12 Tips To Know Before Buying a Truck

Buying a big truck is a big decision that any one individual or an organization can make. Choosing the right truck for the right job is very essential if you want to exploit the full potential of your business. The following tips will come in handy the next time you go shopping for a big truck.

What to Look Out For Before Buying a Truck:

Tip 1
First and foremost you should ask yourself the following questions: Is the truck proven as reliable? Are there are customers who have purchased for a similar role as yours? In order to get a more vivid picture of what you require, you can visit your local supplier and give them your specifications. You can also talk to other users; usually users will be very frank to you and hence you will be able to get a more realistic picture of the particular truck model. You also need to pay close attention to the duration of time within which you expect the truck to serve you.

Tip 2
The second most important factor that you need to look into before purchasing a truck is the level of quality. There are many manufacturers who sell big trucks. It is very important that you have a rough idea of the performance of a particular truck before purchasing it. The best way to ascertain the quality of a big truck is by visiting the various truck manufacturers websites. Usually all the information that youll need about the trucks is available at your disposal here in the form of customer reviews.

Tip 3
What is the trucks cost of operation? The cost of operating the truck is yet another important area that you need to look into. It is always advisable to go for economical trucks. However, you should never compromise on the quality and size at the expense of the truck being economical. You can always get more information about the costs of operation from your supplier.

Tip 4
The next most important factor that you need to look into is the availability of local customer support. A good local customer support ensures that if incase your truck breaks down there will be prompt maintenance assistance to help you out. A good local customer support should be properly equipped, specialized and experienced.

Tip 5
The availability of spare parts is yet another important factor that you need to look into before purchasing a big truck. It is important that you verify with your supplier about how quickly the trucks spare parts can be availed to you whenever need arises. You also need to verify whether the spare parts are available within your locality. It is also important that you verify whether the spare parts are universal or they have any unique specifications.

Tip 6
Before you purchase a big truck, it is important that you seek proper training from a licensed and approved truck driving school. There are many driving schools out there but if you want proper training, you need to enroll with a quality driving school. The truth of the matter is that even if most driving schools look the same on the surface, each driver training program comes with a difference. Basically a good driving school should be in a position to offer you: certified driving instructions, skilled training and a valid driver training certificate. Do not make your choice based on the price, instead ask your friends about their own experience with driver training. This way you will be able to get the best truck driver training possible.

Tip 7
Before you purchase a big truck, it is important that you first of all ascertain whether you really need a brand new truck or a second hand. Generally second hand trucks come at a more affordable rate.

Tip 8
Another important thing to do before purchasing a big truck is to make a comprehensive list of all the important features. This list should mainly revolve about the general performance of the engine; for example, how much weight can it tow? What is the ideal color to go for? How many cup holders does it have? And so on. At this stage youll be able to make up your mind on what sort of big truck you need.

Tip 9
It is also advisable to visit the internet in order to learn more details about big trucks. To do this, youll need to simply type the words big trucks; new trucks or used trucks on your favorite search engine. If you want a particular make or model, then you can still enter these details in your search engine for a more refined search. The great thing about doing an online research is that youll be able to get finer details at your own convenience. Basically, all goods cost much cheaper on the internet than in the local shops. At the same time it gives you an opportunity to sample out various customer reviews before making any purchases.

Tip 10
Once you have listed down all your requirements, you can visit a local dealership for further assistance. It is also advisable that if you want a particular model or make, that you visit a dealer who specializes in retailing it in particular. At the same time if you opt for a second hand truck, visit a local used trucks dealership so as to get the exact picture on the ground. By making personal visits to your local dealer, you create a better position to negotiate over the prices and discounts whenever possible.

Tip 11
Another important thing that you need to do before purchasing a particular big truck is to carry out a test drive. Once you have narrowed down your list of preferences, the dealership company should be in a position to offer you a test drive so to get you ready for the final decision.

Tip 12
Lastly, settle for a budget that does not strain you too much. Always opt for a payment scheme that suits you comfortably. At the same time if you are purchasing a truck for an organization, remember to maintain proper documentation for tax purposes.

Aerodynamic Big Rigs: Automotive Innovation

Trucking gets things done. It moves food, drugs, consumer goods and everything imaginable from any imaginable Point A to any other Point B. Trucks are vital to construction and infrastructure projects, as well. Simply put, the modern Western world would not function without trucks, their drivers and the freight they carry. It’s also unfortunately true that most big rigs arent what scientists, environmentalists and economists would call “fuel efficient.”

There’s some credit due here many trucking companies install governors on their fleet vehicles to regulate speed for maximum fuel efficiency. They also plot the best, shortest routes and perform regular vehicle maintenance to keep their trucks in top shape. At some point, though, things will have to change. Fortunately, a German company called MAN is looking into the issue with an eye on tomorrow.

