Monday, August 1, 2011

Safety Rules for Protecting Truck Drivers While on the Road

Truck drivers are instrumental in transporting merchandise cross-country from one area to another. Without them, the economy would virtually come to a stop. The high number of truckers on the road makes safety a primary issue, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA strives to keep them as safe as possible by implementing safety rules and regulations. All truckers need to consider road safety as a job requirement, and avoid situations that put safety in question. One of the primary reasons for semi accidents is driver fatigue.

The wages of a driver translates into deadlines and quotas, so many tend to stay behind the wheel too long without rest. Law regulates the hours of driving time and the hours of rest required for a trucker. Drivers are required to keep logbooks with back up receipts as a means of enforcement. Some truckers circumvent or falsify the records because the faster they move cargo the more money they make. However, most of them realize the importance of safety on the job. In order to overcome fatigue some drivers use prescription drugs, over the counter medications or other types of stimulants to stay awake.

Instead of avoiding the problem, drugs compound the problem decreasing safety, so laws require motor carrier companies to randomly drug test their employees. A distracted driver is dangerous to everyone on the road. Sending a text or internet surfing, watching DVDs, or attempting to operate a laptop while driving, causes many accidents. Although truckers spend many hours in their rigs, they should not become comfortable enough to entertain themselves in this manner. Vehicle maintenance is high on the list of controllable causes of accidents.

Fluids, hoses and tires need checked every time the vehicle stops to fuel. Tires need examined closely due to the time spent on the road along with the changing weather conditions a tractor-trailer can encounter during one delivery. Brakes are another controllable reason for accidents caused by mechanical failure. Trucks have to rely heavily on their braking system, especially in mountainous terrain. Slowing a truck with a full load, going down a steep incline puts extensive stress on the system. Truckers know that driving a big rig is much different than driving a car with a bigger chance of causing injury or death in an accident.

Unsafe truck driving practices should not exist. A semi cannot react as quickly as a car in any situation. It takes longer to increase and decrease speed and takes more room at intersections to make a turn. The trucks blind spot is larger than the one on a car and speeding increases the already lengthy reaction time. A load of shifting weight exaggerates the movements of a truck, so extra caution needs observed when hauling shifting cargo. Every action that puts a car at risk of an accident also puts a truck at risk with possibly tragic results.

As with any motor vehicle on a public roadway, the person driving a semi must always be aware of other motorists that are inattentive or reckless. Watching out for other unsafe drivers can often prevent accidents. Those who transport cargo, whether local or long distance are responsible for evenly distributing the weight as much as possible and safely securing their load. The use of tie downs straps and tarps help obtain this goal.

Drivers need to make a concerted effort to get sufficient rest, eat right, and get physical exercise to maintain a level of physical fitness that assists in staying mentally alert. In an accident, truck drivers are at risk of serious injury or death, so seat belts should be in use and a fire extinguisher kept in the cab of the truck. Driving tractor-trailers takes skill and carries a huge responsibility with it, so no one should ever consider it a routine job. Regular use of safety precautions tops the list for doing it successfully.

When a large truck crashes with a passenger-sized automobile, the results are often catastrophic. Even a minor impact from a semi truck accident will result in a huge impact on a passenger vehicle. Huge impact equals serious, sometimes permanent, injuries. Maryland injury lawyers will make sure that you and your family gets the reimbursement that you deserve. If you've been injured by a tractor trailer, call a Maryland truck accident attorney today.


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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Truck Driver Salary - How It Will Give You a Financial Boost

Driving a truck to long distances carrying tons of loads seems to be a tough job but if you get to know that truck drivers can earn a salary up to six figures annually then your perspective for the profession might change. Yes, it is true. Truck driver salary is one aspect that makes this profession appealing and lucrative for candidates.

We see commercial vehicles running around on highways throughout the country and behind each ones wheel is sitting the trained driver who takes care of his and everybody's safety. Most of the times a truck driver salary is based upon the amount of experience one has, number of miles traveled, what is being hauled and of course the company one is working with.

