Archive for October, 2008
Monday, October 27th, 2008
No one wants to be in an accident with an 18-wheeler. Truck drivers are professionals. They drive all the time and they are some of the best drivers on the road. That doesn’t mean that you should throw caution to the wind and expect everything to be just fine when you are driving around big commercial trucks might be Ottawa commercial truck, International commercial truck, Kenworth commercial truck, Peterbilt commercial truck etc.
The size and weight of a semi tractor trailer truck makes it hard to maneuver and hard to get back into control once the chain of events leading to an accident gets started. You can substantially reduce your chance of being involved in an accident with a large commercial truck by driving responsibly and by understanding their limitations and what can go wrong.
Equipment failure
No matter how much you trust the driver’s ability, and even when you have the legal right of way, consider this – equipment failure is out of the driver’s hands and honors no laws except the laws of physics.
Tires, brakes, steering components, couplers, axles, turn signals, and horns are just some of the parts that can fail on large trucks. If you’re in the way when equipment fails, you will be hurt or killed.
Trucking laws require regular inspections. Trucking companies do not always comply with inspection schedules and they many fail to maintain their vehicles. Equipment failure can also be the fault of manufacturers or repair shops.
Jackknifing caused by malfunctioning brakes often involves a combination of the front brakes locking up and rear brakes failing, causing the cab to stop as the trailer stays in motion. Jackknifing can quickly progress into a deadly rollover accident, involving multiple lanes of traffic and multiple vehicles.
Blind Spots :
You have seen the signs on trucks that say, “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.” It’s not a joke. All vehicles have a blind spot, and big rigs are no exception.
Experienced drivers, and those with proper training, know how to anticipate when another vehicle may have entered a blind spot and the correct procedures to avoid a collision, even though they cannot see all of the perimeters of the truck. Any driver can make a mistake, and you have no way of knowing which trucks are being operated by experienced drivers or if the driver is impaired.
Wide turns :
Long trucks have to make wide turns. To do this they swing out to the left before making a right hand turn, taking up two lanes of traffic. In the process they leave an opening to their right. If you pull into that opening, you’re pulling into a blind spot. The truck driver will not be able to see you, and can easily be crushed by the truck as it makes its turn.
Passing :
Never cut off an 18-wheeler! The weight and momentum of a commercial truck means that it needs much greater stopping distance than you do. If you cut a commercial truck off on the highway, you may be rear ended. If the truck driver has to brake quickly you may not be struck, but it could cause the truck to jackknife and have an accident involving other vehicles.
Always allow more space between your car and the front of a commercial truck than you would a passenger vehicle when passing, even in heavy traffic. Most truck drivers will flash their headlights to let you know when you are clear to change lanes and get back in front of them.
Other cars
There is another variable to consider, besides you and the truck driver – all the other drivers. If you see another vehicle behaving unsafely near a big truck, keep you distance. When a truck driver is forced to take sudden evasive maneuvers due to the behavior of other drivers, an accident may result, and you need time to avoid getting caught in the middle of it.
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Friday, October 24th, 2008
If you are planning to shift to a new place, be it across the state or to a new country, you obviously would want to take all the pieces of furniture and stuff you had collected, which you hold special to you, instead of selling them off and buying new ones. Well then what better way to do that than to rent a truck! You can decide on the size of the truck depending on how much stuff you have. There are different commercial trucks like pickups, dump trucks, boom trucks, semi trucks, crane trucks etc. There are also various branded commercial trucks like Ford commercial truck, Peterbilt commercial truck, Kenworth commercial truck, Ottawa commercial truck etc.
Make enquiries about truck rental companies:
Finding a good rental company may be difficult, as there are so many these days. Here are some points that one should keep in mind while renting a truck:
• See if the rental company has branches in the same city you are moving to. This way you will only have to pay for a one way move. Many companies do accommodate that, but they ask for upfront payment, so this way you end up paying the company for the return journey as well. You may not be aware of this, as you may assume that you are paying extra for the service charge incase they do not have a branch there. Make enquiries before you book.
• It is always advisable to book the truck well in advance once you have decided on the rental company. Sometimes you may not get the truck on the day you want, especially during the peak season. So always call in advance to reserve a truck for yourself, preferably a week or two in advance.
• Make enquiries about the rental charges in different rental companies to find out which price suits you best. Some companies may also charge more for new and well maintained trucks, than they do for old trucks. You have to decide based on that, which one you want. Some truck rentals may also offer special services as compared to other companies. Find out the distance to be traveled, as they may charge according to distance, and for every extra mile you travel, you may be charged extra.
