Archive for the ‘Trucks’ Category
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 |
Maybe you’ve been slaving away at a trucking company for years, or perhaps you’re just beginning to see the importance of the transportation industry in North American economics. Either way, you’ve decided to buy a truck, but what do you do now.
Thanks to technology and innovation, it is now possible to buy trucks from nearly anywhere in the world. Buying trucks over the Internet is one easy way to compare models, prices, and features across manufacturers and brands. The Internet also features a wealth of information to help truckers make their first truck purchase their only truck purchase for many years.
Just searching the keywords “buy trucks” on that mammoth of a search engine, Google, produces almost 400,000 hits, web sties that range from official truck manufacturers to classified sites where owners and companies can list their trucks for sale.
When looking to buy trucks online, however, future owners should be careful and make sure they are purchasing from a reputable source. Manufacture web sites like those of Kenworth Trucks, Freightliner Trucks, Mack Trucks, International Trucks or Peterbilt Trucks are generally legitimate, though potential buyers should make sure they do not accidentally enter an illegitimate site impersonating the manufacturer web site. While post-it-yourself sites like Craig’s List may seem like a good way to get values on used trucks, these types of sites should be avoided because of their potential for fraud. While the seller listing his or her truck on Craig’s List may be legitimate, discovering that information before purchasing is difficult.
For that reason, those who want to buy trucks online should consult many of the legitimate classified web sites that cater to truckers who are looking to buy trucks online. These web sites contain a wealth of information for truckers and most offer a variety of used and new trucks to choose from.
While choosing to buy trucks is a big decision for you or your small fleet, the Internet has made the process easier than ever. Whether you’re looking to visit the web site of a manufacturer or check out used trucks on a classified site, researching the products over the web will be simple and easy, and soon you’ll be piloting in your vary own cab!
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Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 |
A recent study conducted by the state of Washington found that the number of truck accidents involving log trucks has declined by 11 percent even as the number of accidents involving all commercial trucks increased by 15 percent over a two-year period.
Commercial truck accidents are considered the most expensive and fatal vehicular accidents that can occur throughout the country. The ripple effects of a commercial truck accident can often be vast and devastating to victims, family members and friends.
What are Commercial Trucks, Log Trucks?
In the United States, commercial trucks, also commonly referred to as heavy duty trucks, are those vehicles used to transport cargo and weighing more than 26,001 pounds in which case a commercial truck driver’s license is also needed.
Commercial trucks transport a number of goods and products across state lines and throughout the country including food supplies and logs and some are specifically designed for tasks such as mixing and moving concrete as well as transporting light trucks for military use.
Researchers have reported that while the construction of commercial trucks continues to improve, the level of quality still remains well below the quality level of automobiles and it has been said that commercial trucks remain well below automobiles in quality due mainly to the fact that nearly 3/4 of all commercial trucks are custom built, causing inefficiencies in steamlining a commercial truck assembly line. However, a lengthy list of popular commercial truck manufacturers remains both worldwide and in America. The list of top manufacturers includes:
* Crane Carrier Corporation
* Chevrolet
* Colet
* Dodge
* Freightliner
* Ford
* GMC
* Isuzu
* Kenworth
* Mack Trucks
* International
* Nissan
* Peterbilt
* Pierce
* Sterling Trucks
* Volvo Trucks
* Western Star
Logging trucks and log truck drivers are no different from commercial trucks or commercial truck drivers, however, the Washington study conducted by the Washington State University found that a small group of log truck drivers are often considered seasoned and experienced drivers of the dangerous profession, which may be attributing to the total decrease of log truck accidents. However, the study also noted that as these individuals begin to retire, not only will the logging industry suffer, but accidents may begin to increase instead of decrease.
The study noted that, “rising costs, aging drivers and long hours of service” as well as “other factors that could affect safety and economic viability include the ongoing effects of deregulation, poor driver recruitment” could all become factors responsible for a potential increase of log truck accidents.