Maneuvering a commercial rig on road can make you earn up to $100,000 annually. And this figure salary can easily be made by only having a high school diploma, clean driving record, passing a class, A driving test and extensive on-road experience. With this fact it is clear that a truck driver can earn more than what a college graduate can. This observation is now attracting many college graduates who find trucking jobs financially rewarding and interesting as they get to travel around country.

Unlike other professions salary of a truck driver increases with increase in ones experience on-road. Greater the amount of knowledge one possess about the vehicle he is driving including brakes, gears, etc. more will be his salary. Moreover, through his trucking experience if the driver knows how to fix minor mechanic faults while on-road and how to prevent a load shift by correctly loading the cargo, he is bound to receive a raised salary than average. Additionally, safety measures he takes while riving, clean and stable driving record and his flexibility towards work all add up to a promising salary.

Sometimes truck drivers have to get strategic if they wish to make more money. For instance they can buy their own trucks and start on with leasing their trucks. This way, with years of good experience and knowledge of the business, one can become self employed and end up making more money. Another example could be that one may team up with other truckers. Teaming up will give them an edge over other drivers as they can deliver goods faster, well on time and hence, get more orders.

Trucking industry has great opportunities in store for drivers who are willing to pursue long hour traveling and delivering job away from their families. Benefits are many and the most appealing one is having a financially secured life. Numerous jobs are available in the market the need is for you to search and grab the right one for yourself.

To learn more about CDL training and the process of getting a CDL license, visit this top online resource at CDLTrainingCenter.Org


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Best Used Trucks To Purchase In The Market Today

What are the best used trucks to buy? A customer asked me this question and I thought that sharing my answer with you would help you also.

Below I have listed some used trucks that will provide you with long lasting service.

For a lighter truck, the Honda Ridgeline scored high in reliability, style with road performance and a smooth comfortable ride. For innovation, the lockable trunk that is under the watertight trunk bed and dual action tailgate rated extremely high.

If you're a truck lover the Nissan Frontier, a lighter truck that was brought to us fifteen years ago, rated very high for it's dependability and performance. This truck, made for work and play really grabs an interest to truck buyers because of the spray on bed liner that is factory installed and cleats that are adjustable for the security of cargo hauling.

A mid-sized truck, the Toyota Tacoma, is available in eighteen different styles: long or short bed, double or regular cab or extended cab style just to name a few. The Tacoma compares highly to the look, performance, and reliability of the competition. You can choose from a two or four wheel drive, and they have a variety of V-6 or 4 cylinder horse power engines for the truck lovers desire of "on and off road" performance. These trucks have a resale value that is out performing most other trucks in this particular class.

If you're looking to buy a full size truck, the Ford F-150 is a popular choice for truck buyers. For over 30 years this is the #1 selling truck, it dominates this class of trucks. This extremely popular truck is known for its dependability, performance, style and is easy to use on or off road. Whether you choose a V-6 or V-8 engine you will experience the extraordinary capacity for towing. Because of the dependability and satisfactory performance this truck provides, truck buyers are drawn to this line. I have had friends and family members that have owned Ford trucks and never heard them complain of any major repair's with them.

The Nisan Titan has a very competitive, full size truck that is giving Ford some tough competition. These two trucks are almost equal in many categories. The Titan got a slim edge in the towing power and capacity from their V-8 5.6 liter engine. Nissan is chasing after Ford's market with increased performance of their power train ingenuity and muscle of their trucks.

If you're looking for a dependable truck to help with your business, make work life a little simpler, or if you just enjoy driving a truck, then you could be looking to purchase a reliable used truck. Whatever your desires are, there are quality, good used trucks with great service and reliability in the market place today.

By the way, do you want to learn more about how I teach my clients to save money on their vehicles?

If so, download my free eBook: How to Buy Smart and Stop Getting Ripped Off On Your Vehicles.


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Moving the Easy Direction

Moving is an exciting time for most families especially when it is to somewhere they've always wanted to live. However, packing up, labeling boxes and transporting it personally through a land trip can be a very tedious job. This is why the use of a plant transporter or small low loader truck to assist you on your big move is very necessary.Plant transport vehicles work by loading and unloading your things to and from your destination while you fly to in relaxation as your things are secured. A Plant hire or a cargo transporter is also called a haul vehicle in some countries as it is specially used to move home furnishings. Many mover companies also offer auto transportation through the use of a car transporter.

