Archive for the ‘truck’ Category
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 |
Everything old is new again; or so the saying goes. If you’ve got tweens or teens running around the house, then their lava lamps and tie-die shirts are probably proving this saying true.
And so it goes for biodiesel fuel. Touted for its “green appeal”, and soaring onto the front pages of the world’s newspapers based upon promises of a cheaper fuel that will also help break America’s dependence on foreign oil, the concept of burning biodiesel for semi trucks is as new as, well, 1897. That was the year that Rudolf Diesel (1858-1913) perfected the Diesel engine that we all know and love so well.
Most of the used semi trucks are fueled by Diesel fuel. And while that petroleum-based product may bear Diesel’s name, it definitely wasn’t the fuel of choice for him. In fact, Rudolph Diesel had some very futuristic ideas for his engine and the fuel that would drive it.
Rudolf Diesel had peanut oil in mind as the fuel that would make his engines roar and ultimately launch the semi truck into its rightful place in history. And he understood the economic impact of biofuel even way back then, as evidenced by his own words:
“The diesel engine can be fed with vegetable oils and would help considerably in the development of agriculture of the countries which use it.”
Using what must have been a crystal ball tuned into 21st Century economic and politics, world, Herr Diesel went on to say:
“The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today. But such oils may become in course of time as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time.”
How right he was. All of a sudden the new semi truck industry is taking one gigantic leap back to 1897 in an effort to finally match fuel reality with the visions of Rudolf Diesel and his peanut oil engine. Today there are multiple biofuel options that are all vying for acceptance by the semi truck industry.
Poultry fats and soybean oils, sent through a chemical process called transesterification, come out the other side as biodiesel.
Ethanol, a very clean fuel, is being successfully distilled from corn and wood products. Other raw materials are being tested as well.
The Diesel engine is so fuel-forgiving, that it can power semi trucks using any number of alternative r fuels including hydrogen, natural gas, propane or even gasses extracted from landfills.
As the price of fuel continues to soar, how long will it be until your semi truck’s exhaust fumes start smelling like Mom’s fried chicken dinners?
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Monday, August 4th, 2008 |
When driving a truck, even if you don’t own the truck you are driving, it is your responsibility to make sure it is in good enough condition to be on the road. If you are picking up a trailer you need to inspect it as well. And make sure the trailer is properly connected to the semi truck before you leave so that you don’t cause any problems when you get onto the road.
No matter what you are driving, you always have to on the look out for other drivers not doing their part to be safe. Big trucks can’t stop as quickly as other vehicles so you need to be prepared for road construction, accidents, and congestion on the roads. Leave enough room between you and the vehicles ahead of you to anticipate anything that could possibly occur. Make sure you pay close attention to blind spots on your truck before you attempt to change lanes or pass other vehicles.
Used truck drivers log thousands of miles each month without incident. This is due to the fact that they work hard to take care of their own needs, they routinely inspect their truck and trailers, and they pay attention to what is taken place around them. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, so professional truck drivers know to be prepared for anything.
On team truck drivers
Most team truck drivers decide to drive in full shifts so that the other person can get sufficient rest. Basically the team will stop at regular intervals so each can eat, shower, and use the bathroom. Each person that makes up the team has to keep their own log book of their hours of service, both on duty and off duty.
The biggest advantage to having team truck drivers is they can get deliveries to the destination in half the time of a solo driver. Most trucking companies send their team trucks on routine routes because they want to keep the customer happy by always having the deliveries completed on time.
Ways of saving money
The most expensive investment for a truck driver is the truck so getting a good deal on a quality piece of equipment is important. The industry tends to have an abundance of used trucks on lots and you can get one that is in good condition for a reasonable price. New trucks are more expensive but they come with a better warranty and you have the peace of mind that it hasn’t been through too much wear and tear.
Showers can become expensive for truck drivers, with many truck stops charging up to $7 for one. Most of them offer the shower for free if you get a set amount of gallons of fuel. It may be more cost effective to get fuel each morning instead of filling up at one location so you can take advantage of free showers. That is one expense that really adds up fast.
Food is another cost that truck drivers find puts a dent in their wallet. It is a good investment to get a small refrigerator for your cab. You can store lunch meat, fruits, snacks, and drinks in there. This is also more convenient than having to stop to get something to it. This will also help you eat healthier because many truck stops offer fast food options as well as a restaurant.
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Friday, August 1st, 2008 |
Setting up a superior truck bed cover on your pickup constitutes a perfect idea that should merely enhance used trucks appearance and worth. You are able to allot a small amount of cash and receive a top that appears nary better than a truck tarp or you can ante up much more money and obtain a truck bed cover that genuinely produces a statement. Somewhere in the midmost region — the place the majority of consumers shop — you’ll be able to locate many more than a couple of reasonably priced covers that are rugged, durable, and attention-getting. A bit truck bed covers appear inexpensive — and it’s true - they are, eventhough other truck bed covers look expensive — when they actually aren’t. Largely, you’ll pay less for a soft-top truck bed cover than for a hard top model. Consequently, it is an affair of individualized preference regarding the truck bed cover you choose.