Aerodynamics

The Concept S truck and the Krone AeroLiner trailer have just joined forces. The Concept S was announced in 2012, but the addition of the trailer makes it complete. The truck/trailer combo looks like a bullet train made for the road, with its sleek rounded lines and futuristic design. Fortunately, it’s just as functional as it is fashionable. The Concept S was tweaked and finely tuned in a wind tunnel until the perfect amount of air resistance was acquired.

• Air Resistance – According to Engineering News, overcoming wind/air resistance eats up 37% of any given truck’s total energy. That means there’s a lot of room for improvement there, as more energy expended results in more fuel spent and more CO2 emissions.
• Sleeker – The truck has a rounded front section, smaller mirrors and integrated fuel tanks. The tanks themselves have been streamlined, and a built-in, form-fitting spoiler has been placed on the cab’s roof. The spoiler bridges the space between cab and trailer, which allows for equally distributed airflow over the entire vehicle.
• Longer – The Concept S and AeroLiner are a little bit longer than a standard truck. The tapered rear end and sleeker front (especially the rounded radiator) require some additional length. It’s a small amount that’s well worth it—the vehicle is a marvel of reduced emissions and fuel economy.

Fuel Efficiency

Aerodynamics lead to better fuel efficiency and aerodynamics are something that the Concept S has in spades. Better fuel economy means more profits for trucking companies and lower shipping costs for senders and receivers, and those savings are eventually passed on to the average consumer as well.

• Less Petrol – The Concept S cuts overall fuel consumption by a whopping 25%. That’s a big number for an industry that’s been struggling with fuel economy and crippling gas prices. Less money spent on gas is passed onto drivers through earnings and passed on to consumers through lower prices.
• Less is More – The truck has the same low drag coefficient as a typical passenger vehicle, but it also carries just as much freight as its less-aerodynamic cousins. The truck is much more fuel efficient but doesnt sacrifice any load capacity, which is a win-win for trucking companies.
• A Perfect Whole – As mentioned previously, the fuel tanks are built in for optimum airflow. The spoiler helps with wind resistance directly, and also helps by closing the gap between cab and trailer. Everything is a functional part of the big picture.

A Better Future

All of these factors have to add up to something, and that something is a cleaner, more efficient and less polluted future. Trucking companies understand that fuel economy helps the bottom line, but they also know that keeping an eye on carbon emissions is the right thing to do. They have to live on this planet too, after all.

• Clean Cut – The Concept S cuts CO2 emissions by 25%, which is no small feat. Reduced carbon emissions mean that the environmental cost of moving freight on land is dramatically lessened. It becomes cheap, efficient and much cleaner.
• Legality – Cutting pollutants isnt just the right thing to do—it’s becoming the law. Many countries have increased expectations from businesses in regards to pollution, and trucking companies are at the forefront.
• Infrastructure – Light rail systems are great, but they require additional development and infrastructure. New trucks, on the other hand, just need to be manufactured and put on the road. Both the Concept S cab and the AeroLiner trailer can function with conventional trucks and containers, which make them very versatile. MAN is making it easy for companies to update their fleets and seamlessly integrate more fuel efficient vehicles into their business model. It’s quick, easy and clean.

The Concept S and AeroLiner won’t solve all of the world’s problems, but they will ease some very real burdens on the trucking industry. Trucks and their freight are a vital part of our modern society—we wouldnt have goods and groceries without them, and our roads would be in complete shambles. Big Rigs, by nature, guzzle gas. Some forward think companies don’t think it has to be that way, however, and are trying to make a positive impact that works for the environment, the consumer and the trucking industry itself.

We can all agree that we want a cleaner planet and lower prices at the market. Trucking companies need to turn a profit, and before the advent of this new style of rig it’s been difficult for them to make money and be environmentally conscious at the same time. The Concept S and the AeroLiner might just give the trucking industry the boost it needs.

Safety on the Road for Truck Drivers

While driving a truck can be a rewarding career, it can also be a dangerous one. You don’t only have to worry about your own heavy load on the roads, you have to constantly be aware of other drivers, what other drivers are doing and your reaction times need to be fast and effective.

One of the most dangerous situations that truck drivers are faced with today is the long hours that they spend on the road, when driving alone these hours seem never-ending and are tedious as you grow drowsy and bored.

First all drivers should have HGV training and be licensed to drive the truck they are driving. Companies that allow illegal drivers in their trucks are disasters just waiting to happen. Of course there are so many trucks on our roads, many of them are not from within the UK and are making deliveries from neighbouring countries, so you need to always be aware of your own surroundings to remain safe while on the road.

Many truck drivers will drive from one end of the UK to the other as a normal route, sometimes very early starts and very late nights are the normal, being away from home for a week or more as they work to make money and put a roof over their family’s heads.

So what can you do to ensure you are safe on the roads?

Take Regular Breaks

If you are a sole driver, chances are you get lonely and bored quickly; this is a recipe for disaster. Even if you are used to this environment, taking regular breaks, stretching your legs and having something to eat or drink can be the boost you need to get on the road again.