• The size of the truck will be based on the number of rooms to be moved. Generally, a 26 foot truck will accommodate a 4–plus bedroom house, and a cargo van or trailer can be used for shifting small offices. It is always better to book a larger truck, this way you can be sure all the goods will fit in.
• The rental companies may also offer optional insurance plans such as cargo insurance, accident insurance, and loss and damage insurance. Find out about all the coverage from all different companies, and then decide which one you think is best for you. Make sure that you call your credit card companies before signing the agreement.
Rental trucks are convenient, and the good part is you do not even have to shell out a lot of money for your shifting. They are a cost effective way to move your stuff to your new place. It’s as simple as renting a car to move about the city - you just have to decide on the rental company, and rent their truck to transport your belongings. The rental cost all depends on the size of the truck and the distance to be traveled. Some of the rental companies even have major branches in all the different cities, thus saving you money by just paying for the one way truck rental.
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Thursday, October 23rd, 2008
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 commercial trucks by manufacturers includes: Peterbilt commercial truck, International commercial truck, Kenworth commercial truck, Ottawa commercial truck etc.
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.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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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
Kenworth liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks were featured recently at the grand opening of a major LNG truck fueling station in Southern California.
Ten Kenworth T800 LNG trucks were displayed during ceremonies at the new facility, which will be operated by Clean Energy Fuels Corp. and is located at Southern Counties Express, a local drayage company. The vehicles will become the first new T800 LNG trucks to operate at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach when placed into service soon by Southern Counties Express. The Kenworth T800 commercial trucks for sale are equipped with the Westport Innovations LNG fuel system installed on the Cummins ISX 15-liter engine. The result is reduced emissions and less reliance on diesel fuel by running the cleaner LNG fuel.
Kenworth has worked closely with its Southern California dealer Inland Kenworth, Clean Energy, Westport Innovations and Southern Counties Express in the collaborative effort to put these new Kenworth T800s into service at the two Southern California ports, two of the nation’s busiest.
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) are providing substantial funding for the environmental project, which focuses on achieving a significant reduction in emissions by trucks serving the two ports.
In addition to Kenworth T800 trucks, Kenworth’s dedication to the “green fleet” includes the EPA SmartWay(TM) program and medium duty hybrid-electric trucks.
Kenworth Truck Company, a division of PACCAR Inc, is a leading manufacturer of heavy duty trucks and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is the recipient of the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Over The Road, Pickup and Delivery and Vocational Segment Class 8 trucks.
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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
The Kenworth T800 is the most versatile truck on the market today. From linehaul tractors with the luxurious 86” Studio AeroCab sleeper to severe service off-highway dump trucks to a simple daycab for local pickup and delivery, this model does it all. This versatility, along with its legendary reliability and high resale value, gives the T800 unmatched levels of customer satisfaction.
With the superior maneuverability provided by its set-back front axle, the T800 is the perfect truck for pick up and delivery and regional haul applications. Add the rugged durability of Severe Service options and it can be custom-tailored to meet the specific needs of dump trucks, mixers, crane trucks, and heavy haulers. Or select from the wide range of weight-saving options and the T800 is the ideal truck for bulk haulers or anyone trying to maximize payload.
The Kenworth T800 commercial truck is designed and built for driver comfort. Whether you drive yourself or hire drivers, you will appreciate the quiet cab, controls where you need them and high quality interior appointments. The T800’s 59” front spring, proprietary 8-bag air suspension and cab/sleeper suspension combine to provide an exceptionally smooth ride.
The T800, like all Kenworth products, is designed to be easier to maintain. In fact, many users claim the T800 has the lowest maintenance cost of any truck on the market. This coupled with its versatility, reliability and high resale value make it an excellent investment.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008
Getting the right deal on your Truck Insurance has improved thanks to the Internet. You can now get commercial truck insurance and truck insurance quotes anytime and any place. The Internet caters to your needs 24/7. The accessibility of getting truck insurance U.K based means that any truck driver can have their vehicle insured quickly and safely. Whatever your need to have any truck insurance quotes, from commercial truck insurance for haulage and smaller vans to specialised fields such as recovery truck insurance. You will find all the policies available online and you will get the Truck Insurance policy that is right for you.
Why should you take out HGV Insurance? The advantages of being out on the road and knowing that your vehicle is insured is a great comfort. You can have your truck insurance U.K work for you whenever there is an accident and can protect your business from undue harm.
There are over 250,000 road traffic accidents on our roads each and every year. So you will be glad that you have commercial truck insurance if it happens to you. You’ll be even happier to know that the driver of any recovery truck insurance keeps them safe as well. Their insurance protects your vehicle from damage. Truck Insurance is a lifeline and a great support for any road user who drives a truck might be a heavy duty, light duty, pick up, Ford truck, GMC truck, Peterbilt truck, Isuzu truck etc. You must have the right truck insurance quotes for policies that fit your needs and you can do it all with the click of a mouse.
