Posted in General | July 7, 2020 

There are three main types of trucking, local, regional and over the road. Most truckers will help unload or load the freight on location, so there is some physical work required. In addition, the DOT allows truck drivers to spend 70 hours on duty during each eight-day period, with no more than 11 hours in any given day. Find out which type of trucking is best for you by understanding the requirements for each.

Local

If you enjoy driving a truck but also have a small family that you want to be able to spend time with as the children grow, local trucking may be your preference. Depending on the type of truck you own, you may work with a broker or other group to find local loads for trucks. This can allow you to choose when and where you haul your load. Generally, if you go with this type of trucking, you won’t be hauling anything more than about 200 miles or working more than 10 hours per day.

Regional

The country is roughly divided into several regional divisions that usually entail a radius of about 1000 miles. Whether you prefer the Northeast, Midwest or other region, you can see that trips will usually take several days and can take you to quite a few more locations. You will likely be driving for a specific period of time, often on the weekend, and then spend a specified period of time at home.

OTR

Over the road trucking can take as many as four weeks at a time as truck drivers go long distances to haul their loads. This may take a driver across the entire United States or into Canada. If you want to see more of the country and haul a larger variety of freight, you will likely want to opt for OTR trucking.

Understanding the differences between local, OTR and regional trucking can help you make a solid choice. No matter which you choose, enjoy the drive!

Posted in General | July 2, 2020 

Thе bаttеrу іѕ оnе оf thе mоѕt іmроrtаnt роwеr ѕоurсеѕ in аnу vеhісlе. Wіthоut іt, уоu wouldn’t be able to lіѕtеn tо thе rаdіо or uѕе the аіr соndіtіоnіng, lеt аlоnе ѕtаrt уоur саr!

Yоur battery саn die frоm lеаvіng your keys іn the іgnіtіоn, nоt сlоѕіng the dооrѕ аll thе wау, аnd of соurѕе lеаvіng a lіght оn fоr аn еxtеndеd period оf time. And luckily еvеn thоugh the battery plays ѕuсh аn important rоlе, it іѕ оnе оf the еаѕіеѕt things to fіx.

Bеfоrе jumріng tо conclusions, you ѕhоuld mаkе ѕurе іt іѕ іn fact thе bаttеrу thаt’ѕ thе рrоblеm ѕо уоu don’t waste your tіmе and energy with jumреr саblеѕ. If you put thе kеу іn the ignition аnd you dоn’t hear anything оr see any lights turn оn, іt most lіkеlу is a dead bаttеrу.

If уоu turn thе kеу аnd thе engine cranks but thе саr still won’t ѕtаrt, уоur bаttеrу is рrоbаblу fine, but уоu ѕhоuld ѕtіll bring it tо a mесhаnіс as ѕооn аѕ роѕѕіblе. Tаkе thе ѕаmе precautions іf уоu turn thе key and уоu hеаr іѕ a сlісkіng ѕоund wіth no аttеmрt from the еngіnе to turn оvеr.

Nоw that you’ve dеtеrmіnеd уоu nееd tо jumр-ѕtаrt your саr, mаkе ѕurе уоu hаvе аll thе nесеѕѕаrу tools. First аnd fоrеmоѕt, mаkе ѕurе ѕоmеоnе еlѕе that hаѕ a car wіth a working bаttеrу is wіllіng tо hеlр оr аt lеаѕt lеt уоu use thеіr car.

And of соurѕе уоu need jumper cable clamps thаt are nоt brоkеn оr сrасkеd tо actually get роwеr flowing іntо уоur bаttеrу. Yоu mіght аlѕо wаnt tо uѕе gloves аnd glasses fоr ѕаfеtу reasons. Before уоu start, раrk bоth саrѕ fасіng each other with оnlу a foot оr twо between thеіr bumpers.

Turn оff аll electrical components ѕuсh as the rаdіо, lights, аіr соndіtіоnіng, fаn etc… аnd thеn turn bоth саrѕ оff. Put аutоmаtіс саrѕ іn раrk аnd mаnuаl саrѕ іn nеutrаl and ѕеt thе раrkіng brаkе firmly.

Oреn thе hооd аnd lосаtе thе battery оn both cars. If you аrеn’t ѕurе where thе bаttеrу іѕ уоu mау refer tо thе vehicle’s mаnuаl, but it іѕ normally nеаr thе frоnt оf thе car. Once located, сhесk оut the bаttеrу. If it’s leaking call a tоw truсk аnd have іt replaced.

