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

 

  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.

     If you find yourself in need of a used trailer, buying used can save you a significant amount of money or get you a trailer that’s larger and/or more feature-packed than new trailers in your price range. That being said, there are a handful of things to consider before you pull the trigger on a pre-owned unit
Know Your Needs
The first step in buying a used semi-trailer is figuring out exactly what you need. It’s a good idea to find out if the truck is compatible with certain kinds of trailers or if there are any special considerations you need to keep in mind while conducting your search.
Budget
    Another big part is determining your budget. Visit our main website  of  to browse the trailer and used semi trucks listings, paying particular attention to prices and ages of the trailers. From there you can have an idea what kind of inventory we have. We got great selection of used semi freightliners and used semi volvo trucks.

 

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.