Easy Maintenance - The manner in which you clean your pickup truck represents the identical way you’ll clean your truck bed cover. But be cautious not to utilize any automobile tire or dashboard cleaning product on it. Just abide by the makers recommendation regarding how to best conserve your cover. The majority of auto supply retail merchanta most likely stock wares explicitly formulated for truck bed cover maintenance.
Safeguard Your Valuables - Whenever you transport expensive stuff in your truck’s bed, think about investing in a locking, hard shell truck bed cover. Some soft covers, such as those made by Truxedo or Extang, are designed with minimal security demands in mind and will primarily keep inquisitive eyes from ascertaining what is in the bed of your pickup truck.
Improve Your Truck’s Overall Value - When you keep your truck appearing and functioning at its peak, a premium truck bed cover should simply hike up your truck’s value. Thus, when the time arrives to sell off your pick-up, you may be able to compel a much better asking price.
Save On Gas - Today’s astronomical gasoline prices translate into thinking of groundbreaking ways to minimize gas usage. One means to attain respectable savings — very much like 10-15% — is to install a truck bed cover on your pickup bed. Once a truck bed cover is situated, the effects of wind drag is significantly minimized. Less drag on your truck translates directly into improved fuel savings.
The majority of truck bed covers include a one year limited warranty. This should suffice for most pickup truck owners. Any respectable online auto parts middleman should provide elaborate information regarding their assorted product offerings, care and maintenance instructions, prices, shipping and handling specifics, and more.
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Friday, July 25th, 2008 |
Around the roadways of our country, it seems that “bigger is better” is a common theme. Despite rising gas prices and fears across the nation of emissions causing environmental issues, it seems that just as many, if not more people are buying and driving SUVs and large Pick Up trucks.
It’s also interesting to note that this affinity for large vehicles is occurring not only in urban areas, but also in areas that are laden with conservationists and environmentalists who would normally see them as disadvantageous because of their potential harm on the environment.
One reason for this is that in areas - such as New Mexico, for instance - with large populations of people who oppose emissions for environmental purposes are the same areas where outdoor recreation is prevalent.
Higher elevation areas are particularly flooded with larger trucks and SUVs, because of the power that they provide in steep, snowy and icy areas. Also, many people find them convenient for their towing capacity, attaching trailer hitches and a trailer lock and using them to haul boats, ATVs, and recreational vehicles.
Another major consumer of large SUVs, are the soccer mom types — those who don’t use them for their power or towing and likely have no idea what a rapid hitch is — who find them convenient for hauling their children around town. Many family-oriented people are proponents of SUVs because of the extreme versatility and spaciousness. Their convenience in size is a trade-off, obviously, for their tendency to guzzle gas, and their higher levels of emissions.
Additionally, they tend to offer more safety — due to their size — than their smaller, more fragile counter parts (rollover tendencies notwithstanding). Safety ratings, however, are usually based on vehicle class, so it is difficult to compare a compact to an SUV or a mid-size to a sports coupe. But the general consensus is (particularly in multiple car accidents) that larger vehicles can better withstand accidents and therefore are more likely to protect the occupants within.
Many people would also argue that larger vehicles present more versatility than smaller ones. How often do sedan owners have to rent or borrow a truck to make a move across town? A larger vehicle allows for day-to-day transportation as well as the versatility to act as an emergency vehicle of sorts when more labor intensive tasks become necessary, the idea being that large vehicles can do anything that smaller ones can do, but smaller ones can’t necessarily do everything that large ones can.
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Monday, June 30th, 2008 |
Buying a 4X4 truck can be an overwhelming task. You could go for a well established manufacturer, but there are still much more options to consider nonetheless. And it doesn’t really matter who you are or where you are from, chances are that you are going to need a truck at least one in your lifetime. Now, if you’ve got the financial means to purchase one, that ’s very good. If you don’t, you can always consider truck rental or truck leasing. And here are some pointers that could lead you in the right direction if you intend on purchasing a truck.
SIZE
How big a truck do you need? Do you need it for carrying things around from time to time, do you need it for your business? With these things in mind, decide upon the size of the truck that would be enough for you.
PRICE
Now I know you will instantly think of the price, so I needn’t tell you to watch out for the price. What you should know though is the fact that the price of a truck can vary greatly, depending on the model. It can go from affordable to very expensive, just like a car would.
