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Whether you're new to the trucking industry or you've been driving for years, making the decision to purchase a semi-truck comes with a list of technical questions and factors to consider. And one of those questions is whether to buy new or used. A lot of truckers might admit to wanting a new model in order to enjoy all the modern technology and whistles they've ever dreamed of. But you'd be surprised at what a used truck can offer, too. Here are some advantages of buying a used semi-truck over a new one.
Price
The most obvious advantage to buying used is the price of course. Used semi-trucks are significantly cheaper than new ones. Depending on where you shop, as well as the age and mileage of the used model, you could theoretically get 2-3 used semi-trucks for the same price as one new truck.
A brand-new semi will set you back over $100,000. And trucks that are a few years old will have a price tag that hovers around $100,000. Seven years later, that same truck will run $30,000-$40,000: a significant drop.
Imagine taking the money you saved and putting it towards your business, such as marketing and client acquisition, or even investing in some truck "extras" like new tires or updating the sleeping quarters.

 

 

Whether your truck breaks down on the side of the road or you simply need to tweak a few things on your rig, a basic toolkit can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Keep a hammer, various styles of screwdrivers (including a Phillips and flathead), wrenches, and pliers in your truck so you can do any necessary maintenance to get your vehicle to the nearest pit stop.If you routinely perform mechanical work on your truck, you could amp up your tool kit with with more specific repair tools. This equipment can allow you to work more intensely on your vehicle (if circumstances allow) so you aren’t without transportation for long.
ClothingThe clothing you keep in your emergency kit will depend entirely on the season and your routes. For example, if you travel during the winter season, stock your truck with a few pairs of wool socks, thick pants and shirts, warm hats, and gloves. But if your final destination is in a warmer climate, you should also include lighter clothing so you don’t overheat.
  An extra pair of shoes can prove useful as well. Boots, for example, can keep your feet dry and warm in a snowstorm. And an extra pair of sneakers or work boots can protect your feet should your current pair become unwearable.

 


Trucking isn’t just a career field for men. There are more than 200,000 female “long-haul” truckers in the United States.
The average small business semi truck driver can cover over 125,000 miles per year. That is more than 3 million miles over the average trucker’s career.
In a single year, American truckers throughout the nation can travel as many as 200 billion miles. Combined, they could have trucked to the sun and back around 1,000 times.
Owner-operators are the safest truckers on the road and experience fewer crashes than anyone else in the industry. Maybe it’s because they are responsible for their own repairs?
In the United States, the average length of a semi-trailer without the cab is 53 feet, and with the cab is about 70 to 80 feet. The maximum these trucks haul is 80,000 pounds. In Australia, however, “road trains” roam the roadways. Road trains are tractors with four trailers that are capable of hauling more than 300,000 pounds!
You had better be geared up to drive the big rigs, because these babies have an average of 10 forward gears and two reverse gears. Some trucks, however, have as many as 18 gears.
It takes approximately 55 feet for a large truck to flip a U-turn. In other words, it might be a good idea to be familiar with your route and pay attention while driving the big rigs.
Approximately 1 out of every 14 American jobs are in the trucking industry. That’s equals out to about 9 million workers.