Protecting Yourself from a Truck Accident
Individuals who have been involved in a commercial truck accident are advised to seek medical assistance even if no signs or symptoms of an injury are present. Often, injuries sustained in a vehicular or commercial truck accident can remain unseen and may include internal bleeding or bruising, which could have fatal consequences on a victim if injuries are not immediately assessed and treated. In addition to consulting a medical professional and ensuring injuries are properly treated, it may also be advisable to contact an experienced commercial truck collision law firm.
Receiving a free legal consultation on injuries derived from a truck accident can provide relief from stress or worry over medical bills or automotive debts associated with a commercial truck collision or a log truck wreck.
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Monday, December 15th, 2008 |
Shipping Services. There are numerous types of distribution services that can assist you with shipping, moving, transport, tracking, and even more. If you have something to transport, then you can come across help in Internet about it. There are lots of types of transport trailer services that you can use. Air cargo, trucking and the use of a cargo forwarder are all alternatives that you have if you want to have a truck shipped.
International Shipping - Many industries struggle with their international delivery. There is a great deal that a worldwide transporter needs to be acquainted with prior to committing to send consignments. With the quantity of worldwide shippers on the rise, you carry on having more and more preferences for your international shipping needs.
Freight Carrier. There are so various alternatives when selecting a cargo corporation, trucking companionship or any type of delivery service of freight. nowadays there are numerous alternatives and corporations presented for you to choose among. Their mission is to make you choose the right cargo transporter for your consignments or your company!
Logistics is a really huge business. Any business that has merchandise, which needs to be transported, must use logistics with the intention of keeping trail of their supply and distribution succession managing. Collapse to have a handle on this can be critical to any truck commerce. Finding a high-quality logistics party to handle your shipping needs is very imperative.
Trucking Accidents. Driving a truck is risky and catastrophes take place. A trucking catastrophe can happen from fires, downward braking, rollovers, or human errors. Whichever it is, a trucking catastrophe can set a constraint on your freight delivery. in view of the fact that transportation catastrophes are an element of the distribution industry, most of the corporations in Internet cover such insurances!
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Friday, December 12th, 2008 |
There are many alternatives in obtaining dump truck financing. Whether you are a start up or a seasoned business, the first logical place to investigate your financing is at your local bank. This may be pleasurable experience if you have many contacts at your bank but most people usually don’t have these types of connections. The seasoned business must have at least mid 600s on their personal credit scores and be prepared to go through a lengthly paper process. Prior year income tax returns may be required, current personal financial statments needed and various other requests. The start up business must have a credit score properly 680 or higher and will have a much smaller success rate in obtaining bank financing. The business start up is a high risk factor and must adhere to higher lending standards.
Most banks and financial institutions offer loan and/or lease programs. The difference is that the loan programs transfers title at the end of the payment obligation, whereas the leasing component offers a rent type environment during the course of the lease with a buy out option at the end of the lease period to take title. Usually, the monies required upfront to acquire a loan are higher and eliminates many candidates. The Leasing arena requires anywhere from usually first and last payment to approximately 20% down of the dump truck cost.
On the loan and lease programs for a dump truck applicant, the applicant must investigate whether the bank and/or financial institution considers this a qualified asset which they will lend on. Most lenders like this type of asset but others may specialize in other industries such as medical and transportation such as limos, limo buses, ambulances etc. Some Lenders will only lend up to ten years based upon the age of the truck where others may extend beyond this parameter. Loans and leases usually run anywhere between 36 -60 months based upon the age of the dump truck. Another factor to consider in the financing area, many dump trucks are what they call conversions. The chasis of the dump truck and./or the road truck may be given a new dump box. Obviously this dump box is new but
the chasis could be as old as ten years old. Lenders are particular in this area and may not accept a converted dump truck. Obviously, please check with your lender to ascertain their lending guidelines.
The dump truck applicant is seeking a relationship with the lender no matter whether it is a start up or seasoned business. The front money to commence the lending vehicle, the monthly payments and the buyout clauses at the end of the lending instrument, if there is one, is paramount in making a prudent business decision. The amount of paperwork and hoops to jump through to get to end of the financing process are considered in the total evaluation process.