Unwind уоur jumреr саblеѕ іf thеу аrе tangled аnd аlwауѕ mаkе ѕurе thе rеd аnd blасk ends don’t come іntо соntасt wіth one another once соnnесtеd tо thе bаttеrіеѕ. Now уоu’rе rеаdу fоr a ѕtер by ѕtер lesson оn hоw tо start уоur car with jumреr саblеѕ.

Posted in General | July 1, 2020 

As parents, we can find ourselves worrying about all sorts of things. Most frequently, safety can jump to the top of that list. If you are worried about your little ones, consider these four strategies to create a safer environment for your kids to enjoy.

Safety Signals

Reckless drivers can be a major concern for children, especially for those that are playing outdoors. Whether you live on a busy street with a lot of traffic or just want to get people to slow down while driving in your neighborhood, getting safety signs from a custom sign shop Washington can be a great way to remind drivers that they need to be alert and looking out for kiddos.

Sense of Community

Getting to know your neighbors is another key component of safety. These people can serve a key role in creating a safer environment for children, as they can spot strange behavior, warn children when they are participating in dangerous behavior and contact you in case of emergencies.

Sufficient Lighting

Potential risks can originate from insufficient lighting on your streets. Properly illuminated streets can alert drivers, cyclists and pedestrians of potential risks while outside, creating a safer environment for all. While you won’t want to let your children wander around in the dark outside when they are young, ample illumination will keep everyone in your community safe.

Conversations about Safety

It is important to have conversations about safety at home with your kids. Talking to them about what safe behavior looks like and things to watch out for, such as strangers, cars and even dogs can help you take precautionary steps to protect them. While you don’t want to scare them unnecessarily, it is important to educate your children on what this looks like, so that they can begin to develop good judgment.

It is natural to want to protect your children from dangers and defend them to the best of your ability. By taking proactive, defensive steps, you can help teach your child about safety and create a more secure community for them.

Posted in General | June 26, 2020 

When you hear a pop on your windshield, you may automatically check for cracks. Although it’s rarely wanted, windshield repair Denton can be needed for a variety of reasons. Here are four of the most common causes of cracked and shattered windshields.

1. Rocks and Debris

Whether you are speeding down the freeway or parked a little too close to a lawnmower, debris can be your enemy. Gravel, rocks and other types of debris can be projected into the air at astonishing speeds. If they hit your windshield exactly right, they can leave a giant crack in the smooth class. These cracks can grow over time, causing you to spend money on a repair.

2. Poor Quality

Sometimes, windshields aren’t made very well. Improper installment and loose placement can cause the windshield to shift and vibrate, making it more likely to crack. If you notice any signs of it being poorly built, contact the professionals before anything gets worse.

3. Change of the Seasons

Temperature is a big culprit of windshield damage. Especially in the winter, the constant fluctuation of hot and cold temperatures can cause the glass to break. Be careful of extreme temperatures and try to park indoors when you can to regulate the heat change.

4. Accidents

The collision of another car often results in a broken windshield. While major accidents result in destroyed glass, minor accidents often result in cracks or chips. After an accident observe what needs to be repaired. Check to see if the windshield can be replaced properly or additional repairs need to be done before it can be installed.

Although you can’t avoid all windshield accidents, try your best to avoid cracks by driving safely and inspecting your car. Be careful when driving behind heavily loaded cars. If there is a risk that something could slip and hit you while driving, switch lanes immediately. With these tips in mind, you can know what causes windshield damage.

Posted in General | June 17, 2020 

Your car is one of the most valuable things you can own. Your vehicle helps you get to and from work and school, allows you to travel at your leisure and makes weekly errands easier by providing reliable transportation. To extend the life of your car and to keep it operating at peak performance levels, you should create a comprehensive maintenance schedule. Use these ideas as a guide to get you started.

Wash Your Car

There are many environmental elements that can cause lasting damage to your car. Things like sun, tree sap, dead bugs and dirt can slowly eat away at the paint on a car and can even damage the metal underneath. Wash your car at least once a month to remove excess debris and keep its surface clean. Keep the inside of your car clear of trash and dirt as well to prevent the interior from becoming stained and to eliminate unwanted odors.

Perform Routine Maintenance Checks

Your car will need regular maintenance to keep its engine and its components running properly. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for information on when to perform oil changes, how to rotate tires, and to find information on how to change headlights and taillights. You can perform these maintenance tasks yourself or take your car to a car repair shop Lake Stevens WA for professional work.

