TRUK Advice Column

Wishing everyone a very Prosperous and Happy New Year.

Time to throw out the old and boring and bring in the new and exciting. May this New Year 2020 be the new chapter in your life and business.

Let this New Year be your year of success.

A new chapter in your business will unfold, may you have a new story to tell. Say goodbye to the old. Get your business on a new and exciting path.

Contact us today to discuss your marketing requirements to assist in obtaining the success you yearn for.

We will gladly assist you to make 2020 a memorable year for your business.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients a wonderful and very Blessed Christmas. We hope you have a relaxing and very happy time with family and friends.

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We appreciate the important role truck drivers and owner-operators play in sustaining the economy. We also know that trucking is a demanding occupation—financially, physically, and emotionally. We want you to be as safe and comfortable on the road as possible. Here are some tips for avoiding accidents and injuries, and ultimately enjoying a successful career.
    
Stay attentive

Do not allow anything or anyone to distract you while you’re driving. If driving becomes difficult for any reason (inclement weather, rough road conditions, family emergency…) slow down or stop if necessary. A safe driver maintains full awareness of his surroundings, and concentrates on the road.

Be extra attentive when turning

A truck’s weight, length, and height make it nearly impossible for truck drivers to maneuver tight turns like regular vehicles. But drivers of smaller vehicles don’t always give you the room you need to make a turn. Signal well before starting a turn, and make sure you have the distance necessary to safely complete the turn.

Be extra attentive when backing

Before backing, walk to the rear of your truck and look all around for obstructions. Look all the way to the point you plan to stop—there could be something in your path—and walk to that point. Then turn around and visualize the backing maneuver. Don’t just rely on spotters. You are the sole person responsible for backing your truck safely.

Park smartly

Whenever possible, back your trailer against a wall or fence to block easy access to your trailer doors. Something this simple can prevent theft, and if you set your trailer brake and put tension on the fifth wheel pin, a thief can’t pull the fifth wheel release.

Check your tyres before getting back on the road

Pay special attention to your tyres before starting a job, whether you’re driving a long distance or making a short trip. When tread separates from a tyre, it creates a dangerous road hazard, and could cause an accident.

Stay in one lane

It’s in your best interest to stay in one lane of travel until you come to a stop. Even if you encounter an incident—such as slowed traffic, getting cut off by another driver, or being struck by an animal—you will likely do less harm to yourself and others and create less property damage if you stay in a single lane of travel.

Check and recheck your blind spots

Many motorists are unaware of where your blind spots are located, and as a result, unintentionally put themselves in harm’s way. Make sure to check and recheck your blind spots before attempting any maneuver.   

Don’t let other drivers get under your skin

Motorists with whom you share the road often drive unpredictably—and sometimes downright irresponsibly. Their poor driving may display ignorance of your truck’s limitations, or simply their own disregard for safety. Recognize and accept their inexperience and use extra care. Don’t let yourself get angry.

Make sure your cargo is secured properly

Improperly secured cargo can cause your truck to be unstable, and could result in falling debris that may injure you or any people or vehicles around you.

Follow hours-of-service rules to help prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. Do not exceed these limits to try to make more money or meet delivery deadlines. It’s not worth it.

Contact us today if you would like us to do your marketing for you while you take care of your business, or to request a free quotation.

A common issue that all vehicle owners face is that over time, the clear plastic lenses over the headlights can become foggy or cloudy, which degrades your night visibility.  The fogginess generally comes from a combination of sunlight damage and built-up grime. Many owners of older vehicles know that when the headlights get foggy, that can be a problem. The vehicle can become dangerous to drive at night, or may not pass important inspections that allow it to be used for a driving test or even to allow it to stay in the road.

Cloudy Headlight Lense

An example of a cloudy headlight lens in need of some TLC.

Headlight Cleaning Kit :

One of the most common ways is to buy a headlight restoration kit. These vary in quality and price. .

Pros:  Affordable, and probably the most effective cleaning method you can do at home.

Cons:  Takes time – an hour or more.  Better suited for someone more experienced with working with tools and DIY projects, as you have to be careful not to damage the lens when sanding or buffing.  Also, the headlight will begin clouding up again in a matter of months.  The above example headlight was thoroughly cleaned with a cleaning kit 14 months ago.

Vinegar :

When using vinegar to clear off headlights, fill a large bucket full of vinegar. Remove the plastic headlight cover from the vehicle and dip it into the bucket. Make sure that it is enough vinegar to cover the whole headlight as that will save time. The headlight should be left in the vinegar for at least an hour. I have never cleaned a headlight with this method so I cannot attest to the effectiveness.