ENGINE
Remember that one of the most important things to consider about a pickup truck is its engine. Most trucks possess a V6 engine. This engine relies on a fair enough amount of fuel. However, most full sized trucks usually have V8 engines that deplete the gas tank very fast. In this case, you should definitely consider a diesel engine.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE IT CAN CARRY
Will you be using the truck to transport people from one place to another? Maybe you’ve thought about starting a business like that. In this case, it ’s advisable to buy an extended truck that can carry 8 or more people.
If you don’t have the means to actually buy a truck, you could always consider truck leasing, or truck renting. Truck renting is suitable for cases in which the purchase of a new truck isn’t justified. And here are some things to think about when leasing for short term:
1. Check all the prices and rental terms. You won’t lack companies which will offer leasing and rental services.
2. Be careful with the details. Don’t sign the contract for a rental until you are very clear about hidden costs and rental requirements. If there are any extra per mile fuel charges, make sure you know about them.
3. Make sure you check out the rental insurance. You want to make sure who is the insurance issued to.
4. Remember the time and place of the truck return. If you plan on going out of town, remember to take a map with you, so you won’t get lost.
Someday in your life, you will feel the need of a truck after all, they are one of the most important means of transportation on land. Whether you just want to move a few things or an entire house, you can surely find a truck that will suit your needs. Nowadays, many businesses make their deliveries with a 4X4 truck.
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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 |
Commercial trucks and busses present dangers which are unique to their size. Because of this, it would seem reasonable that driving larger vehicles requires special skills and knowledge. Prior to the implementation of the Commercial Driver’s License program, however, anyone with a driver’s license could legally drive a tractor trailer or bus.
In states that did have a classified licensing system, the driver might not have been skill tested on a representative vehicle. This resulted in many drivers operating motor vehicles that they may not have been qualified to drive.
In addition, many unsafe drivers were able to obtain licenses from many different states. This allowed them to spread convictions for various driving related crimes out among multiple driving records in multiple states and continue to drive.
Fortunately, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 was passed. The goal of this important piece of legislation was to improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers of large trucks and busses are qualified to operate large vehicles. The secondary goal of the act was to remove unsafe and unqualified drivers from the highways.
This act allows the states to retain their right to issue a driver’s license; however, it establishes minimum national standards which must be met when licensing commercial motor vehicle drivers. In addition, the law makes it illegal to have in one’s possession more than one commercial driver’s license.
This piece of legislation requires states to adopt testing and licensing standards for potential truck and bus drivers. These tests are meant to check a person’s ability to operate the vehicle which he or she plans to drive for a living.
This act does not, as critics might suggest, require drivers to obtain a separate Federal commercial driver’s license. This legislation merely requires states to upgrade their testing and licensing standards to the minimum Federal standards.
The legislation places requirements on the commercial motor vehicle driver, the employing motor carrier, and the states themselves. All drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a commercial motor vehicle since 1992. The states are required to administer both a knowledge test and a skill test. These tests can be administered by third party testing groups, like driver’s schools. There is also a grandfathering provision which allows states to “grandfather” drivers with good records from the skills test. This makes drivers who are already safe and without any convictions to skip some of the red tape. Commercial motor carrier groups are required to employ licensed individuals and to maintain good records.
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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 |
Vacuum and sweeper trucks are often referred to as street cleaners. They are rarely used by sanitation companies to clean the street. It is really uncommon to see a vacuum and sweeper truck on road side. It is unique in nature. However they offer valuable services to sanitation companies. Since it is not a common vehicle, banks and traditional financial institutions may not be willing to provide vacuum and sweeper truck financing. But there are some genuine financing companies that have experience in equipment financing. They can understand the need of this vehicle and can provide financial assistance.
There are various types of vacuum and sweeper trucks. Liquid vacuum trucks are used to remove liquid wastes including dangerous liquids. The removed liquid wastes can then be transported and disposed by the truck in some other location. The construction companies and environment cleaning up organization can find it very useful. They can remove even oily liquid wastes and leave the place neat. They save much time in cleaning process. However their specialized nature adds cost to it. Hence many companies prefer vacuum and sweeper truck financing to acquire them.
Semi solid vacuum and sweeper trucks perform the same functions of liquid vacuum trucks. But they have the ability to clean semi liquid wastes along with removing the liquid wastes. They save much time and effort in cleaning tasks. They help leaving the place tidy. Due to their sophisticated nature, they carry a high price tag. Hence semi solid vacuum and sweeper truck financing is often desirable.
All street sweeper trucks are used to clean any surfaces. Government organizations and sanitation companies find them very useful. They have added advanced features like flexibility and high cleaning capability. They have rotating brushes and powerful water jets to clean the street thoroughly. Due to their sophisticated nature, they are quite pricey. Hence many companies look for vacuum and sweeper truck financing to acquire them.