Monitor Your Tire Pressure

When the tires on your car are properly inflated, it can increase fuel efficiency and improve the handling and safety of your vehicle. Tire pressure requirements may vary depending on the climate in which you live and the amount of driving you do weekly. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure, keeping in mind that there may be different requirements for front and back tires. Check your tire pressure weekly and fill each as needed.

A little care and maintenance go a long way when it comes to your vehicle. Use this guide to increase your car’s longevity and efficiency.

Posted in General | May 29, 2020 

Small businesses are crucial to the American economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44% of America’s annual gross domestic product. However, making your small business successful has its challenges. You know that you should market your firm, but each marketing strategy must deliver maximum impact for minimum cost. Here are three great ideas.

Wrap Your Vehicle

If you offer home services or delivery, this is a must. Every auto in your fleet can serve as a moving billboard, traveling everywhere you do business. Display the company name, logo and contact information (include your website address!) along with eye-catching graphics. Even firms that do not require company vehicles can benefit from this extra bit of advertising. Get automotive graphics Weatherford TX on your personal vehicle and make every errand a marketing opportunity.

Host Contests

Harness the power of social media by hosting regular photo or video contests. Ask your patrons to post photos to a picture-sharing site with a unique hashtag. Determine a few parameters for the competition — maybe each image should include one of your products, for example, or feature an animal — and set a deadline when the contest will end.

If you prefer to get people into your physical location, host a cook-off, fashion show or building contest. The prize should be generous enough to encourage people, but the real motivation is the fun.

Start a Loyalty Program

Take a cue from airlines and upscale coffee shops: Offer rewards to your most loyal customers. Frequent buyer programs can take many forms. Use punch cards to give a free item after 10 purchases, or create a membership with a 5% discount. Contact regular customers via email or text to let them know about incoming products or special promotions. Incorporate social media by letting members earn points for posting about your firm or sharing company posts on their pages. Creating a feeling of real connection with your clients goes a long way in keeping them delighted with your brand.

Posted in General | May 27, 2020 

Few things are more satisfying than successfully restoring an old truck to its former glory. Naturally, the older the truck, the more difficult it can be to complete a restoration. This is especially true for a truck with a make or model more difficult to find or produced at a smaller capacity. If you are new to truck restoration, here are two important tips to get you started and make the process a little easier for you.

Keep it Simple

For your first truck restoration, you don’t want a rare and extremely valuable truck. A truck from a popular brand will be much easier to find parts for. Used Chevrolet truck parts, for example, are very easy to find. You also may want to avoid a total restoration and opt for a vehicle that has a lot of parts that still function.

Stay Organized

Nothing puts a stop to progress like losing a part or tool, forgetting what the next step is, or not knowing what a part or screw is for. Before you begin, make sure you have all of the parts you’ll need for the restoration. Organize parts, screws, and tools so that everything is easy to find when the time comes to use it. Labeling things is also helpful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with any part. Even putting parts in the order you anticipate using them in will expedite the process and prevent any forgetfulness.

Ask for Help

A truck restoration is a big job, especially a full body-off restoration. It is always a good idea to find someone you trust to help you out, even if they won’t be involved with the entire process. There will be tasks that are difficult, if not impossible, for one person to complete on their own, so make sure you have an extra set of hands when you need it.

While this is a far cry from a how-to manual, these three tips will help your restoration project go as smoothly as possible.

Posted in General | May 27, 2020 

Some people will work a full week, yet still won’t have enough money to pay their bills. It can be hard living paycheck to paycheck and doesn’t normally happen without a struggle. Many who have these financial issues find some type of side work to help make their ends meet. Here are a few of these jobs if you are considering doing the same.

Landscaping

Landscaping is a great way to make a few extra dollars during the summer months especially. Many people like to have well-manicured lawns. It also doesn’t take much to start your own business. If you have a mower, truck, and some yard tools, you can get to work right away. Whether it’s mulching, tree trimming, or cutting grass, there is always yard work you can find to do. During the fall, leaves can become a mess for many homes. Raking leaves and discarding them can also allow you to work a few extra weeks of the year.

Hauling

Car hauling is another great way to make some extra money. It can be time-consuming if you are going far distances though. If you have a strong truck with diesel performance parts, you will be able to pull more cars. Most companies will pay you per car, so the more you can haul, the more money you could make. You may need a commercial driver’s license if you haul heavy amounts of weight. You should check local laws to make sure you are properly equipped before starting this job.