Truck Insurance is easy to access with the Internet and their are hundreds of insurance firms and brokers who are willing to help you get the best deal on your truck insurance quotes. Any specialised insurance details, like if you need recovery truck insurance, can also be obtained and there are many different policies to suit.
Commercial truck insurance providers are mainly for the large fleet vehicles and businesses that require a larger amount of comprehensive cover for all company vehicles. This doesn’t mean that smaller businesses will be left without Truck Insurance, you just have to find the right policy. Getting the right HGV Insurance quote for your companies needs is easy to do if you take the advice of the professionals that work for the online Truck Insurance sites and the related brokerage firms. You can find that the online Insurance providers have done all the hard work for you and have compiled lists of over 450 individual policies that can be tailored to suit your commercial vehicle needs. Getting Truck Insurance has never been easier.
The contract of Truck Insurance will mean that both you and the insurance provider will agree to set terms for the eventuality of an accident, fire or theft. The insurer will specify how much you are to pay for your policy and in return they will provide you with a level of service.Truck Insurance protects you and other road users against risk. Getting the right deal can mean the difference between a growing business and financial strain.
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Friday, October 17th, 2008
Commercial vehicles precisely are all vehicles used for different sorts of commercial purposes. Any vehicle which exceeds a certain prescribed weight is considered to be a commercial vehicle. Therefore trucks for sale, vans and buses used for business purposes are termed as commercial vehicles. The use of commercial trucks for sale is inevitable in all sorts of business. But owing to their high prices, many business organizations seek aid of commercial vehicle financing.
Commercial vehicle financing helps individuals and corporate customers to acquire any type of commercial vehicles. There are various options available for financing commercial vehicles. Catering truck financing is one among them which helps to acquire food trucks, lunch wagons etc. The catering business people require these vehicles to supply food to several locations. These trucks are highly useful in construction sites, road sides, fairs and other places. They are helpful in providing hot meals or cold beverages. Due to their special feature of keeping food hot or cold, they can be pricey. Hence commercial vehicle financing is essential for purchasing such type of vehicles.
Commercial recreational vehicles are important in any mobile business. These vehicles cater to the unique requirements of the business and so they are costly. Sometimes commercial recreational vehicles can be modified into mobile classrooms, offices, salons etc. Many of the traditional lenders many not understand the need for commercial recreational vehicles. Therefore they may not be ready to offer financing to acquire them. However there are some genuine companies that have experience in financing commercial vehicles. They can offer financial assistance to get the vehicle for any type of mobile business. Since these vehicles can help generate revenues, investing in them is not an expense but a great way to increase profitability.
While seeking the help of financing companies to acquire commercial vehicles, you need to select the company that has vast experience and knowledge in the field. This helps you get financing at low interest rates. There are some valid financing companies that have experience in financing commercial vehicles. You can approach them for getting the essential help.
The genuine financing companies accept online application form submitted by you immediately. You can get approval quickly and sometimes you can acquire the commercial vehicle you want on the same day itself. There would be no cumbersome application procedures and so many business owners find it comfortable to get financing commercial vehicle. They can repay the amount in easy monthly installments.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Ford Motor Co. may seem struggling in some auto categories. But the Dearborn-based automaker is doing well in the manufacture of pickup trucks, its bread and butter vehicles. To hold onto its lead in the industry, the automaker seeks to unveil largest and most adaptable motor homes.
The Blue Oval does not sell recreational vehicles under its own name, but Ford is the leading manufacturer of motor home chassis in the United States.
The new chassis truck, made in Detroit, is all about weight. There are six models in the lineup. Based on reports, the biggest has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds.
For the biggest motor homes, the automaker is offering its 6.8-liter Triton V-10, which provides best-in-class performance producing 362 horsepower and 457 foot-pounds of torque. Aside from the superb hauling power, the automaker’s new chassis deliver improved ride and handling, quieter operation and wheels capable of turning up to 50 degrees in either direction.
When the Guthries first approached the automaker, the RV chassis were manufactured in Mexico. With help from the city and the United Auto Workers, who agreed to competitive contract terms, the brothers were able to put together a bid to produce the underbodies in Detroit for less than Ford was paying in Mexico, the report continued.
The commercial truck business is a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. One of the very big pieces of that puzzle is the motor home industry.
The automaker does not divulge financial results for its motor home venture, but Castelli said Ford produces about 30,000 RV chassis of all classes each year, accounting for about 10 percent of its total commercial truck output. And it is consistently profitable.
The largest models borrow from the F-650 commercial trucks. Castelli said these titans will not only guarantee Ford stays in the lead, but should increase its share even more despite the escalating gasoline price.