No matter how tempting it is to carry on because you know there are only a few more miles to go, taking a short ten minute break will not make that much of a difference, enabling you to arrive safely.

Play Music

Music can always keep you going, put a mix together of lively music or choose a radio station that is guaranteed to keep you awake as you hurtle down the road. Remember that these roads are narrow here in the UK and often you will need to manoeuvre through streams of traffic, so don’t play the music too loud, this enables you to hear the sirens when police and ambulances need to get passed.

Windows

If it’s not too cold, drive with your window down and the heater off, this will keep you going for longer periods. Carry coffee with you at all times so you can pull over have some coffee with your window open allowing the fresh air to keep you refreshed.

Check your Mirrors

Always keep an eye on your mirrors, it isn’t you that is the problem, it’s the other drivers on the road and you can never anticipate what drivers are going to do. You are much larger than them, but at the same time you need to drive alongside them and you need to be quick should problems arise.

Keep on Trucking

Most truck drivers drive because they love it, they get to see magnificent scenery, they visit various areas throughout the UK and meet new people along the way, but you need to drive safely in order to enjoy this part of the job. Be careful, take your time and ensure that you are wide awake so your reflexes are top notch when tackling our busy motorways.

Every driver will have a story to tell, but you can keep yours to a minimum by taking basic safety precautions to arrive alive.

The Truth About The 4 Biggest Trucker Myths

Many people have heard much said about the quality of truck drivers and their lack of attention on the road or careless driving. In addition to this, there is a stereotype that truckers are some of the most undesirable elements of society. Finally, many people think that truck driving is a low-paying career that only those who cant find any other work would go into. The truth of the matter is that all of these thoughts are blatantly false. Trucking is one of the most regulated industries in the United States with one of the best educated workforces to be found in any business. All in all, the myths that many people hold about truckers simply dont hold water when those myths are carefully examined.

One common myth that many people hold is that truckers are some of the most careless drivers in the world and that they cause the majority of automotive accidents on the countrys interstate highways. The truth of the matter is that commercial truck drivers have less accidents that regular motor vehicle operators. As a matter of fact, commercial trucks are only involved in about 2.4% of all motor vehicle accidents in the United States. In addition to this, studies show that commercial trucks are 4 times more likely than passenger vehicles to pass a safety inspection. On the whole, this proves that the idea that truckers are careless drivers is completely false. In fact, this proves that truckers are some of the safest drivers on the highway.

Another commonly held myth is that truckers use a lot of drugs and are driving while under their influence. While this may occur in a few isolated cases, the truth is that the vast majority of truck drivers do not use drugs. Under federal law, truckers are subject to random drug tests that test 50% of any companys drivers in order to prove that they are not operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Meanwhile, there is no similar requirement for any passenger vehicle driver to be tested. In addition to this, truckers are under some very strict laws when it comes to maintaining their license. For example, truck drivers must not be convicted of any felony involving the use of a motor vehicle, nor can they refuse to submit to an alcohol test when it is required by a states regulations. Finally, if a trucker is guilty of leaving the scene of a crime or of causing a fatality through negligent operation of any vehicle their commercial license can be revoked. The facts are that truck drivers are very regulated and very safe drivers. This is seen in the fact that there were 10,839 alcohol related crashes in 2009 and less than 5% of those crashes involved truckers. In addition to this, there were 1.4 million drivers arrested on drug related charges in 2009 and less than 6% of these drivers were truckers. Overall, these facts show that the vast majority of truckers do not use drugs and are less likely than common passenger vehicle drivers to be involved in alcohol or drug abuse.

An additional misconception that many people hold is that men are better truck drivers than women. The fact is that there are over 200,000 female long haul truck drivers in America and these drivers are found to be 4 times more likely than men to pass their CDL certification on the first attempt. In addition to this, studies by industry regulatory agencies show that female drivers are 3 times less likely than male drivers to have an accident and female drivers are 5 times less likely to violate safety rules. All in all, the statistics prove that most female drivers are much safer than their male counterparts.

A final myth that many people believe is that truck driving is a low-paying career. Upon closer examination this thought too proves to be untrue. The fact is that the average salary for a trucker in the US is $44,389. In fact, Mississippi has the highest paid truck drivers in the nation with an average salary of over $67,000 per year. This shows that trucking is one of the best paying careers to be found in the country.

Many of these myths have long been perpetuated by uninformed media reports and by hearsay that people have taken as fact. The time has come for truck drivers across the country to stand up and get the word out about the true nature of the trucking industry. As more drivers expose the truth to their friends, family, and neighbors, the image of truck drivers will begin to change in the public eye. Also, truckers and the companies that they work for need to take a more proactive stance on debunking false media reports. Through these actions, people will begin to realize that truck drivers are some of the most law-abiding citizens to be found anywhere in the United States and these myths will begin to be banished from the public mind.