Bulk Salt Now Available in Des Plaines, IL. - **Limited Opportunity** [Archive] - Snowplowing-Contractors.com

ChicagoSnow

10-17-2006, 05:28 PM

For those of you that need access to bulk salt please review this detail;

Expenses you will incur when dealing with bulk salt:

1). The property the salt sits upon. (Lease or own)
2). Do you dump the salt anywhere or do you construct a salt bin?
3). Do you leave your salt open or covered?
4). How will you buy the bulk salt..... chances are by the semi or roughly
20-22 tons per load(minimum).
5). What will you do with the excess salt you have at the end of the
season? By the way, every year you will always have salt left over.
6). What will you do with your salt bin and supply off- season?

Now lets talk about how you intend to load your bulk salt.........

Do you own a loader? You will need one! Have you seen what salt does to a loader that continually handles salt? Will you perform maintenance on that loader? Will you store that loader near your salt? Will the loader be solely dedicated to the handling of your salt? Do you have a back up loader? Who will operate the loader?

I must say, if I found a reliable source for bulk salt that could load at the price of my advertisement, I would do it! You will not know the true costs of bulk salt until you truly figure your investment and risk.

Wizard

10-17-2006, 06:15 PM

So, are you the only game in town then? The local supplier here sells for $66/ton, with no minimum, and they do the loading. You're advertising a minimum purchase of 10 tons for $1200, and if the buyer can't use it all, they're out the money... It appears to me that you're requiring money up front because you do not have the capital to stock salt and sit on it waiting for a buyer. I have news for you partner, if you're trying to get into business as a supplier, sitting on inventory is part of the game, and is not without risk. You can't expect the customer to front the costs for your inventory. I wish you the best of luck but encourage you to take another look at what you're trying to do here, because this sounds like anything but a fair deal to me...

tlc

10-17-2006, 06:53 PM

I am glad I don't live in your city. You need to rethink your business approach. Can you find any more ways to screw somebody.

Do you even have scales to weigh the salt?

Earthscapes

10-17-2006, 07:26 PM

That must be some special salt....I get 20 tons at a time for $39.00 a ton, delivered and dumped inside the shop.

And to answer your questions:

1. Do you own a loader? You will need one!
Yep have 2 at the shop. But I load the salt with either the skidsteer or the ford tractor. Because the Loader bucket is wider than the salter.

2. Have you seen what salt does to a loader that continually handles salt?
Yep not much. Thats why there is a hose in the shop.

3. Will you perform maintenance on that loader?
Yep otherwise it would be useless.

4. Will you store that loader near your salt?
Heck yeah, do you expect me to go outside when it's cold out and wait for the machine to heat up.

5. Will the loader be solely dedicated to the handling of your salt?
Heck NO, have way to much other work for it.

6. Do you have a back up loader?
Look at question #1

7. Who will operate the loader?
NOT YOU.

ChicagoSnow

10-17-2006, 08:44 PM

Sounds to me like you guys live on a farm or come from a rural area? Do many of you have vast amounts of free land that is unregulated as far as zoning and bulk material storage goes? If so.... that may explain alot!

Do many of you have salt suppliers that load near your snow management routes? Do these suppliers match or beat each others prices?

We have NO vendors that sell and load bulk salt in the greater Chicagoland area. Did I say NO vendors? I would love to have a local vendor that would charge me $120.00 per ton loaded-as I need it, when I need it, with no loader responsibility. Bulk salt can most definitely be purchased here without a problem, but its the overhead attached to that salt that most of you have not mentioned in this post. Let's remember that your operator(s), equipment, time and risk should not be considered free when building your companies overhead/pricing structure!

I have no interest in becoming a salt supplier. However, due to the simple fact of operating a salt pile with loading abilities, I choose to offer limited service/opportunity to a select few(if any at all).

Now, with regard to those of you that accuse me of screwing anyone and I mean anyone, you obviousley do not know me and if you are ever in the area I would like to meet you and "discuss" professional courtesy.

chtucker

10-17-2006, 08:58 PM

His business and his deal, don't buy if you don't want it...

I would pay $120 a ton loaded (probably would ask for magic treated salt at that price though)....

