Buying a used Class 8 truck or other commercial rig is a smart way for owner-operators to save a lot of money in the early days of their business. While newer models are great for mileage and compliance, they often carry the unfortunate downside of a six-figure price tag. Your truck is the most important investment you'll make in your business, so it's wise to talk to us with key considerations in mind. We advise to call our main office and our experts will be able to help you.
Some things to consider why looking for the used semi truck:
Transmission
Most operators learned to drive on a truck with a manual transmission. A manual transmission is more convenient for the driver, but there are automatic transmission semi trucks available. If you're in the small category of people who have learned on an automatic, you will want to stick with that kind of transmission.
If you opt for a manual transmission, there are more variables to consider. Find out how many speeds the transmission offers. The higher the speed, the more versatility you'll have when driving. If you're new to driving a semi truck, you may not want to choose a higher number of gears. The options afforded by the higher speed count is nice, but it can be difficult to operate if you're not used to a lower-speed transmission already. Also, unless you're hauling very heavy loads through the mountains, you probably won't need the higher speeds.
Have you ever wondered what life as a semi-truck driver is really like? In many ways, being a commercial truck driver is more of a way of life than it is a job. This career is one that is very much in demand, and it offers flexibility that is attractive to more spontaneous types of personalities, gives workers the opportunity to explore different areas of the United States, and then, of course, there is the comfortable paycheck as an added perk.
Before you make the decision to become a semi-truck driver, you might want to familiarize yourself with some fun facts about the trucking industry and a trucker’s way of life. Here are 13 statistics you probably didn’t know about the trucking industry and being a semi driver:
Currently, there are about 5 million commercial trucks on the roadways of America, with approximately 2 million semi-trucks. If you lined each of them up end-to-end, they would just about reach the moon. That’s a big career family to become a part of.
truck driver salaryWhile the average wage for truckers continues to increase due to the shortage of qualified semi drivers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a commercial truck driver in the United States was $39,520 in 2014.Truck a semi truck, find the comfort in life. We got a huge variety of used semi trucks in our collection .
Commercial Financing provided by Currency Capital, LLC and loans made or arranged pursuant to California Finance Lenders Law license number 60DBO-56173. Loans are subject to credit approval and monthly payments illustrated above are based on terms available to highest qualified candidates and subject to additional terms and conditions. Currency Capital, LLC is an independent finance company and is not the manufacturer or supplier of any equipment. Currency Capital, LLC is not a consumer lender and any consumer financing will be referred to a consumer lender.
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.