Three Important Criteria to Marketing a Truck Washing Company

Owning and operating a truck wash can be a great business. You see, although many businesses and industries have suffered in the recent recession, the trucking companies are making money and doing fine. In fact, there is a shortage of truck drivers, which might be of interest to you if you're looking for a job right now. Now then, as long as the truck wash is doing excellent work and good quality, and charging a fair price their referrals and word-of-mouth will get out and keep them quite busy.

However, getting busy in the first place is rather difficult. And if you are a new truck wash that is just starting out most truckers don't know you are there, and they aren't willing to stop until they hear something positive about your operation and the quality of work. Therefore it's important to learn the secrets of marketing a truck wash. Since I have quite a bit of industry experience, let me explain to you three very important tips you need to know below;

1. Use the C.B. for Referrals
2. Contact Dispatchers from Companies
3. Co-Market with Truck Stops Within 100-mile Radius

Okay so, we all know that using the CB or Citizens Band Radio for anything other than communication is against the law. You can't blast advertisements on it, as that's not its purpose. However, that doesn't mean that a happy customer who just got his truck wash, perhaps an independent owner operator truck driver can't brag about how nice his truck looks after you've just washed it.

Every time a customer comes up and tells you that you've done a wonderful job, tell them thank you, but tell him that you'd rather he get on the CB and brag about his clean truck. In other words you are suggesting that the truck driver spread the good cheer, and refer you some additional business. Believe me they will, and they might drive for another 50 to 100 miles down the freeway telling everyone within earshot what a great job you did.

Next, it makes sense to contact the dispatchers from all the companies that own a large number of trucks. Anytime you see a driver who is satisfied from a large trucking company, ask them for the phone number of their dispatcher. Then put in a call to the dispatcher along with some sort of a discount program if they referred their drivers to come to you with a voucher for payment for their truck wash.

Lastly, it makes sense to make deals with all the truck stops within a 100 to 200 mile radius. Remember most of these truck drivers drive all day and all night, and they are looking for some point to take a break, get a truck wash, a bite to eat, and get back on the road. Indeed I hope you will please consider all these tips and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Important Safety Advice to Observe While Working in a Bucket Truck!

Working at a job that requires performing tasks at great heights is one of the more risky types of employment. Of course, someone must do these jobs due to their great importance. Most people depend upon utilities such as electricity, telephone, cable and internet connections for their homes and businesses. The signals of these industries are frequently transmitted via overhead lines and cables.

With the aid of the bucket truck, the jobs of aerial workers have become much easier and safer. The trucks that are manufactured today for this profession are equipped with insulation to protect employees from live cables while working as well as many other safety features. Despite these added protections, the risk of falling from a bucket or being electrocuted by a live line is still possible if employees do not follow the required safety guidelines when working in a bucket truck.

Following are some of the important safety guidelines mandated by OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) that people employed doing this type of work need to closely follow to avoid such risks:

Only educated personnel should operate or ride in the lift.
Do not remove the safety belt or attach it to a nearby bar, building, or fixtures while performing work from a bucket.
Employees must always stand securely on the floor of the basket and should never sit or climb on the side or use any mechanism to extend the working height of the bucket.
A personal protective device in the form of a belt must be used and a line connected to the boom or bucket when performing any tasks from an aerial lift to provide secondary protection in case of a fall.
The weight of the employee and their equipment should not exceed the boom and bucket capacity limits established by the manufacturer to prevent injury to the workers and/or damage to the equipment.
Before the boom is set in an inclined position, the operator should make sure that the brake is engaged, wheel chocks are installed, and outriggers are deployed on a firm area along with their metal pads.
The bucket truck should never be relocated when the boom is raised in a position with employees in the basket, except for supplies that are specifically created for this type of undertaking.
For articulating boom and extendable boom platforms equipped with both basket-level and ground-level controls, the employee located in the bucket should take charge of controlling the aerial lift. The ground-level controls should not be used unless consent has been received from the worker inside the lift or in case of an emergency.
The design of the truck should never be altered or modified in any way as this may reduce the truck's overall safety.Performing a job inside a basket while 30 to 40 feet in the air is certainly a dangerous job; but it can be made less risky by following proper safety practices. It is important to observe these helpful safety guidelines while working from a bucket truck as it could mean the difference between life and death!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Truck Sales.

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Important Sources of Information About Dump Truck Sales!

Trucks are perhaps the most important heavy-duty vehicle at the current time. They are primarily employed in the transportation of material from one location to another.

Ample information regarding dump trucks can be collected through meaningful research. It is possible to identify a few good sources to get some helpful information in order to look for dump truck sales from a reputable dealer.

Web-based Information

The best source of information about the attributes and the multi-functionality of dump trucks can be found through online researching. There are many great sites that contain good data, details and specifics about used vehicles that is necessary for a business that is planning to purchase these vehicles from a dependable dealer. Browsing several websites to amass relevant material or visiting discussion forums and blogs is a great way to find out more about these vehicles. Online forums and blogs provide links that will lead to the websites of many different dealers. Moreover, the internet is a rapidly evolving source that is continuously updating its information.

