When creating a scope of work for Snow plowing downriver Michigan, it is important to identify a service trigger that matches the level of service you expect. The service trigger should clearly define the amount of snow and ice accumulation that prompts your service partners to automatically dispatch local plowing and salting during winter weather. The industry standard for snow removal triggers typically ranges between 1-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch triggers. Let’s discuss the differences.

1-inch: Aggressive Benchmark

A 1-inch trigger is the most aggressive scale to serve, which means it can also be the most expensive on your budget. Requiring a crew to arrive when an inch of snow accumulates and continuing to service at one-inch intervals throughout the event may be optimal for some contracts.

The 1-inch trigger is the most aggressive scale for service delivery, which means it can also be the most expensive for your budget. Requiring a crew to arrive when an inch of snow accumulates and continuing to service at one-inch intervals throughout the event may be optimal for some contracts.

For small box locations such as banks, convenience stores or real estate sizes less than 40,000 square feet, services are usually route based. Route-based services at one-inch intervals are nearly impossible because the time it takes to drive even a small location route will prevent the crew from meeting this expectation during moderate or heavy snow. However, it is more realistic for large boxes with crews and equipment to achieve this aggressive trigger.

2-inch: Industry Standard

The 2-inch trigger for snow removal is the industry standard. It provides a consistent level of service that is achievable for both large and small boxes. Most local service providers are experienced in managing route-based services that follow a 2-inch trigger. Many companies choose this launcher because it best balances service level expectations and costs.

3 inches: Budget Saver

Billed as a “budget saver,” the 3-inch trigger is ironically worth the price. For example, when property conditions become unsafe due to snow accumulation, there is a higher risk of accidents or slips and falls on site. Delayed operations due to failure to meet high triggers can create increased risk and liability for your company. Bare pavement can be difficult to reach with a 3-inch trigger, and post-storm conditions are often less than favorable due to packed snow and ice. These problems occur due to excessive pedestrian and vehicular traffic in unplowed areas while there is still a few centimeters of accumulation.