I can't salt loaded anywhere around here for 120 miles each way.

Wizard

10-17-2006, 09:45 PM

Well guys, as I recall, this is the same guy that was trying to sell a used skid steer yet wanted to sell it to someone who would use it to plow his properties. So, in that case he's trying to relieve himself of the maintenance responsibilities (read: cost) while still being able to utilize the equipment to service his sites. Here, he's assuming the responsibility of equipment maintenance for other's benefit (but again, his financial benefit, because with the prices he's asking, you're paying for the loader upkeep and storage, not just salt). Seems what's good for him may not be good for others. Business is business I guess... This would be a sour deal for most here though, as the price is twice to 4 times what most pay for the same product/service, and conveniece would be far less having to "arrange loading with their people" prior to actually being able to go get it, versus driving to the supplier and having it loaded at your convenience. Prepaying for product you don't have yet, and a policy of "use it or lose it by x date" usually only works to the payees advantage. Salt usage is extremely hard to anticipate because no one can predict the weather, and he doesn't want to get stuck with the overhead or risks of such while reaping all the benefits. Sounds like a good way for the little guy to get screwed to me.

I'm not sure on Chucks rules pertaining to this, but if you're going to do ebay, do ebay. If you want to go into partnerships with other honest local contractors via this great site, to help others bear the burden of their business, or to get help from other members, use the networking forum. But it really bothers me that you come to this site and post your ebay auctions with questionable and seemingly unfair business ideas. It really takes away from the brotherly relationships enjoyed by most here on this forum, and creates distrust among members. I'm not saying don't try to do business by setting up "opportunities" on ebay, but I don't believe the networking forum was intended to help you advertise your ebay money making schemes. What you're doing in my mind is questionable and I don't think things of this nature have any place in this forum (also obvious by the responses you've received thus far). Not trying to insult you, but I want you and others to enjoy this site for what it is, without digging yourself a deeper hole with other members on this site.

ChicagoSnow

10-17-2006, 10:13 PM

Thank you for remembering my previous skid steer ebay listing.

I'm glad to see someone is paying attention!

Why do you plow snow (wizard)? If you do plow, than are you not trying to relieve the burden of owning a plow vehicle, plow, insurance, etc. on your customers by charging them? How dare you think of yourself! You mean to tell me that you are charging your jobs (gulp) and making a pppppppprrofit(at least hopefully anyway)?

By the way (wizard), do you salt? Would you care to expose to this forum the quantity in tons (or bags) that you apply per event? Just want to make sure we are on the same page here. Starting to sound like someone missed the first class of Business Basic's 101?

To address your question in regard to advertising items for sale...... I may have wrongfully assumed that trucks, equipment, etc. were being listed everyday, right here on this forum? You let me know what I missed.

To any fellow professional snow and ice management contractors on this site, I will say that this is in no way a scheme. It is in FACT a business decision that my company will pursue.

By the way, is profit now to be considered a bad word?

Stay in touch.......

Joe

T-Zab

10-18-2006, 03:39 AM

Okay Fella's everyone's said there piece here, lets not get in a pissing match (been there done that).
Lets all hug and make up and hope for lots of snow.

Joe, good luck on your business venture.
T

Jube

10-18-2006, 04:03 AM

Wizardsr is right -

This is not the place to sell items --- there is another thread for that. I also agree with you guys -- that price is far too high. Seems like he is taking advantage of the smaller operators.

Just my thoughts.

Later,

ChicagoSnow

10-18-2006, 05:23 AM

T-ZAb ..... no need to be concerned about a "pissing match", I don't work that way! Good luck to you also on this up and coming winter.

JUBE..... I appreciate your comments also. Especially since you are from Illinois, but I understand what it means to be a "small operator" and all of the challenges constantly faced. One huge challenge is bulk salt access!

This "salt for sale opportunity" is not for everyone. It is for a contractor that knows his costs associated with salt, has been awarded decent salt application projects or wants to expand into an area beyond his own bulk salt pile(ie. my area) that now "push" the said contractor from the realm of shopping for bagged salt to sourcing bulk salt. Everytime I consider my pricing, I wish more and more that there were local sources that would charge me $120 per ton/yard loaded and even include a 20 ton guarantee if you have too. When this "mythical salt supplier" shows up, my company and I'm certain many others will now have the tools/resources it needs to expand its current service territory.