Heavy-Duty Truck Magazines

Another good way to obtain information that is readily accessible to everyone is magazines. They are not only a good tool that provides the details and specifications of some of these heavy-duty vehicles but are also useful for other research. Reading these truck magazines may truly add to the learning experience of people who are seeking ideas to expand and improve their business. Therefore, reading magazines may not only help in the search for the proper used dump truck but may also prove to be an interesting and informative reading experience.

Magazines are widely available almost anywhere in the world. They can be obtained by means of subscription or by picking one up at a convenience store or kiosk that sells this type of magazine. Updated versions are released at scheduled times. They may be distributed every quarter, once a month or weekly.

Books

The original source of information is always the best. Books are great sources for facts about dump trucks. These publications contain extremely reliable facts about specific aspects of these vehicles such as pictures of parts and accessories. Books can provide a wealth of information that will assist in any purchasing process.

Local Auctions

Another popular way to find quality vehicles are through auctions. Many advantages can be gained by going to an auction. A wide range of options and services are readily available at these competitive sales. By attending local auctions that offer dump trucks sales, it will be easy to find interesting details about these vehicles and where the dealers are located.

These are just few of the ways to find important features about dump trucks. Asking friends, family, business associates, or neighbors about the most trusted dealers based on their own personal experience is a good way to get necessary information. The very best source of facts and details is the suggestions that are obtained from friends. The sources of information may vary from one point to another; eventually they all lead to a reliable and reputable dealer where the proper vehicle is waiting to be purchased. Be informed and the ability to find dump truck sales to fit business needs will take place!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Dump Truck Sales, go to the main website at: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.

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Knuckleboom Trucks - Important Control System Information!

Knuckleboom trucks versatility and efficiency have made such pieces of equipment popular in the commercial vehicle market especially when compared to the traditional stiff-boom types. Also, when compared to the stiff-boom versions, knuckleboom trucks are much lighter yet function very efficiently in loading and unloading heavy material from one location to another.

The astonishing proficiency of these trucks is entirely the result of its articulating boom. This arm can be folded down to a small size when not in use, making it very practical on small and narrow residential streets as well as allowing more space for payloads. The boom's capability to extend and reach longer distances provides the advantage of more versatility and control.

Managing the boom is very important in accomplishing any tasks with this vehicle which is why it is also the key factor of how customers make a determination of a particular truck model and any attachments. There are three types of handling systems from which to select: stand-up, ground, and radio remote-controlled versions.

Stand up - The stand-up control station is usually located at the base of the boom arm. The most common handling feature of this version is the dual stations, where joystick-like handling devices are set up on both sides of the boom arm, offering identical functionality and easy access for the operator.
Ground - The ground control is also commonly known as the control box while others called it a hook. An operator can temporarily sit on the ground to guide the arm to load and unload material. For safety purposes, the operator needs to be careful not to leave the hook on the ground once the task is completed or temporarily halted.
Radio Remote - This particular control system can start and run the knuckleboom arm remotely. It consists of two mechanisms: a portable transmitter and a receiver installed with the truck's operation system. The portable transmitter, which is carried by the operator, uses radio frequencies to communicate with the receiver. This radio-controlled remote device also allows the operator to get immediate overload readouts when attached to an onboard computer system.

With the advancement of control systems for knuckleboom trucks, there has been a proportionate improvement in safety concerns. Below are safety features that are offered by each of the above-mentioned systems.

A top model remote system has a range of up to 400 feet. This allows the operator to be an adequate safety distance from the load and still have precise guidance over the boom arm. The operator can be positioned in an ideal location where the load can be observed and handled.
A ground control setup allows the operator to stand in a safe location that is not underneath the boom arm.
The dual control feature of a stand-up system gives the operator the ability to operate the boom arm on the either the left or right side of the truck. Handling devices are identically configured so operators cannot be confused as to which joystick is handling a particular operation.
A remote control when connected to a computer system can detect overloads and can actually shut down the operation in an emergency for safety reasons to protect both the operator and the equipment from any hazard that could happen due to continued operation of the boom with an overload.

The handling systems of knuckleboom trucks are an important accessory for one of these vehicles. Getting the best features for one of these vehicles certainly enhances capability and performance as well as providing an answer to any safety concerns. Know the control system of the truck being used and feel a real sense of safety security!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Knuckleboom Trucks, go to the main website at: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.

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Important Information on Bucket Truck Driving in Canada!

As a bucket truck driver in the United States, the possibility exists that one could take those skills over the Canadian border, as this country is right next to the United States. This could present a wonderful job opportunity for some people. What does it take to transfer those skills to Canada as a visiting truck driver? Following are some things that are important to learn about Canadian roads as well as tips for a hassle-free trip across the border.