The benefit of availing the services of an auto transporter is so much convenience to many people as you can eliminate the hassle of driving your own car or cargo trailer to the destination. You get to free yourself from the troubles brought about by transporting a vehicle yourself. For example, you are moving three cities further which totals up to ten hours or more on the road, wouldn't it be very tiring for you to drive the car yourself? In these cases, it is where the auto transport comes in; you on the other hand can spend only a few minutes or hours on a relaxing plane or train ride while your belongings are transported safely. You get assured that they are delivered safely and correctly without you having to create so much effort, time and energy to get yourself and your belongings into a specific place. With such type of transport service available, you can save an enormous amount of time, vigor and, well, labor.

There are many auto transport companies around, but it is extremely essential that you choose the one that doesn't overcharge and more importantly, has insurance. An honest and reliable transporter will only charge you according to the size of the car, its weight and the distance. The Car Transport Industry is not as limited compared to other related industries. And there are a massive number of businesses offering services as such. So, choose wisely and select the one that makes you feel assured that your goods will be there waiting when you arrive. After all, what's the point of hiring a transporter if not to make your move faster, more convenient and safer?

KFS Special Vehicles: Transporters, Race Transports, Minibuses and Custom Vehicles designed and built.


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Is It Worth It To Invest In Mack Trucks For Sale?

If you have 20,000 - 30,000 dollars at your disposal, you are enthusiastic about big trucks and cars and you also like to wander around the county side for days, it is worth to become an authorized transport individual. Take the necessary authorizations, find the Mack Trucks for sale and start your business right now.

However, buying a truck of this kind is not so easy, as you will need to consider many issues. If you are searching Mack Trucks for sale outside your country, you will have to consider the possible taxes, transportation problems and other aspects involved. If you are also buying a used truck, make sure you can use it so it would bring you profit. A truck must be on the roads all the time, otherwise you will lose time and money.

The investment in Mack Trucks for sale is worth it as long as you have some permanent clients with a fair deal of orders. Another practice is establishing contracts with some companies. In this case, the earnings and profit margins might not be that great, but at least the truck will always be on the streets working. Your professionalism and seriousness will be the main factors that will determine the success of your business.

Ask the specialists before searching the Mack Trucks for sale. You will have to consider many aspects. If you are planning to drive it only for short distances (less than 1000 km), than you won't need a sleeping place. On the other hand, if you are planning international or state to state transports, the Mack truck must offer you comfort.

Think about the capacity of the truck also. It is not worth it to buy a huge truck to transport a few kilograms of merchandise a day. If your target clients are in the iron and steel business, buy a truck with less volume and more power. On the other hand, if you are transporting plastic products, foods, or drinks, you will need a special kind of Mack truck with more space.

It will be a worthy and profitable venture to buy such a truck if you have the passion and the time to develop the business. Don't neglect the paperwork, as your local authorities won't be so happy if you are working illegally. Moreover, you might also be fined and your business might face closure resulting in serious losses for you and your customers, and sometimes it can even get you on the criminal record.


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Purchase Used Boom Trucks - Take Your Business To New Heights

If you own a business that requires accessing work areas at considerable heights, you should purchase a boom truck that can help your crew reach those heights. These trucks are a much more reliable alternative to using ladders that are neither stable nor safe.

Whatever business you own, you can use a truck if your work requires attaining heights over 20'. Utility services, telecommunication services, tree service companies, electricians, cable contractors and constructions workers utilize these trucks. These days, maintenance professionals, window washers and painters are even seen making use of trucks to access the buildings where they work. Often fire fighters use boom trucks during an emergency when access to a multi-story building is required for rescue.