Joe

wyldman

10-18-2006, 06:05 AM

I'm going to move this to the dealers\suppliers forum.

There is nothing wrong with him being a dealer or supplier,and posting about it.If it is done on a regular basis,for the same thing,then it will be considered spam,and it will be removed.

I don't think you guys are seeing the big picture here........

Salt prices vary depending on where you are.I've seen salt as high as $90-100 ton delivered,so this price is not outrageous.

Remember,he is purchasing,storing,and loading your salt for you as well.As mentioned,what would it cost you to build a salt bin,fill it with salt,and have a machine to load it with ? Way more than $1200.You couldn't even buy a beater bobcat for that price.

You never have to get out and get cold\wet loading it,or tarping it,or spend time filling the bin when the salt is delivered.

If your a smaller operation,who doesn't have the stuff required to run bulk,and do not have a good cheap supplier who will load you close by,then this is for you.

How many times have I heard guys complaining about paying outrageous prices for bagged salt,and they get told to use bulk.They always come back and say........

I don't have any place to keep it.
I don't have any way to load it.
Unless I make a large order,the delivery charges are expensive.

This is where his deal comes in.He's filling a niche market.

Don't forget one other thing.When we run into a salt shortage later on in the season (which we often do),then you now have your own stash.If your a little guy,the regular suppliers won't sell to you now,as they are keeping the big customers and muni's happy first.

We used to do the same thing.We would have smaller companies commit to buy a certain amount of salt each year,have it stored and ready for them,and use our equipment to load it.Helps them out,and cuts down on our overhead too.

CGSI

10-20-2006, 02:52 AM

As Chris said, there are a lot of costs associated with the salt even without the wear and tear on equipment. The shed, the equipment costs, the labor to load it and push it inside, and the associated cost of money for the owner who shelled the money out of his pocket to build the pile.

As a business owner it is easy to see these costs if you want to run a business and not a charity. Earthscapes quotes that he is buying small quantities delivered for under 40 dollars a ton. I pay 56 for a 100 ton on the pile and it fortunatley is less than 3 miles from the shop but i still have to spend labor and fuel to go get it. Its hard to believe but that is probably attributed to his location near the mines out there.

I see so many guys here that want to criticize Chicago Snow for his price but how would they feel if there plowing costs were scrutinezed by the customer comparing his pricing with new modern equipment to a guy that was plowing before with a 1952 international scout. Would you as a snow and ice professional put your equipment out there for the same price per hour as the guy that has the scout and does it for beer money??? It comes down to the related costs..... doesn't it?

We must all realize that we have our businesses to run and operate and individually we all have different associated costs. If you know your costs you know what it takes to earn a profit and your profit level is set by you. When a guy has a service or product to sell and puts a value on it then everyone has a choice if his product and costs fits there needs or if it is too expensive.

From what I read at the end of the season you have the option to take the balance of your pre paid salt home and store it yourself rather than lose it. To some guys this seems unfair but the company has set aside XXX tons of salt for you to asure that quantity for you so he should be paid for the salt. Maybe if someone were to ask him he MIGHT hold your quantity that remains until next year but you have to remember he has only a certain amount of storage capacity so whatever he hold over for you is less stock he can have on hand for next years season.

Its all a balancing act that he has to deal with and so do all the contractors. I wish him luck with his endeavor and hopefully he will find the client base he needs and those clients will be able to be successful. I go through it all the time with the marketing and sales on the Magic salt when people compare the costs of Magic versus the cost of salt or other products without considering the additional benefit of the product or service.:soapbox

Mark Oomkes

10-20-2006, 03:12 AM

Just out of curiosity, how much is bagged salt going for per ton? Not sure haven't bought anything but Magic or Extreme in many, many moons.

By my figures, you have to be paying under $2.50 per bag to beat Joe's price. Then throw in picking up a skid, constant emptying of the bags into the spreader, getting rid of the bags and skid, etc. doesn't sound like he's that far off.