Pros: Affordable.

Cons:  Labor intensive in some cases due to the fact that the headlight assembly has to be removed from the vehicle.

Sandpaper :

Unless the sandpaper is part of a packaged cleaning kit, I do not recommend this method.  The chance for permanent damage to the headlight lens is high if you use an overly course grit rating. If you’re determined, you can use sand paper to scrub off the film. Only apply as much pressure as absolutely necessary. There is no point in removing a film only to have the headlight scratched and damaged.

Pros: None.

Cons:  Very high chance of damage to the headlight lens.

Polish :

This is another method that is often used. Plastic or metal polish can be used. The polish will work best if the headlights are cloudy from being scratched and not when they are cloudy from grime.  Make sure to read the recommendations on the bottle, as some polishes will leave a thick layer over the lens.  This layer can attract even more dirt and grime, or at the least obscure the lens thus negating any benefit.  

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Using insect repellant to clear up cloudy lenses is one of the most popular DIY methods.

Pros:  Easy to do. Quick. Cost effective.

Cons: Only lasts a few months.

Before		After

How to Clean Headlight Lenses with Insect Repellant:

Step 1

Insect Repellant with DEET

Get some bug spray that contains DEET. This can be bought at almost any store. I happen to have had this bottle in the garage for a few years.

Step 2

Spray on a clean cloth or paper towel

Spray the insect repellant on a dry paper towel or a cloth rag.

Step 3

Wipe off the grime.

Wipe the repellant on the lens until the lens becomes clear. How hard you need to scrub depends on the severity of the cloudiness. In this example, I was able to clean it up with little hard scrubbing and in just a few minutes.

Step 4

Restored Headlight Lense

The final step is simply to wipe any remaining repellant off the lens with a clean damp paper towel or cloth.

Warning: DO NOT spray the insect repellant directly on the headlight lens. Make sure you spray it on your cloth and wipe. In some cases, insect repellants can damage your paint.  Years ago, I sprayed OFF repellant on a vehicle to remove some ants that had found food inside of an equipment bin.  The insect repellant made the paint bubble and ate it right off of the vehicle. True story.

This method will clean the headlight and make it pretty clear – though not “like new” as a professional cleaning will get you. However, while this is great for clearing up the headlight if there is an inspection soon, it is not a good long term solution.  Your lenses will still cloud up after several months. 

For any queries, professional marketing or a free quotation for marketing, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Truck tractor drivers depend heavily on their trucks. It€'s their livelihood and, for long-haul drivers, it can be their home away from home. This extremely interdependent relationship between drivers and their trucks quickly turns even the greenest of drivers into truck tractor experts.

It'€™s no wonder that most truck buyers at carry out their own preliminary inspections on truck tractors that interest them. Many people bring a trusted mechanic or colleague to do the inspection for them. An experienced truck owner or driver can recognize the signs of a well-maintained truck and one that has been driven long and hard without any proper maintenance.

If you'€™re a new driver thinking of becoming an owner/operator, a contractor needing to haul heavy equipment back and forth from job sites or a farmer wanting to haul livestock, you'€™ll most likely need to buy a truck tractor. Whether you're looking for Mack trucks for sale, Peterbilt trucks for sale, International trucks for sale or another truck tractor make, take some advice from the experts and inspect these five items before you bid:

1.    Axle configuration, horsepower and capacity

Check the truck€'s axle configuration and transportation regulations for your area. Make sure you are buying the right axle configuration (4x2, 4x4, 6x4, etc) for what you will be carrying. Consider the terrain and type of driving you will be doing. Will you be hauling loads over hilly terrain for long distances or making short trips within the city to deliver goods?

Select a truck tractor that has the right amount of horsepower for the type of tasks and trips you wi€™ll be doing. Ask yourself how much capacity you'€™ll need. If you'€™re buying a truck tractor to pull your excavator around town, check the weight of your trailer and your excavator to determine the right capacity for the job. Find a good source for that type of information.

2.    Engine

The engine can give you a lot of information about a truck. Pull the hood and look for any signs of leaks. A leak means the engine may need some repair, perhaps not a costly repair, but a repair nonetheless. Start up the engine; let it run for a few minutes. As the engine gets warm, you should notice no smoke at all coming from the exhaust. If there is smoke and it is blue or white in colour, it could be a sign that the engine is burning oil.