Road Regulations

Driving in Canada is very similar to the United States, with a few exceptions. Transport Canada is the agency that governs road safety; however, each province and territory has the authority to make its own traffic rules and regulations. Therefore, if there is a need to drive from Quebec through Ontario and Manitoba to arrive at a destination in Saskatchewan, be aware that the laws may change from province to province.

In addition, the speed limit signs are measured in kilometers and in some parts of the country, particularly Quebec which would include Montreal just across the U.S/Canada border, the road signs are written in French. Unless otherwise posted, on city roads such as Winnipeg or Victoria, the maximum speed limit that is often set is 50 kph, and 80 kph on highways. If driving on a rural highway in any of the provinces, the speed should not exceed 100 kph. Always be mindful when traveling across roadways in the northern part of the provinces and especially in the Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory of deer, elk, and moose that could be crossing the road, especially at night.

Transport Canada is very particular when it comes to road safety and is similar to the United States and other first world countries. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants inside the vehicle. It might be awkward to turn the headlights on when driving during the day, but in some provinces and territories of Canada, daytime headlights are actually mandatory to aid visibility.

Be advised that winter driving in this country can be dangerous due to the extreme weather conditions. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions from Toronto to Calgary can make driving hazardous. In fact, Highway 401, which connects Montreal and Detroit, is the scene of numerous traffic accidents caused by extreme weather conditions. It is not uncommon for roads and bridges to be closed during the winter especially in the Yukon Territory cities of Dawson and Whitehorse, so it is important to plan the route carefully, especially when traveling during the winter months.

Tips for Driving Across the Border

A United States citizen can cross the Canadian border without a visa as long as the visit does not exceed 180 days. For a hassle-free entrance and exit from the border:

Have all the necessary documents ready for inspection, particularly a passport and other supporting identification.Roll down the windows and take off any sunglasses for easy identification.Turn off any radio and cell phones.Have the vehicle's registration ready as this will also be inspected by the authorities.

During inspection such as in Winnipeg, there are several questions that will be asked regarding this trip, so be prepared to answer them. The questions you can expect may include things such as: how long a person will be staying in the country; the reason for the trip; and the address where the person or persons will be staying. Be concise and straightforward with any answers to avoid further questions from the authorities.

The truck's cab compartment as well as the bucket truck itself will be checked at the border. Make sure that there is no illegal cargo in the truck such as fire-arms, pornographic materials, or controlled substances, among other things, or there is the possibility for arrest and detention and even prosecution if caught carrying illegal items. Check at the nearest embassy, or visit the website to see the full list of items that should not be brought along when traveling across the Canadian border.

These are just a few of the things that are necessary to know when traveling in a bucket truck to Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Quebec or Halifax. Canada is a great destination where there are many things to see and pleasant experiences to offer. Just remember to follow these important reminders to make the trip smooth and uneventful in a bucket truck in Canada!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Trucks for Sale in Canada.

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Why OSHA Is An Important Part of Truck Driver Training

According to the United States Department of Transportation over 500,000 truck accidents occur every year. With an existing 3.5 million truck drivers and more joining the workforce every month, there is a need to take immediate measures to reduce the incidence of accidents. Providing truck drivers with adequate safety training is one way of achieving this.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training is a very important part of any occupational training, and its importance cannot be overstated in regards to truck driver training. There are many benefits of these training courses, both to the drivers and to the trucking companies they drive for.

OSHA training courses are designed to improve the driving skills of truck drivers and make them sharper, more aware drivers. The courses can be very helpful in minimizing some of the dangers that are experienced by individuals when operating large commercial vehicles and they can greatly reduce the number of injuries and deaths on our roads. Drivers enrolling in these courses learn to use defensive driving tactics while on the road and understand important pre-run safety routines that will determine if the truck is in a good condition to drive. They also learn to gauge their own physical condition before a drive and to take measures to avoid accidents through negligence.

Trucking companies can improve their profitability by enrolling their drivers in these courses, thereby lowering vehicle accident rate and reducing workmen's compensation claims. By increasing safety awareness among their drivers, trucking companies can reap the benefits of lesser absenteeism due to injuries. Companies will also see a reduction in property damage by negligent drivers which in turn saves the company from having to fight liability cases.

Trucking companies can now utilize the convenience of online safety training courses offered by OSHA to improve the safety of their drivers and keep their company OSHA compliant. These online road safety courses are easy to implement and affordable, and they are often equipped with full-fledged training libraries. Companies can customize courses for their drivers, track their progress and print out certificates when drivers pass courses.

Truck drivers can access their courses anywhere with a computer and an internet connection, instead of having to travel to an OSHA instructional site. These courses come in 10-hour and 30-hour packages and are also available in Spanish.

Truck drivers and trucking companies alike need to be made aware of the dangers that can occur when safety regulations are not followed and the benefits of undertaking safety training courses like these.

Mary Tellicks recommends Safety as a Service as an online driver training management system. In just a few simple steps, you will have your drivers ready to take their driver training courses. With our fully automated tracking system it's easy to track the progress of your drivers. For more information, please visit http://www.safetyasaservice.com/.

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