I wish I had someone around me that loaded bulk salt at any time day or night, there are a bunch in Detroit, but for me and my area $120 would be too high.

ChicagoSnow

10-20-2006, 05:03 AM

Thank you Wyldman, CGSI and Mark for your experienced feedback!

By the way, as CGSI stated, any unused salt that was purchased would be a huge benefit to us if it were taken from our yard before season's end.

Yes...... Quite possibly, everything is negotiable!

Mark, Bagged 50# salt is a minimum of $3.50/per(with quantity).

Joe

PROCUT1

10-20-2006, 10:40 AM

CGSI

10-20-2006, 05:23 PM

I guess it is a supply and demand thing. Here there are plenty of places to get salt loaded if you dont buy it in bulk.

If like you said, youre the only game in town. Then by all means you can charge anything you want and if people want it bad enough they will pay.

Pro
One nice thing about people placing orders in such a way is that you can increase your bulk order quantity and reduce costs so that you can reduce the cost to your clients. i know that the difference between quoting 50 and 100 ton from Cargil will reduce the cost by 75 cents a ton. So if you can order much more I am sure the cost would come down. You are fortunate to have a lot of places to load salt there and hopefully it will continue to be easy to store it for them.

It seems to be getting harder and harder to stockpile salt with the tree huggers now a days. When i build the new salt barn I have to have a drain that runs into a holding tank that would have to be pupmed out in order to be able to have it.

It is getting nuts with all the requirements. :headwall

cat320

10-20-2006, 05:50 PM

alot of rulesand reg's when your building any type of garage or equipment /storage building.

tlc

10-21-2006, 11:17 AM

How many customers do you have to buy your ("special") salt @ $120.00 a ton?

Probably not too many!!

Mark Oomkes

10-21-2006, 11:38 AM

tlc, once again, if you could buy bulk salt at $120\ton without any additional expenses--loader, storage, land, etc. or have to run to your local supplier buy 48 bags per pallet at $3.50 per bag (which comes to $168\ton) and then have to load into whatever kind of spreader you have, which would you do? Or even if you buy a truckload of pallets at a time, you still have to store them and figure out how to get them in the truck.

Not sure what the cost of applied salt is in greater Chicago, but what if it's $200\ton? Then you could be making $80\ton without any additional expense. If it's $200\ton and you're using bagged salt, by the time you add in labor to load the spreader, my guess is you would be making something like $10-$15\ton.

Pretty easy decision when you put real numbers to it.

Give the guy a break, if the market won't bear his price, then he won't sell any additional and he will know that he has to rethink his pricing. And if you don't like his pricing, be thankful you don't have to buy it from him.

ChicagoSnow

10-21-2006, 02:14 PM

Mark........ you Sir, are correct on all points!

If no one buys from me, than no one buys from me! Again, I am not looking to become a salt supplier, just trying to generate additional revenue from existing capital already in place.

Thank you!

Joe

tlc

10-21-2006, 05:30 PM

Most contractors in the snow business are into Lawn care & Landscape services, right? If one was in the lawn care & landscape business and have any clue what is going on; you would think one would own a loader, bobcat, tractor or something of that sort right? Assuming that why would I pay you $120 a ton for salt when I can buy it for $40 a ton delivered? Why would I submit to all your outrageous requirements. How much hassel is it to: maintain a loader, load a truck, clean the loader, and store the loader? Who thinks that is worth an extra $80 a ton, nobody I know?

Yea you might sell it to a small contractor with a buyers tailgate spreader that hold 200#, do you caarge them a minimum of $120.00.

You need to go pound salt!!! :waving

tlc

10-21-2006, 05:32 PM

By the way, you never answered my question. How many customers do you have for this great deal??

chtucker

10-21-2006, 05:58 PM

No I am not in the lawn care business, no stupid lawns here. No I don't own a loading tool just yet. No I can't get salt delivered for $40 a ton.

I pay 105 a ton delivered. I charge 200 applied. I wish this guy was next door. If you don't like his prices, don't buy.

ChicagoSnow

10-21-2006, 09:26 PM

TLC

Not sure why I'm responding to your opinions, but here it goes anyway.......