Listen for any knocks coming from the engine. A knocking sound is a good indicator that the engine should be looked at more closely. While you a€™re inspecting the engine, check the engine sticker to find out if the engine meets the latest emission standards. Be aware that each jurisdiction within a country may have its own emission standards for tractor truck engines.

3.    Cab

Step inside the cab and look at the overall condition of the interior. Is the amount of wear reasonable for the truck tractor's age? Check the odometer and make a note of the mileage. For a car, anything approaching 300K might be a sign that it is time to think about a replacement, but for an over-the-road truck, mileage is not as important as the truck'€™s overall condition. If the odometer reads in the range of 400-500K, take a closer look at the engine. It might be time for an out-of-frame or less expensive in-frame overhaul to ensure the truck tractor continues to run for many more years.

4.    Maintenance Logs

If you suspect the engine has already undergone an overhaul, check the truck'€™s maintenance records. Look for any engine work that may have already been done and for other major repairs. The maintenance record should give you a good idea of how well the truck was looked after, in addition to letting you know if the oil was changed on a regular basis. Most mechanics and/or operators will mark the last mileage date of an oil change on the air filter. Check to see if this date coincides with the maintenance records.

5.    Brake Pads

Most trucks include Detailed Equipment Information. In this information, equipment inspectors try to include pictures of the brake pads. Look online to view brake pad pictures or check the brake pads on site to estimate the percentage of life remaining. A truck with worn brake pads may still be a good investment. Replacing brake pads is a relatively inexpensive repair, and something you should take care of as soon as possible. Safety comes first. 

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Buying a used semi truck is not the same as buying a used car. Sure, they have some things in common, but commercial trucks are purpose-built machines that run for millions of miles. If you don’t know what to look for when you’re buying one, you could easily end up with a bad deal or a truck that doesn’t fit your needs.

Whether you’re an owner-operator, a fleet driver or owner, or a farmer who needs to haul product around, you can benefit from knowing what to look for in a used truck for sale.

Truck Layout & Axles

By far the most important aspect of buying a truck is buying the right truck for your needs. 

You need to can choose whether you need box trucks, flatbeds or tandem-axle highway haulers. These trucks are not all created equal – deciding which one you should buy depends on what you’ll use it for.

For instance, if you’re a farmer looking for a way to move crops or livestock from the field to storage, or from storage to the market, you probably don’t want a large tandem-axle truck with a sleeper cab. These trucks may look great, but they’re mostly suited for long-distance highway cruising. On the other hand, if you’re an owner-operator who is hoping to make it big in the long-haul trucking scene, a single-axle short cab truck won’t be the best buy. It’ll certainly be less expensive than a larger truck, but it can’t haul as much weight and won’t be comfortable for long drives.

Engine

Another major factor in your choice of truck is the engine. You’ll want to choose a truck with the right amount of horsepower and towing capacity to move your loads around. Contractors towing small excavators or equipment won’t need as much power as drivers hauling 40-ton trailers for thousands of miles.

Your choice of engine also plays a big role in the fuel economy you can expect. While a tractor truck will never get the same kind of fuel mileage as a compact car, the numbers can still vary widely from truck to truck. Unless you’re buying your own diesel tank to fuel your truck at home, you’ll need to consider mileage and fuel capacity when you’re buying.

It’s also a good idea to inspect the engine itself when you’re buying the truck. You should try to familiarize yourself with the truck as much as possible, especially if you’re buying as a private owner. Make sure you’re comfortable with the engine and take a look at its condition before you buy.

Transmission

Most trucks in the are manuals, but automatic transmissions are becoming more popular in the trucking world. If you have a CDL, or if you’ve been driving for a long time, you’ll likely be comfortable driving a manual truck. Some drivers, though, prefer the ease and convenience of an automatic. You’ll want to know what kind of transmission the truck has before you buy so you can be sure you’ll be happy and comfortable driving it.

Mileage

In the old days, a truck that hit 500,000 miles on its original engine was ready for either a full rebuild or the parts bin. Today, many modern trucks can hit that number easily and still run for years. However, you should always know the mileage of a truck when you buy it. The total number miles a truck has driven indicates how much wear and tear the truck has seen and what condition you can expect the engine, transmission, and drivetrain to be in.

It’s also important to think about your own needs and how they relate to the truck’s mileage. If you’re planning on driving long-distance routes with your new used truck, you’ll probably want to shoot for one with lower mileage to start out. However, owners who only plan to use the truck occasionally or for short-distance hauls have a bit more freedom, since they won’t be racking up the miles as fast.