As we discussed above, there can be a lengthly paperwork process to obtain your financing. Recently, some of the lenders have changed their computer qualification models and accept application only programs. This means there are no income tax returns required, time consuming personal fianancial statments needed, and other key documents either prepared and /or requested. This program is usually geared for the seasoned business but there are start ups applications programs available as well. These application lending programs usually run from $20,000 to $250,000. It is important for the dump truck applicant to check out all the lending programs available. The collateral of the financing is the dump truck and usually no additonal collateral is required. The minimum credit score required for all dump truck applicants may start as low as 575.
The last thing you should be aware of is truck dealer/financing inventory programs. What this means, the lender has repos and/of a off lease inventories that they want to move for cash flow purposes. This financing arrangement is geared to the start up as well as seasoned business and may offer the dump applicant an execellent buying and financing opportunity.
When you are shopping for dump truck financing, consider the following, the front money, the monthly payments, what collateral is required, and what the buyout clauses mean. Also, make sure you have a good source of income coming from a contract and/or other methods. Remember, whatever lending program you select, there is more than likely a personal guranatee required.
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Monday, November 17th, 2008 |
Volvo Trucks is looking to increase their presence at the Russian truck market as the demand for trucks in the said country continue to increase. Recently, the Swedish truck manufacturer received an order for 300 trucks from the Russian logistics company Sunflower. The agreement between the two companies includes the financing for all the 30 trucks by way of the Volvo Financing Services. This order gives Volvo Trucks a big boost in increasing their popularity in the region.
Sunflower is one of the biggest logistics company in Russia and has businesses in the car hauling segment. The company also provides other services aside from transportation such as forwarding, storage, and customs clearance. The increasing demand for passenger cars in the country is the reason why Sunflower is expanding its fleet. This also means that Volvo is in a position to take advantage of the growing auto market in the country.
Lars Corneliusson, the General Director of Volvo Trucks Russia, has this to say: “This far-reaching order shows that Volvo Trucks is the most attractive business partner for advanced transport companies in Russia. It also proves that our focus on supporting and facilitating customers’ business development is effective.”
The order for the 300 Volvo trucks came after the Swedish company sent a delegation in the country in relation to the construction of a new plant in the country. The construction of the new plant is expected to begin shortly after the Swedish company signs an agreement with the Russian authorities. The truck assembly plant will be constructed in the city of Kaluga which is just 200 kilometers from Moscow. After the visit of Volvo’s delegation at the said city, it is expected that the local authorities and Volvo will soon reach an agreement. It is expected that the truck assembly plant will be opened and be fully operational by the year 2009.
As for the order from Sunflower, Volvo Trucks will be supplying them with FM trailer trucks. These trucks are powered by a D13 engine which can produce as much as 440 horsepower and that is around enough for towing large trailers. The safety of these vehicles is one major reason why Sunflower chose to order their trucks from Volvo. The use of safety features which are also used on smaller Volvo vehicles such as the S80, XC90 and the S40 with its reliable Volvo S40 parts are also used in these trucks to ensure the safety of truck drivers. The Swedish company is expected to start delivering the trucks by the end of this month and is expected to fill the order by early 2008.
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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 |
Buying a new vehicle is a big decision that requires a lot of thought and research into what vehicle would be perfect for your needs. First you have to decide what type of vehicle you would like to purchase such as a car, SUV car, truck or van. Once that decision is made, there are numerous makes and models to choose from. Just when you think all the decisions are over with, there are even more decisions to be made concerning the accessories and vehicle packages available. For cars decisions include choosing if you would like a moon roof and/or a spoiler, whereas truck accessories include running boards, extend cab features and bed liners.
Before you choose what vehicle you would like to purchase or even if you are going to purchase a vehicle at all, you need to take your finances into consideration. How much money you can spend on a vehicle determines what type of vehicle you can buy. There are all sorts of vehicles out there that fit into everyone ’s price range. There are economy cars that are a perfect fit for someone looking for a new car but do not want to take out a huge loan. Then there are luxury vehicles that tend to be higher in price just like SUVs and sports cars. Trucks and vans also tend to have different series as well to cover every price range. Often times individuals will buy a base line model car they can afford and add accessories such as running boards and spoilers at a later time.
