getting into the various package and mix options available, it’s important to understand the factors that should influence the decision of how to purchase your soaps. Below are questions that should be considered or answered with your account manager:
- How much washing is being done?
- How is the soap being applied?
- What equipment is being used?
- Is your soap being delivered, shipped, or picked up for transit?
- Where is the soap being stored?
- Who has access to the soap?
- What are your capabilities for blending, packaging, and inventorying the products?
For customers and distributors with a higher rate of consumption or those performing a larger quantity of washing, bulk package options and/or mixing kits could be the ideal solution.
On the contrary, customers and distributors that are not consuming a lot of detergent or performing a high volume of washing may not want to purchase in bulk or mix larger batches to avoid low inventory turnover.
HCS also packages detergents in a variety of strengths and concentrated mixes. While purchasing a more concentrated blend can provide an overall lower cost-per-wash, they also require more specialized equipment and mixing capabilities to achieve the required usage level and consistency.
Along with this, HCS customers and account managers must also take into consideration how orders are being received via delivery, pickup, or freight shipment. Certain packaging options and container sizes require special handling and logistics coordination. With continuing challenges of labor shortages and employee turnover, customers will want to consider who has access to their soaps and how inventory will be managed and monitored.
When weighing the options between bulk packaging and concentrated blends versus the convenience of pre-mixed and smaller kits, HCS and its customers can determine the best solutions and help manage your inventory for recurring orders.
Pre-mixed ‘Finished Goods’
HCS refers to detergents that are fully blended and in a stable liquid solution as “Finished Goods.” These products are tested with stringent quality control measures.
Finished goods are available for all of our detergent solutions ranging in sizes including 5 gallon pails, 30 and 55 gallon drums, 275 gallon totes, and bulk tank fill options from our local delivery truck.
HCS also has the capability of offering its finished goods at a variety of strengths. Whether the customer prefers a more concentrated product or a detergent that is pre-diluted, many HCS detergents are packaged in different strengths in our various sized containers.
Detergent ‘Kits’
HCS also offers detergent kits which are condensed formulas that allow customers to produce their own finished goods by mixing with water into their own containers. These kits are also tested with the same stringent quality control measures.
HCS kits are typically a unique liquid slurry mix to be dissolved with water without the inconvenience or inconsistency of the customer dealing with powder mixes or multi-part ingredients.
Detergent kits are available in multiple options for many of our 2-Step Touchless Truck Wash Soaps and degreasers. These kit options include our 6 gallon “MW Kits (short for “Mobile Wash”)” along with larger volume “Big Batch Kits.” MW kits are typically mixed by the customer to produce a drum of “ready to use” finished goods while Big Batch kits create totes and multiple drums.
HCS detergent kits are ideal for customers and distributors with the ability to mix their own products using proper containers/equipment, good water quality, available time and labor, and safety precautions in place to unlock the savings benefits of these blends.
Customers without these controls in place or without the means to properly handle the detergents in this state would likely benefit from remaining with our finished good packaging options.
The Right Fit
In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right detergent for your needs. We offer a variety of products to meet the needs of different customers, including pre-mixed detergents that are available ready-to-use or higher concentrations, as well as very concentrated kits for clients looking to blend their own detergents.
If you are not sure which product is right for you, please contact HCS and one of our account managers will be happy to help you choose the best solution for your specific needs.