History and Maintenance

Sometimes it can be tough to know what the actual condition of a truck is before you put some miles into it yourself. However, if your truck has complete or recent maintenance records, those records can be an indicator of how the truck was treated by its previous owner. More complete or up-to-date records might show that a truck is well-cared-for. That, in turn, can let you feel better about buying it.

However, a truck lacking records isn’t necessarily a no-sale. Try to learn about the truck’s origin or past owners from the dealer or from vehicle history reports. At the least, you should be able to learn about accidents or major work the truck has received before buying it. If you do see anything that makes you think twice, have a mechanic look the truck over and give you his opinion.

In the end, buying a used semi truck doesn’t have to be a complicated process. You just need to think about what you want and what you’ll use the truck for. Once you know that, the right tractor should be easy to find.  

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When it comes to buying a used commercial truck, truck and trailer, or any heavy duty truck, you need to be on your game to make sure you score a great deal, rather than ending up with a lemon.

There is a huge market for used commercial trucks, and you can start your search online for your fleet’s next workhorse, researching what’s available and average used truck prices. Purchasing a used commercial truck can be an excellent way to expand your fleet or strike out on your own as a contractor.

Here are ten tips when buying a commercial truck that could save you money, not just on the sticker price but on costly downtime and expensive repairs.

1 – Check the oil

We’re not just talking about oil levels but it’s about oil condition, which can tell you a lot about the health of the truck. In fact, a truck that has been well maintained will have had its oil (both engine and transmission) regularly analyzed for signs of contamination, metal traces or antifreeze. If it has, ask to see historical records.

2 – Check for rust

Sounds obvious enough but it’s not one to be underestimated as it can render your investment completely worthless. Surface rust can usually be fixed but structural rust, for example around the frame, may spell inevitable doom for the truck. 

3 – Review the service records

Service records will tell you several things about the truck that are worth noting. Firstly make sure the records are legitimate, with the VIN matching the vehicle. Check the history of repair work to make sure there are no recurring patterns of breakdowns that could signal an expensive problem. And be extra cautious of trucks with no service record at all – there’s every chance you’re not getting the full story.

4 – Inspect the suspension

Make sure the suspension is in good working order and parts are easily sourced. Due to the critical nature of suspension, as well as their custom design, repairs can be costly. Preferably the manufacturer of the suspension has a reputation for engineering quality systems.

5 – Verify major parts

If you’re not overly familiar with the inner workings of a truck, this point may involve bringing a trained truck mechanic to help you inspect the vehicle. You need to be sure you can verify the condition of the major parts in the truck, whether it’s the brakes, transmission, steering, hydraulic lines or the AC. If you can’t accurately determine its condition then you might need to budget for a replacement.

6 – Source at least 2 part suppliers

The last thing you want is a great looking truck sitting idle because you can’t get a small, but vital, part for it, which is sometimes the case with obscure or limited-run truck brands. Make sure you can easily get parts for the truck from at least two separate suppliers to avoid being left high and dry.

7 – Can you get finance for it?

Check this before you make an offer on the truck as some finance companies can be quite choosy about which trucks they will finance, and most won’t unless it’s successfully passed a DOT inspection.

8 – Will they insure it?

Similar to finance make sure of this before you sign anything, and not just that you can get insurance but that it will be at a cost that still makes the truck a viable, and profitable, business opportunity.

9 – Know their reasons for selling

You’re entitled to know! Don’t let them avoid the question, and ask it in a way that doesn’t give them time or opportunity to change the subject or rehearse a script. Look for body language or other reactions that might give away unspoken problems. Make sure you are satisfied with the answer.

10 – Use a broker

If you’re spending a lot of money then it may well be worth enlisting the services of a professional truck dealer. They can sort the good from the bad, and source an excellent deal on a used truck, even after they’ve added their commission.

Take your time buying a used commercial truck, there can be many pitfalls. By proceeding cautiously, and getting help when you need it, you can find a used commercial truck that will give you many years of faithful and profitable service.

For truck buyers building a fleet, something else that can be worth the investment is reputable fleet management software. In fact, many commercial operators using Telogis Fleet have experienced a positive ROI within 120 days, due to the savings made in optimized route planning and fuel savings.

If you are a business owner and would like to have your business professionally marketing, please do not hesitate to contact us today to discuss your business needs or for a free quotation.

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