Many people, whether they are a construction manager or a homeowner, may think that every dumpster rental company is the same as all the others. This is not true. You need to read the fine print in your contact to make certain you won’t incur additional fees.
It’s important to be vigilant when you are in need of a dumpster rental or waste removal service. There have been instances where two waste haulers with competing businesses have jacked up their prices in collusion–costing the end user a lot more money than what they should have paid. You need to keep many things in mind when you are renting a roll-off dumpster.
Get a Minimum of Three Different Quotes
If you aren’t familiar with dumpster rental St Louis, or you are a homeowner that is planning to do a remodel job, then you most probably don’t realize that there are many different rental companies in your area. The best idea is to get a minimum of three quotes for the removal service you need. Most often, the closer the company is to your location where you need the service will be the least expensive because they don’t have to drive as many miles to drop off and pick up your rental. However, sometimes this isn’t true–one company may be a bit farther away from you and be offering a discounted service for a promotion in the same size but at a better price point. Dumpster service is an integral part of a remodel, construction or demo job that needs to be added to the cost of the entire job. Some rentals can be for the exact same product and cost almost double as another. Getting several estimates allows you to be an informed customer by researching your local market. Why pay more for the same exact service if you don’t’ need to?
Price Shopping
If your service area is in a more rural setting, you may have fewer dumpster rental services nearby. If this is the case, others have surely needed the same service in that area. You should expand your search area of businesses to accommodate your needs to adjoining cities or towns in order to get three or more prices and to price shop them.
10 Common Hidden Fees
You may rent a roll off dumpster for a certain price and then the invoice is twice as much as the end of the contract period. Some businesses will tack on “additional services” that are not even mentioned until it’s all done and said. Being knowledgeable about the different types of hidden fees can save you a bundle of money on your project.
#1 Environmental or Fuel Surcharges
It makes sense that a dumpster rental company would charge a fuel fee because they need to use fuel to drop off and pick up your dumpster. Many companies charge an additional 5 to 8 % to cover the cost of fuel. Although some companies list it as “fuel and environmental fees” and charge you up to 35% extra. When you are getting estimates, if you don’t see fuel or environmental fees on the estimate, then you need to ask them for their rate. Some companies only add this fee if you are outside of a certain service radius, but you need to ask them.
#2 Taxes
We all realize we pay taxes on most items. When you get a dumpster rental estimate you need to ask them if tax is included or if not, what is the tax rate that you will be charged. In some areas of the U.S., state and local tax rates can be 13% or higher–adding an additional amount to your final invoice.
#3 Trip Distance Fees
You can be charged a trip distance fee on top of your rental fees if the location is farther than anticipated in the quote or the job site is farther from the main road or difficult to access. If you are in a rural area, you’ll likely have a mileage fee–so look for that on your quote or ask about it if it’s not in writing. You may also have to pay mileage fees if the driver encounters obstacles that won’t allow the dumpster to be delivered on the first trip.
#4 Pick Up Fee
Most of the time, the pickup fee is openly quoted in dumpster rental for a specific date and/or time. But, if you need the pickup outside of the normal business hours or a later or earlier date, or more frequent service, you can incur an additional pick up fee.
#5 Damage Waiver Fees
A damage waiver fee protects you from any costs of dumpster rental damages or lost time. They have a limit of generally about $500 of damage. If you don’t see this on your quote, you should ask about it. It can be included in the rental fee or be a separate fee.
#6 Concrete Fees
Since different materials need to be disposed of differently, your dumpster rental companies will ask what you are loading in the container. It costs more for the business to dispose of concrete, so if you are putting concrete in the container, expect to pay a higher price.
#7 Insurance Coverage
Some waste haulers require you to have dumpster rental insurance. Be sure and ask about it if it’s not in your quote or you may be surprised to find in on your final invoice.
#8 Seasonal Fees
If you live in a cold climate with harsh winters, you can expect to pay seasonal fees during winter months. This is usually addressed in the initial quote.
#9 Excess Tonnage
You need to estimate the weight of the items you put in a dumpster so you can calculate the amount of weight it holds and get the right size. If you think you may go over the weight limit, ask what the excess tonnage fees are or go up one container size. If you aren’t sure of the weight, the dumpster rental service can help you estimate it.
#10 Human Error
Humans run dumpster rentals companies and they can make mistakes. Maybe the wrong rate was entered or an extra fee was accidentally tacked on your invoice. When you receive the container, look at, read the entire contract and make sure to ask about any fee that wasn’t covered in your quote. It could just be a mistake and it’s fine to ask questions.
Following all of these steps will allow you to make the best decision when renting a roll off dumpster and not to incur any extra fees on your project.