Boom Trucks are not limited to just Utility companies. trucks are used by a number of businesses to perform various jobs. During the holidays City parks and recreation crews can be seen using trucks to install decorations and lights. Companies who specialize in unusual outdoor decorations commonly use boom trucks to decorate buildings and large trees during the Holidays. Whether you own one of these businesses or any other, you should consider purchasing a truck if your business requires you to reach unusually high work areas.

Instead of risking the use of ladders or scissor lifts to reach a work area, a truck can be stabilized and the worker can be secured with a harness. Using these trucks is beneficial in so many ways since they can raise you to any height safely. This helps businesses perform their work more efficiently without the possibility of dangerous accidents which are common when you use ladders or other objects to climb to any height over 20'.

In addition, having a boom truck allows your business to not only take on projects that require reaching significant heights but also saves time and prevents any worry of working with hazardous equipment. The trucks are available in several different models and vary with the truck chassis size. Larger booms extending 60' or more would be considered heavy duty trucks. Booms in the mid-range of 41' are considered Medium Duty and Booms up to 29' are considered Light Duty. Pricing of these trucks is dependent on the category they belong to.

Boom trucks can be a significant equipment investment for any company. If your company doesn't require a fleet of vehicles, you should consider a used truck. You can find several dealers that offer used trucks for sale at competitive prices. You shouldn't, however, be tempted just by price. A refurbished truck that's just been repainted is not what you need as there's a possibility that it may not be mechanically sound.

Prior to purchasing a boom truck, you need to do some research on the company. Several companies offer fully reconditioned trucks. From power-washing and sandblasting to assembling the parts and thoroughly inspecting the mechanics, the company must offer trucks that meet all Federal and DOT inspections. Over the Internet, you can find such companies that offer quality boom trucks at reasonable prices.

On the website of one company in particular, you will come across a huge listing of used boom trucks along with full specifications. You can check out the different models and get the truck that is the best fit for your business. Before closing the deal on a used truck, you must make sure that dielectric testing, boom certification and testing has been performed as well as having a clear license and title.

This article has been written by an expert associated with I-80 Equipment, a premier company that offers an large variety of fully reconditioned used bucket trucks at affordable prices.


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Truck Accessories - Improve Your Vehicle

Large vehicles like 4x4's and pickup trucks are becoming very popular; this is due to the fact that the extreme weather conditions are leading people to experience many unexpected events on the road. For this reason, truck accessories, are offered pretty much everywhere! Specialists claim that while the government is trying to discourage individuals from purchasing these kinds of vehicles, people don't seem to care. Despite the fact there is an increased tax regulation along with high fuel prices, they are necessary for many reasons. Some people like them in order to show status while some others enjoy the outdoors and mountain adventure.

Furthermore, trucks are helpful to carry many accessories; some individuals like to keep a tool box on the back. The best part is, they can protect their truck in many ways, the best option is to purchase truck bed covers.

According to many studies, people are already prepared to pay some extra money in order to get what they like. When freezing periods and the worst weather conditions come along, some individuals claim they can?t really survive the snow unless they find the proper truck accessories to pimp their trucks and make it suitable for the heavy snowfall.

They care to go for custom wheels and many other appealing truck accessories. Some truck owners will even go much further. Believe it or not, many people that already own trucks, even care to tune it to the maximum. They look to purchase the best truck accessories ever! This way, they know their vehicle will look and perform just as they desire. These types of truck accessories can be actually found at several online stores. The best part is, you will find an extensive choice of items at low cost. You will be able to find the perfect tonneau cover.

Apart from individuals that want amazing trucks, there are several individuals that don't like trucks but they are forced to go for one. Consider looking for grilled guards, they are very useful! If you actually need to go around carrying equipment, then get a pickup truck with space for tools and all your supplies. Lets' face it, truck accessories solve many problems. You can adjust to your vehicle, according to your needs which is great! For these and many more reasons, both, interior and exterior truck accessories are the ultimate development.

There are many truck accessories meant for security. This way, truck owners can have peace of mind, knowing their truck is totally protected. You should start looking through catalogues to select wisely. Most accessories are worth it. Considering shopping online!

Richard likes to also write about Chevy truck accessories on one of his new websites. You may also find the information on Chevy Silverado accessories interesting on my new site.


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