708-467-7181     16425 Van Dam Rd., South Holland, IL 60473

 

 

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Heavy Duty Truck Inspection: The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) unannounced Brake Safety Day that took place on April 25 of this year put nearly 1,600 vehicles with brake violations out of service.. CVSA holds brake-focused enforcement events throughout the year to identify and remove commercial motor vehicles with dangerous brake issues from our roads to reduce the number of crashes caused by or made more severe by faulty braking system performance.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks involved in a crash where the braking capacity of the truck was critical were 50 percent more likely to have a brake violation than trucks involved in crashes where the truck’s braking capacity was not critical.

The following observations were made during this year’s inspection:

    The U.S. conducted 10,074 commercial motor vehicle inspections
    14 percent of commercial motor vehicles were placed out of service for brake violations
    8,128 air-braked trucks and tractors were identified as requiring anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
    10.2 percent of air-braked trucks and tractors had ABS violations
We fully inspect our trucks that are going for sale. Stop by at United Truck Sales or visit our website listings on truck paper.

 

Depreciation
When you buy a brand-new semi, it depreciates in value as soon as you drive it off the dealer, just as a new car does. And most of the depreciation that follows happens within the first months.
When you buy a used truck that's been "around the block" for several years, depreciation no longer becomes a real issue, making your investment in a used truck much more solid. In fact, used models hold their value as time goes on, more so than a new truck does.
This becomes a huge advantage when it comes time to sell, particularly if you have to sell soon after buying; you won't take as much of a monetary loss as you would when trying to sell a new truck.  
 

 

Wind and ice present unique challenges for drivers. Being highly aware of weather conditions can prevent unexpected circumstances and get you to your destination safely.

As part of the Our Roads, Our Safety campaign, the FMCSA has mapped out helpful tips for commercial vehicle drivers, which include:

1. Drive defensively.
Commercial drivers have to be constantly vigilant to stay aware of any unexpected road conditions, distracted drivers and motorists who don’t understand how commercial vehicles operate. Scan ahead about 15 seconds for traffic issues, work zones and other dangers. It’s also encouraged to check mirrors every 8-10 seconds to be aware of vehicles entering your blind spots.

2. Use your turn signals.
Signal and brake to give other drivers plenty of time to notice your intentions. If you need to pull off the road, use flashers, reflective triangles and road flares to alert approaching drivers.

3. Know when to slow down.
When you drive too fast for weather or poor road conditions, it creates risks for spills and rollovers, as well as crashes.

4. Maintain your vehicle.
Make sure that pre-trip safety inspections are completed, especially on your truck’s tires and brakes. Check that your load is well balanced and secure. Loose materials create road hazards.

5. Buckle up.
Safety belts save lives, reduce injuries and allow drivers to stay inside and in control of their vehicles in case of a crash.

6. Get enough rest.
Don’t drive a commercial vehicle when you’re feeling fatigued, too ill to focus or on medications that make you drowsy or dizzy.

7. Stay up to date on weather and road conditions.
Getting the right information helps you plan your trip. Be aware that non-commercial navigation systems and apps may not provide warning of height and weight limitations, as well as other commercial vehicle restrictions.

8. Practice work zone safety.