The remark that most snow removal contractors are lawn care/landscapers may not be too far off, but every one of those said lawn care/landscapers owning a skid steer or other loading machine IS in fact way off. At least, where I am located in the greater Chicagoland area.

The need to own a loader(as you know) and not just rent occasionally as needed, really comes in to play when getting involved in steady landscaping, hardscaping, concrete, load materials, growth in commercial snow removal or handling bulk materials. If you do none or limited amounts of the above mentioned services, than quite possibly, my salt offer may be for you!

So you see, my offer will likely only apply to those that are still using bagged salt, have no loader, may not have loader experience, have limited experience with bulk salt, have aquired jobs which push them into the realm of bulk salt (now), have viewed this web site and found this thread, have found my opportunity on eBay or found a like thread on the "other snow site". That's it!! As of today, I have offered 10 lots of salt, as specified on my eBay listing, and as of today, 10 remain possibly available. But for the $1.50 I think it costs me per month to advertise this salt offer in my eBay store (only - no other advertising locally in regard to this matter yet), I think it has already paid off 1000% with the information gained from this thread alone. By the way, for those of you still using bagged salt, that would like to save 20-25% off of your bagged salt expense, let me know. If not, good luck to you in your enterprise of choice!

I will continually fine tune my marketing approach until I get it right.

The best part is, I owe it all to the likes of you TLC.

Thank you for making my point(s)!!

tlc

10-22-2006, 05:17 AM

Chicago Snow, Really I wish you the best of luck! If you can sell it for your price that's great. I think it just dosn't apply to most people around here.

Most people using bagged salt don't have a spreader that can handle bulk salt. To assume people are going to buy a "V" box just because of your offer is a unrealistic. Are you worried about your customers low balling your oun accounts?

Just a little criticism. All in all good luck & go get em.

AmerilawnOfWisconsin

10-22-2006, 07:17 AM

I don't agree with giving Chicago Snow such a hard time on his offer. Clearly his intentions are to sell this to local people yet we have people from other states beating him down. Obviously this offer is not for everyone, it's targeted for a certain customer and he mentions that.

Chicago Snow, I like your idea and admire your drive. If this situation was available to me around my area I would be interested.

This really boils down to a local small target of customers he is trying to solicit. Nothing wrong with that or trying to make some money. Lets remember that and ease up on him.

ChicagoSnow

10-22-2006, 08:00 AM

Thank you TLC and Trinity for your response's.... I appreciate it!

As a side note, we have had great experiences just dumping bulk salt right into the back of a pick up truck(as an example). If a tail gate salter is already installed, than why buy a V box? Would it be nice, sure it would, but not absolutely necessary. The operator just shovels the salt right into the spreader. Yes, the salt will bridge at times due to it not always being 100%dry, but a external mounted vibrator solves that problem real quick. It is tough if you have any bed mounted tail gate spreaders like the Western Pro Flow 1's with the inbed truss mount, still possible, but just difficult shoveling the salt from around the truss'.

Once again, thank you to everyone for submitting various replies to this thread. I have learned a great deal.

Thank you - Joe

PROCUT1

10-22-2006, 01:46 PM

Assuming that why would I pay you $120 a ton for salt when I can buy it for $40 a ton delivered? Why would I submit to all your outrageous requirements. How much hassel is it to: maintain a loader, load a truck, clean the loader, and store the loader? Who thinks that is worth an extra $80 a ton, nobody I know?

Yea you might sell it to a small contractor with a buyers tailgate spreader that hold 200#, do you caarge them a minimum of $120.00.

You need to go pound salt!!! :waving

For $80 a ton I would shovel it in the back of the truck.

ChicagoSnow

10-22-2006, 02:19 PM

PROCUT 1

Your thinking is sound, but you better have one hell of a shovel/pick axe/tiller to break through your "soon to be frozen" 20 ton mountain of salt, that would have been delivered to your shop.

After some moisture and falling temps take their toll on your $40/per ton salt pile(which I must say, is a damn good price for bulk salt), you will in fact need a loader to break up, grind and eventually load your salt within a timely manner.

It's hard to beleive that frozen salt can be as hard as concrete...... go figure!