As other automakers focus on the enhancement of other auto parts such as engines and shocks, Ford takes the risk of beefing up the chassis.
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Trucks are not any ordinary vehicles but instead play major role in boosting any country’s economy as they carry heavy load of various types of goods to longer distances at low cost and in time. New or used truck is most useful for enhancing one’s business. Because of their crucial importance, commercial truck financing has become a huge business in itself. It is not just for buying a truck of any make that commercial truck finance is availed but even for buying truck parts one can take the finance.
As huge finance is involved in buying a truck and its parts, commercial truck financing is essentially a secured finance. The security of the finance may be given through any high equity property of the finance seeker. Lenders may even secure the finance by taking in possession the deal papers of the truck from the loan seeker after he buys truck and the papers are returned when the loan is fully paid back. Meanwhile the commercial truck may be used by the owner for commercial purposes.
Because commercial truck finance is secured well, the lender companies can afford to give the finance at lower interest rate. Individual lenders have own commercial truck financing interest rates. When compared, one can avail the finance at lower then the average interest rate. The borrowed amount will depend on the make of the truck and if the truck to be bought is used or new. Lenders also may look into the business the truck is going to generate. If there is potential for higher income or business from the truck, the lender feels more secured and gives greater amount as loan. Moreover good credit of commercial truck finance seeker also plays a part in deciding over the borrowed amount. Because the finance is secured, lenders can offer a larger repayment period of many years.
Prior to making a deal with the financer, make sure that you have searched the right truck seller. Check creditability of the company you intend to buy truck. In case you need truck parts you have many choices. You can get original equipment manufacturer truck parts from nearby truck dealer or opt for cheaper aftermarket parts with the quality remaining the same. You can buy grilles, headlight, transmissions, doors, windshields, engine parts, tires, wheels etc. Replacement parts of truck can be shopped online from your home for high quality parts.
For taking commercial truck finance one of requirements is that you must have an experience of minimum of two years as truck operator. As far as bad credit of the finance seeker is concerned, it may not be an issue for lender since the finance is given on having a property of borrower which lender can sell to recover the amount in case of payment default. Take a copy of your credit report from reputed credit rating agency and check it for errors before approaching the lender.
Search for suitable commercial truck financing companies on internet and compare them for easier terms and conditions including interest rate. Apply online to the lender of your choice. This way the loan approval comes faster for a timely purchase of truck.
You can give boost to your truck business on opting for a commercial truck financing but make sure that you buy truck from right seller. Take every aspect of the financing in consideration prior to making a deal with the lender.
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Tuesday, October 14th, 2008
When sharing the road with much larger vehicles, namely semi trucks, mack trucks, motorists must remember that these eighteen-wheelers cannot and do not handle like automobiles, SUVs, or pickups. They take much longer time in stopping, involve much more care when changing lanes or negotiating turns, and accelerate much slower than automobiles. Because of added length, these new or used commercial trucks for sale might be a Freightliner truck, GMC truck, Ford truck etc have a hard time seeing every angle that surrounds them, and great care needs to be taken by every motorist to stay out of the “blind spots” of these large trucks. Knowing the disadvantages in handling truck drivers face can help motorists share the road in a much safer way.
The struggle with maneuverability large trucks have makes them prone to accidents. In accident situations, they have trouble with avoidance, often being unable to stop or swerve in time to escape contact. This is why it is of utmost importance to maintain a safe following distance behind a semi truck. Because of its large size, an automobilist cannot see around and view what hazards might lie on the road ahead. Following too closely puts a motorist in danger of anything that might arrive in an instant. Because of the added height and power of a semi truck, it is able to run right over many things an automobile cannot. Construction materials such as two by fours, traffic cones, chains, and other debris are no danger for a high-riding truck. An automobile, however, can lose control when striking many of these unexpected objects. A good distance to maintain behind a semi truck can be gauged by the ability to see the driver’s mirrors. If you can see the driver’s mirrors you are much safer, because this means he or she can see you as well. Remember, a rear ender with a high-riding truck is much more dangerous because your front bumper and its rear will not match up. A car is most likely to run up under a large semi, leaving the auto driver vulnerable to a caved-in windshield due to the force of impact. A good rule of thumb for a safe following distance behind a tractor-trailer is at least six seconds. This gives you as an automobile driver an ample amount of time to swerve and avoid accident situations should they arise.
Knowing how to follow safely behind an eighteen-wheeler can help protect you in an accident situation. Should an accident occur, every motorist needs to protect their rights, and acquiring a lawyer who will make sure you receive due compensation is very important. Safe driving protects you before an accident; a personal injury lawyer’s job is to protect your rights after one.
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