Service truck access: what if our driveway gate is locked on service day?

Question

We have a standard portable toilet on a residential addition job in Chicago. It's for a crew of 10, and we're on week three of an eight-week project. The unit sits on a gravel driveway about 30 feet from the street. Our crew sometimes locks the gate when they leave early, and our service day is Tuesday. I'm worried the driver will just skip our porta potty if the gate is locked and the truck can't get in. Does the rental company call first? Do they charge for a missed service visit? What's the best way to handle this so we don't end up with a full unit?

Hector V. · Answer

The rental company will not call before a service visit and will charge for a missed service if the driver cannot access the unit. Most companies log a blocked unit as a missed service and bill for the trip. Your standard portable toilet requires weekly service to prevent overfilling and odor issues, especially with a crew of 10 over eight weeks.

Coordinate with your crew to ensure the gate is unlocked every Tuesday morning. Leave a note on the gate or assign someone to check access before the service window. Communicate directly with your rental company to confirm their service day and any specific access instructions. A locked gate results in a missed service, which means your unit will not be pumped or restocked until the next scheduled visit.

Service truck access: what if our driveway gate is locked on service day?

1 answer