Wishfull thinking though...........

tlc

10-22-2006, 05:05 PM

hum, mabey a tarp would keep the salt dry and keep it from freezing! We keep about 150 ton on site all the time and tarp it and don't have any problems. Concrete pad and 3X6 concrete blocks.

Mr. Chicago you need to chill out and quit trying to sell you product to everybody? As you know, not everybody won't use your company. Find you nitch and work that market. don't degrade everybody and think you have the best option @120 a ton.

I am not trying to be an ass, just my $.02

ChicagoSnow

10-22-2006, 05:32 PM

TLC

This is NOT about drumming up salt sales, as I stated earlier, which ever way it goes, who really cares?

This thread has become a "getting familiar" with bulk salt thread.

Have you not taken a load of bulk salt directly from the semi that was: delivered during a snow event and uncovered while in transit, or dumped on to an asphalt area that was wet, or was snowing while you were stacking, or perhaps you re-deposited unused salt from your salt spreading vehicles after an event? All of the before mentioned facts and countless others constantly invite moisture/water to your salt pile. The point is, you need a loader to handle the occasional frozen stock pile of salt. A mere shovel to manually load bulk salt will not be a reliable option.

TLC, please review again, in my title to this thread, it reads "Bulk salt Now Available in Des Plaines, IL.".

May I ask which area of Illinois you reside or perform work in?

Thank you for your interest!

Pickering Snow

10-23-2006, 02:51 AM

I think this is getting beat to death. CS is offering a deal to people and under the offer to avoid baggers from using bagged material is a good price.

Last year in the name of test purposes for the Buzz Box i ran 27 pallets threw that machine 2400 lbs was 220.00 so his offer is reasonable for those who dont have storage or loading abilty.

Up here its 59 a ton however the kabota m-9000 was 43,000 dollars to load with thats alot of salt to sell to just cover the Tractor. My 7 year old Airflow Vbox is on is third pony motor, and the storage is no problem but is a hassle.

I operate diff up here i run both bagged and bulk and the baggers are making me money only because of the offset on the jobs they do, and the abilty to run bulk has well/

Before the Tractor i worked with my buddy and paid close to 100 a ton for using his pile so even at 100 to 120 i was still making money. The cost of having a Tractor in storage during the off season is hardly worth the diff between 59 and 120 i would gladly pay that in a min and still make money.

Again hes not cheating anyone if the prices are to high to members with tailgaters looking to go bulk go look at a good V box and then a loading device you would need to work at least 10 good winters here in
Mich to even begin to cover the cost. I do use the Kubota for moving snow has well not just loading but still its a awful expen piece to have set 6 months of the year.

cat320

10-23-2006, 04:58 AM

I agree Fred , i guess if you can get a better deal do it he's offering a service if you like it do it if you don't don't. I really feel it's bad for everyone to dump on someone for trying something new and trying to food on the table. Hey just my thoughts.

Snoworks

12-06-2006, 08:52 PM

Joe, way to stir everyone up man!

By the way, wish i would of seen this thread ealier, before i bought a semi-load of bagged salt! For $120.00 loaded, its a no brainer, great deal without huge overhead costs.

Keep in mind, i am a snow only contractor working out of my home in the NW Burbs. With no option of keeping bulk salt at my personal residence. Village officials would have a field day if they found out i had a garage full of bagged product, lol.

Nice talking to you the other day Joe, call me we will have lunch!

Chuck Benigni

T-Zab

12-09-2006, 06:32 AM

Joe,
It is too bad your not closer to me ! I went threw 7 pallets of 50#'s this last storm and the aftermath ( I called in a 5 yard tipper too loaded with 3 tons to bomb some hard pack last Sunday night) for $350 a good deal from a buddy. I spent more on 7 pallets then the $1200 for 10 tons. I get a good price on baged but ya still need labor (me) too fill the hopper. I am looking at my options now and there are not many. I have no way to store bulk, and like Chuck Benigni I too work from my house. I have pallets scattered around my area, and garage but very labor intensive.
I hope your venture worked out and if there is anyone reading this in NORTH EASTERN LAKE COUNTY IL OFFERING A SIMILAR DEAL PLEASE PM ME !!!
T

ChicagoSnow

12-09-2006, 07:13 AM

Todd,

Thanks for your interest and wish I could help you out!