Pet Sitting

Many people who work long days or away often need care for their animals. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or some other animal, they will need to be fed and watered. These are often quick and easy jobs that only require you to go over to someone’s house to look in on their animal. If you are willing to work with any animal, this side job could really take off.

Making extra money can give you relief from financial burdens. Try to find a side job that will work for you.

Posted in General | May 26, 2020 

Many changes have altered the diesel motor technology in recent years, moving from sulfur diesel products to biodiesel. One thing that has not changed is your engine’s requirement for regular maintenance to keep the parts moving and allowing your truck to run at peak performance levels.

1. Coolant

Diesel engines use coolant to regulate the heat build-up in the metal and rubber parts of the system. Over time, the chemicals in the coolant can become acidic, which then erodes, rots, and disintegrates critical cooling system parts such as the radiator. Flushing the system regularly can keep the acidic levels to a minimum.

2. Filters

Your diesel has air and fuel filters that are critical to an efficient working engine. Manufacturers suggest fuel filter changes be made with professionally designed purification systems such as Airdog replacement filters, about every 10,000 miles – replacing both the primary and the secondary at the same time. Your air filters must also be monitored closely for contamination, and replacement depends on where you live and how you drive.

3. Oil

Oil changes are necessary about every 5,000 miles to maintain the engine performance required by the big diesel style motors. If your truck tows loads, drives hard, or carries substantial cargo, it may require more frequent changes.

4. Cleaner

Grime, grit, and dirt are your diesel engine’s enemy. To protect all the moving parts of the motor, keep your block, hoses, and connections clean. If you want high performance from your vehicle, keep the air, oil, and fuel systems clean as well.

No two people drive their vehicles precisely in the same way, but regular care is essential for all cars, trucks, tractors, or other diesel operating systems. If you want a long life for your engine, following the four maintenance tips above can help keep your vehicle on the road during the cold winter and hot summer months.

Posted in General | May 26, 2020 

Fleet inspection is a crucial part of preventive maintenance in a company that manages many vehicles. The idea is to save money and increase the safety of the vehicles, their lifespan, and their efficiency. Such fleet companies often have a maintenance department to take care of this.

Inspections should have clear records for reference, and maintenance schedules should never be skipped at any time. The list of benefits is long, but we will focus on the main ones. If you work in a fleet as a manager or own such a company, this article is for you.

How Fleet Inspections Are Done

Fleet inspection is a process that involves managers, technicians, and drivers. For instance, the drivers are required to inspect their assigned vehicle before the trip starts. This is for their safety and for the safety of the cargo or passengers on board. Simple routines such as checking the tire pressure, oil levels, engine starting sounds, and any other checks are recorded on the driver’s vehicle inspection sheet.

Managers and technicians inspect the vehicles periodically to ascertain that they are in the right order, perform service, and carry out routine maintenance. This is also recorded either in a manual or a digital file.

Fleet Vehicle Inspection Increases Safety

Safety is the number one consideration when dealing with vehicles. This is the main purpose of routine checks. For instance, a delivery truck or passenger coach is safer when the tire pressure is checked and balanced before every major trip.

Apart from the safety of the driver, cargo, passengers, and the vehicle itself, inspection also increases the safety of other motorists. This is why the law regulates inspection in fleet companies to ensure that all vehicles on the roads are safe.

Fleet Inspection Reduces Downtime

Even when using high quality products from Eyeride to improve the efficiency of the fleet, failure to conduct routine inspections can be a drawback. Inspections catch vehicle problems that would have caused delays during trips such as oil leaks, overheating engines, and slow tire leaks among other things.

Fleet companies work on tight delivery schedules and passenger transportation routes, and any downtime causes a lot of inconvenience. Routine inspection ensures that every part of the vehicle is in perfect condition and ready to function as designed.

Fleet Inspection Saves Money

One of the reasons why fleet companies put a serious focus on inspection is to keep the cost of repair and maintenance to the minimum. Catching vehicle problems early prevents bigger and costlier challenges. Routine maintenance is definitely cheaper than making preventable repairs. Sometimes, failure to inspect vehicles in a fleet company can cost the company a lot of money.

Fleet Vehicle Inspection Lowers Liability

Many, if not all, countries have checkpoints for vehicles. Those that are found to be in the wrong are fined heavily, which is a big loss to the company. These issues are often corrected during regular inspections.

Conclusion

Any fleet company should invest in fleet inspection and take the procedures very seriously. It is easy when all involved parties play their role well. With this, the company will enjoy the benefits that we have discussed and many more.