Now that the finances are decided it is time to choose the type of vehicle. Different cars offer different benefits so it is important to research what is important to you. If you are looking for a vehicle that has a good gas mileage you may want to steer clear of trucks, SUVs and cars with bigger engines. On the other side if you want something with a lot of room and storage space as well as something that can trailer something such as a boat for sale, then a truck for sale or SUV is the best type of vehicle to choose. There are numerous factors that can affect your decision so it is important to be thorough so that you do not regret your decision in the future.
Each make and model available comes with different accessories and features. Higher end models offer more features than the economy brands and definitely come with a heftier price tag. For someone that does not need or want all the glitz and glamour that comes with an expensive car, an economy car is the way to go. However if you do want all those accessories and are fearful of the hefty price tag, there are ways to go around that and save some money.
One way to get around the hefty price tag is to buy a baseline vehicle and add on different accessories. Some accessories and upgrades require that you add them to the vehicle right away before you purchase it. These accessories and upgrades include the type of engine and what the interior is made of. Other accessories, such as running boards for trucks and SUVS and spoilers for cars can be added over time so that it is not a big price tag at one time. You can save money by ordering running boards and spoilers online or through other auto retailers at a lower price than with the car dealership offers them for. The more you research, the more money you can save.
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Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 |
With its familiar red and white KW badge, Kenworth has always been a name synonymous with heavy duty trucking in Australia. The Kenworth K104 cab-over carries on in this tradition. It’s available in both flat roof and Aerodyne models.
Whether you’re pulling a single trailer or a B-Double or even a B-Triple, the Kenworth K104 may just meet your heavy duty trucking needs. And with specialist models such as twin steer and tri-drives also sold in Australia, particularly for the logging and mining industries, there are many options available for specialist haulers looking for the right used truck, although they may not be as easy to find.
Driver comfort and safety
This cab-over Kenworth model has been designed with driver comfort and safety in mind. From a safety perspective, the K104 includes four way mirrors which allow the driver to effectively see behind the trailer. Cabin visibility is assisted by the wrap-around dashboard and a deep windscreen which is available in either single or double screen styles. The wrap-around dash puts all the controls within easy reach of the driver. Many used trucks for sale will also have peeper windows in the doors for that extra visibility and enhanced road safety. These peeper windows are available as an optional extra when sold new so not all used Kenworth truck for sale will have them included. The cab-over design offers both driver and passengers a smooth ride combined with excellent handling.
The Aerodyne cab-over
If you are after the added aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency of the lightweight fibreglass Aerodyne model, then the K104 offers both single and bunk bed configurations for long distance and buddy system driving. Some used trucks will also have optional extras such as overhead lockers and storage shelves. New trucks also have the option to be fitted with TV, VCR and fridge so look out for these when inspecting any one owner or used truck that you are considering buying. The Aerodyne model naturally provides greater fuel economy and comfort for long distance haulage with its increased headroom.
Power options
New Kenworth K104s could be ordered with Caterpillar, Detroit or Cummins engines of up to 620 horsepower. So you should have no real problems finding a truck with the right horsepower and your preferred powerplant.
Made in Australia
According to a Kenworth media release “Kenworth trucks are designed and manufactured in Australia to meet the world’s toughest applications. Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Australia, is market leader in heavy duty trucks in Australia. Its trucks are also exported to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.” So, not only will you buying a truck with a strong pedigree, you’ll be buying an Aussie born and bred workhorse.
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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 |
Tonneau covers are very useful truck accessories since they protect cargoes from the danger of being stolen as well as protect the truck from the weather. Tonneau covers also add to the aerodynamic properties of the truck which in turn improve gas mileage. The Extang Tonneau is one of the best brands there is and highly recommended by most truck dealers.
There are different types of tonneau covers from which truck owners may choose from whether they are driving a Ford Truck, Chevy Truck, Dodge Truck, GMC Truck, Toyota Truck, Nissan Truck or other makes of truck for sale. For the Extang Tonneau brand.