I know, bagged salt really is a pain in the......... (you know what I mean!!)

Everything did work out and actually better than I expected.

I managed to work out a creative land lease with skid steer usage(included) for a local contractor that also uses bulk salt and needed a salt pile in my area. He buys his own bulk, stores it on his leased land area and loads with my loader. It seems to be a WIN/WIN arrangement that would never have been formed if this "salt opportunity" wasnt conceived first. It's funny how action (directed or not) seems to create "luck".

I have never been a big believer in luck, but Im a huge fan of action.

Joe

T-Zab

12-09-2006, 07:34 AM

snocrete

12-09-2006, 07:33 PM

Wow, this is a pretty interesting conversation!!!LOL!!! TLC, your the one that needs to chill out!!! This guy is in Chi town.....have you ever been there??? I'm sure places to store bulk salt are not abundant. His prices are a little high for my area, yes, but I could imagine he's probably on target for Chicago.

Oh, and just something about loading salt...the guys that have a SS or 2 would make ALOT more pushin snow with em than loading salt wouldn't they???

Pickering Snow

12-10-2006, 01:53 AM

Joe, I am glad this worked out for you. I had a feeling it would. I am just a small potato here and for most instances I can get by with baged. Alot of work yes,but for an average application I use around 2 pallets an event.

The darn hard pack was so bad here and the "Water Falls" runnin out from the piles created the need for mega quanitys were I couldnt keep up ! I have one site I can do with about 25- 30 bags for real good coverage. I put down a full skid and it looked like I did nothing ! That was were I called in the dump, they were done with there city routes and de-iceing what they sub out. So I got lucky and they bailed my ass out.

If I could keep a load in a v-box Hopper I could probally squeek by, I wonder if a heavy dose of magic or clear lane would keep it from freezing up ? I have a couple suppliers local but they dont have storm hours or sundays. So I could probally cover my butt with baged. I just need to keep a hopper full in a V-box with out it becoming a giant ice cube. :zoinks
T

T

After our 2 hour phone call yesterday lol i never thought to ask you did the buddy with the Tipper have any room on his route to add you on bigger jobs just a thought.

We salt three places for a smaller company and we make it fair enough so he makes money and us has well it can work subbing salt on big storms like you had if you can arrange it like i said yesterday its a big step up going to bulk and money investment in equipment, most guys wont see there return in a season or two since weather is way to hard to predict.
Has far has trusting magic or clear lane in a bulker maybe other guys will chime in but i dont think i would risk it. Howard might be the exception to the rule since it is very dry in Colorado i lived there , i would not even want to think about breaking up a load of hard bulk from a spreader.

T-Zab

12-10-2006, 06:58 AM

T

After our 2 hour phone call yesterday lol i never thought to ask you did the buddy with the Tipper have any room on his route to add you on bigger jobs just a thought.

We salt three places for a smaller company and we make it fair enough so he makes money and us has well it can work subbing salt on big storms like you had if you can arrange it like i said yesterday its a big step up going to bulk and money investment in equipment, most guys wont see there return in a season or two since weather is way to hard to predict.
Has far has trusting magic or clear lane in a bulker maybe other guys will chime in but i dont think i would risk it. Howard might be the exception to the rule since it is very dry in Colorado i lived there , i would not even want to think about breaking up a load of hard bulk from a spreader.

Fred,
The guy with the 5 yard tippers runs both 7500 Top Kicks on dedicated city routes. When He finishes up, they salt his stuff (he only runs 3 pickups plowing) and then they do Salting for whomever calls. I shaged his butt out of bed last sunday night pulling a favor. I wanted them to salt 2 accounts for me on a regular basis, but the Problem is they may not get to you for X amount of hours and the Banks, Court House, BP station, non deeded roads are not going to accept that for service. He covers his stuff real well with equipment (keeps a back up 7500 in the barn) , so I dont think I can work a deal with him as far as salting for him. The guy I met yesterday stated do not leave the mix in the hopper, even if it has calcium flake mixed in. He will credit me back what I dont use and unload on the pile, so that works for me.
I will keep ya posted though. I may be calling you tommorow about the Oomkes green ford.
T