7 Non-Negotiables Your Commercial Snow Partner Must Deliver This Winter
1. 24/7 Storm Monitoring & Proactive Dispatch
Rochester averages around 90 inches of snow per season, with lake-effect bands that can dump inches per hour. Your partner should track weather in real time and mobilize crews before flurries hit pavement—so entrances stay open and liability stays low. National Weather Service
2. A Fleet That Matches Your Footprint
If a provider can’t show you their equipment list by site type (sidewalk units, loaders, brine trucks), keep shopping. During the 2023-24 season, NY Thruway crews cleared 1.1 million lane-miles—proof that only a right-sized fleet keeps traffic moving when storms stall. New York State Thruway
3. Clear, Tiered Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)
Look for written response times (e.g., first pass at 2″, complete cleanup by 6 a.m.) and escalation plans for back-to-back events. A transparent SLA lets you budget confidently and eliminates 3 a.m. “Where’s my plow?” texts.
4. Real-Time GPS & Photo Reporting
Modern platforms like Rochester’s public PlowTrax map prove the value of live GPS. Expect the same from your contractor: time-stamped photos, push-alerts, and portal access that double as slip-and-fall defense. City of Rochester
5. SIMA-Certified Crews & Documented Safety Protocols
The Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) backs operators who pass rigorous training on salt application, equipment safety, and risk reduction. Choosing a SIMA-certified partner signals due diligence to insurers—and to your tenants. blog.mcs360.com
6. Liability-Focused Ice Management
The average slip-and-fall claim runs about $20,000, and workers’ comp cases top $51,000. Insist on pre-treatments, walkway salt spreaders, and site logs that stand up in court. Insureon
7. Transparent, Flexible Pricing Models
Per-push, per-inch, seasonal, or hybrid—your partner should explain which model best fits your risk tolerance and cash flow. Bonus points for caps and clauses that protect you in outlier winters (too much or too little snow).
Ready to Stay Ahead of the Storm?
Book a 15-minute consult with PropertyCare’s winter services team. We’ll walk your site, tailor an SLA, and lock in coverage before the next flake falls—so you can focus on business, not the weather.