History of Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers are commonly known as truck bed covers. The name tonneau came from a French word that means rear seating compartment of a vehicle. Although the truck bed is far from a seating compartment the term tonneau is still applied.
The origin of the tonneau cover is not that clear since this type of cover have evolved from a number of versions designed to serve different purposes and because of this no one can really claim to have invented the tonneau cover. There are different styles of tonneau covers that are available in the market and these are as follows:
• Heavy-Duty Soft Tonneau
• Hard Tonneau
• Retractable Tonneau
• Toolbox tonneau
The Benefits of Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers helps improve gas mileage. You see closed air truck beds tend to lower air resistance which means less drag. Lesser air resistance will allow drivers to drive faster and to save on gas. How? The air that flows over the front end of the truck, swerve into the hollow bowl of the truck’s bed and produces an opposite force. This force then help the truck to cover several miles and in the process saves about 10% of gas. Purchasing a tonneau cover is a great investment with countless of benefits truck owners should have one on for their trucks.
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 |
Mercedes-Benz truck approved used vehicles raised its game at the CV Show by exhibiting five vehicles, selling twice as many and picking up more than 140 enquiries. The extra business came after buyers wanted sister vehicles to those being exhibited. Key to the success was the Evolution-branded 2003-registered Actros 2546 Megaspace. Sales manager sold three more Evolution-specced vehicles off the back of the stand vehicle during the course of the show.
The Evolution is upgraded with bull bars, chrome grille, state-of-the-art sat-nav and entertainment systems, fridge and microwave. It is the first vehicle to receive this package. The alloy wheels on the ex-Hanbury Davies truck have been refurbished and it will be exhibited at Truckfest 2007 at Peterborough. Slee will make the Evolution, like the previously branded Trucks for sale- Predator and Vision - available on demand.
We has also sold sister vehicles to the Axor 1843. “We did better than last year,” “We challenged [sales executive] Steve Holbrook to sell a vehicle inside the first 20 minutes of the show, This year sold three vehicles at the fleet dinner the night before the show. The five vehicles [at the show] raised £134,000. It doesn’t pay for the stand at the show but the spin-offs we get will. We had 148 genuine inquiries from the stand,”
The other vehicles on the stand covered M-B’s traditional markets. The Axor 1843LS 4×2 tractor was indicative of its trade and export markets into South Africa, Malaysia, Asia and Jordan. Easily converted into left-hand drive, its manual transmission and basic electronic design lend themselves to overseas aftermarket conditions. The 53-plate would fetch £21,000 in the UK but with less prep work sells for less when shipped.
The other tractors were for UK operators. Two 6×2 products, an Axor 2543LS and an Actros 2544LS, are typical fleet-specification vehicles. The solitary van on the stand was the Vito 109 compact. We challenged a sales executive to sell a vehicle in the first 20 minutes of the show - he sold three vehicles at the fleet dinner the night before.
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Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 |
Delphi Corporation (PINKSHEETS: DPHIQ) and Peterbilt Motors Company successfully demonstrated a Delphi solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) auxiliary power unit (APU) powering a Peterbilt 386 truck’s “hotel” loads. During recent testing at Peterbilt truck Texas headquarters, the Delphi SOFC provided power for the Model 386’s electrical system and air conditioning and maintained the truck’s batteries — all while the Model 386’s diesel engine was turned off.
This demonstration, held in June, leveraged development supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and Fossil Energy Solid State Energy’s Conversion Alliance (SECA) program.
Delphi’s SOFC technology directly addresses increasingly stringent anti-idling legislation and other proposals addressing commercial truck emissions, noise and fuel consumption.
Delphi’s SOFC converts chemical energy in conventional fuels directly into useful electrical power without combustion. A SOFC operates quietly and at a higher efficiency level than traditional internal combustion engines. By limiting idling time and running a SOFC instead of the main engine, emissions are reduced, noise is nearly eliminated, and operators realize significant fuel savings.
The new Delphi technology will have the capability of using a variety of fuels, including natural gas, diesel, bio-diesel, propane, gasoline, coal-derived fuel and military logistics fuel. In addition to its fuel flexibility, the SOFC will be compact in size.
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