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Missed service because of a locked gate: Who pays the extra fee?

Marcus B.asked 0 viewsDelivery, Placement & ServicingMissed serviceAccess issuesBillingTruck accessMonthly rental

My crew has a standard portable toilet on a residential addition job in Chicago. The rental company comes every Tuesday morning for the weekly service visit. This week, the driver showed up and the gate to the backyard was locked. My foreman was running late and didn't get there in time. The driver left a note saying it was a missed service and that there would be an extra fee for the return trip. The unit is on level ground about 20 feet from the alley, and the vacuum truck can always park right there, when the gate is open. Who is responsible for this fee, me or the rental company? Does this change if it's a long-term rental?

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Deb K.Akron, OH

You are responsible for the fee. The rental contract requires clear truck access on every service day. A locked gate blocks access, and the driver cannot wait or reschedule without missing other stops. The missed service triggers a return trip charge because the driver must make a special visit.

This does not change for a long-term rental. Long-term contracts still require you to maintain access. The fee covers the extra fuel, labor and disruption to the service route. To avoid this, confirm the gate is unlocked on service mornings or provide a key to the rental company. A standard portable toilet needs weekly pumping to prevent overfilling and odors, so consistent service matters.

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