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For commercial property managers, winter is not just a season; it is a logistics challenge. When the flakes start falling, the primary goal is clear: keep the property safe, accessible, and operational. However, as the winter progresses and snowfall totals climb, many businesses face a critical decision: should they continue to plow snow into onsite banks, or is it time to haul it away entirely?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent two very different levels of service and expenditure. Understanding the nuances between snow plowing and snow hauling is essential for maintaining site safety and managing a winter maintenance budget effectively.
1. Defining the ServicesSnow Plowing
Snow plowing is the process of using truck-mounted blades or heavy machinery to push snow from driving and walking surfaces into designated “stacking areas” on the property.
- The Goal: To clear immediate travel lanes as quickly as possible.
- The Result: Snow remains on the property in large piles or “windrows.”
Snow Hauling
Snow hauling (often called snow removal) is a secondary phase of winter management. It involves loading accumulated snow piles into dump trucks and transporting them to an offsite disposal facility.
- The Goal: To reclaim lost space and eliminate the hazards associated with massive snow banks.
- The Result: The snow is physically removed from the property.
2. Plowing vs. Hauling: A Comparative Overview
Feature
Snow Plowing
Snow Hauling
Primary Function
Clears paths and parking stalls.
Eliminates snow piles from the site.
Speed
Rapid; usually completed during or immediately after a storm.
Slower; involves heavy loaders and multiple truck cycles.
Cost
Budget-friendly (standard operational cost).
Premium; involves additional labor, equipment, and disposal fees.
Space Requirement
High; requires dedicated “dead zones” for storage.
Minimal; reclaims every square foot of the lot.
Safety Impact
Manages immediate slip-and-fall risks.
Prevents long-term visibility and refreeze hazards.
3. When is Plowing Sufficient?
For many commercial sites, plowing is the foundational element of a winter contract. It is the most efficient choice when:
- Ample Storage Space Exists: The property has “dead areas” or peripheral zones where snow can be safely stacked without blocking parking spaces, fire hydrants, or utility access.
- Moderate Snowfall Totals: The regional climate produces manageable totals that are likely to melt or sublimate before the next major event.
- Budget is the Priority: Plowing is significantly more cost-effective because it requires less heavy machinery and eliminates transportation and disposal logistics.
4. The Turning Point: When You Must Haul
Plowing eventually reaches a point of diminishing returns, especially during high-accumulation winters. Property managers should consider hauling when encountering the following “red flags”:
A. Loss of Revenue-Generating Space
In retail or high-traffic commercial zones, every parking stall has a quantifiable value. If snow banks consume 10–20% of parking capacity, it can lead to customer frustration and lost revenue. Hauling reclaims these essential assets.
B. The “Melt-Refreeze” Cycle
Large snow piles act as massive ice reservoirs. During the day, solar gain causes them to melt, sending “rivers” of water across the lot. At night, this water refreezes into “black ice.” Hauling eliminates the source of the runoff, drastically reducing liability and the volume of de-icing agents required.
C. Sightline and Navigation Hazards
When snow piles exceed a certain height, they become a safety liability. They block the vision of drivers exiting the lot and can obscure pedestrians. If snow accumulation obstructs traffic signs or corner visibility, hauling becomes a safety necessity rather than an aesthetic choice.
D. Municipal Compliance
Many urban municipalities have strict ordinances regarding snow accumulation on public right-of-ways or sidewalks. If a property is small and the only available stacking area is near public property, hauling may be required to avoid significant fines.
5. Professional Strategy: The Hybrid Approach
The most cost-effective way to manage a commercial property is rarely “only plowing” or “only hauling.” Instead, many industry experts recommend a capacity-based trigger.
- Phase 1 (Routine): Rely on professional plowing to keep lanes open and maintain immediate safety.
- Phase 2 (Monitoring): Monitor pile heights, drainage paths, and parking availability throughout the season.
- Phase 3 (Action): Once snow piles reach a pre-negotiated threshold (e.g., covering a specific percentage of parking or reaching a certain height), trigger a hauling session to “reset” the property.
Conclusion
Plowing keeps a property open, but hauling keeps it safe and fully operational. Choosing between the two requires a nuanced understanding of a property’s specific layout, traffic patterns, and risk tolerance. By implementing a strategic plan that accounts for both methods, property managers can ensure their sites remain accessible and safe regardless of what the winter season brings.