Vacuum and sweeper trucks provide invaluable service for sanitation companies to clean any surfaces with less effort. Their advanced features ensure fast cleaning. They have ability to clean any type of wastes. Though essential, they are quite costly and the sanitation companies hesitate to buy it on their own. They can receive only negative answer from banks and traditional financial institutions. However the valid financing companies that have greater experience in the field can offer necessary help.
Vacuum and sweeper truck financing is becoming easier nowadays due to such reliable financing companies. They accept online application form and they provide fast approval for the desired amount so that the company can acquire the truck quickly. Sometimes the company can acquire the vehicle even on the same day of application.
These financing companies do not require any cumbersome procedures and so the sanitation companies can get the amount they require to buy vacuum and sweeper truck easily. Since the financing companies offer assistance at low interest rates, they can repay the amount in easy installments. The truck can also help generating higher revenues. Hence investing ion this truck is not an expense but a way to earn more profits.
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Saturday, June 21st, 2008 |
he owner of Toledo Mack Sales & Service, which sued Mack Trucks Inc. for trying to unfairly take over its business, will get its chance to argue its anti-trust claim in U.S. District Court in Toledo.
A federal court of appeals ruled in favor of the Toledo firm yesterday, saying the firm had sufficient evidence for a jury to find that Mack dealers may have entered into an unlawful conspiracy to fix prices that hurt Toledo Mack, a franchisee.
A federal district court had ruled against the local firm.
Toledo Mack sued in 2002, accusing Mack Trucks, of Allentown, Pa., of costing it more than $1 million by selling to potential customers and competitors for less and on better terms.
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Friday, June 20th, 2008 |
A federal court of appeals has reinstated an Ohio dealership’s allegation that Mack Trucks violated antitrust laws by limiting competition among its dealers.
In 2006, a federal district court judge threw out Toledo Mack Sales and Service claim that Mack Trucks tried to block it from selling outside its immediate territory.
On Tuesday, a three-judge panel at the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that Toledo Mack had presented enough evidence that the Sherman Anti-Trust claim should have gone to jury.
“It was a very favorable opinion,” said Wayne Mack, an attorney for Toledo Mack. “They have affirmed everything we were saying that there was evidence that Mack Trucks had conspired with dealers to limit competition.”
A court date for the anti-trust claim has not been set.
Toledo Mack, a trucking dealership since 1982, filed a complaint in 2002, claiming that Mack sold trucks and parts at lower prices directly to potential customers of Toledo Mack and other dealerships, according to court documents.
Mack admitted it might have sold trucks and parts to some franchises and customers at lower prices than it sold similar items to Toledo Mack. But it said the sales were not part of an organized program to discriminate against the dealership, and the other distributors were not direct competitors of Toledo Mack, according to court documents.
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Thursday, June 12th, 2008 |
Trucks are involved in thousands of accidents each year, and the type of accidents involving trucks (semi-trucks, vans, dump trucks, fire trucks, and tractor trailers) can be very serious due to the size of the vehicles involved and the potential danger of what the truck may be carrying. As a result of the tremendous size and weight of these vehicles, collisions that involve trucks often cause serious injuries and fatalities to people in smaller passenger vehicles. Another significant difference between an auto accident and an accident involving a semi-truck or a tractor trailer is that the truck is usually owned by a company, either large or small.
The government has created more laws to make trucking safer and to reduce the risk of accidents, and trucking companies have increased safety procedures, training, and awareness for their trucking staff; however, due to the growing number of trucks on the road, the number of truck accidents has increased.
People involved in a truck accident could be eligible for compensation, and there are now many lawyers who are experienced in dealing with truck accident claims.
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident involving a truck, you should obtain the following information as soon as safely possible after the accident: • A copy of the police report, including the report number and the name of the investigating officer(s)
• License plate number of all vehicles involved
• Any company names or identification information on the cab and trailer
• Driver information including name, driver’s license number, and insurance information
• Insurance information for the truck and trailer owner
• Length of skid marks if visible
• The condition of the truck’s tires
• Road conditions at the time of the accident • Names and contact information of any witnesses
• Names and contact information of anyone taking pictures or questioning witnesses/participants In addition to gathering the above information: • Take photographs of all vehicles involved and of the scene of the accident (if possible)
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Obtain a copy of your medical examination report
• Contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible You should also be aware of what not to do if involved in a truck accident: • Do not make statements without first discussing the situation with an attorney. If asked to give a statement to police, only state specific facts. Do not state opinions or accept responsibility for the accident
• Do not sign anything other than the police report (after thoroughly reading it) Federal laws that govern the trucking industry are different than automobile laws, and these differences drastically change the way an accident is handled. You need someone on your side that understands the complexity of trucking law and is prepared to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
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