Considering Purchasing a Used Semi Truck?

When a truck driver is ready to make their first purchase, becoming an owner-operator, one has to consider many factors...  Purchasing the right CARB Compliant truck, current contracts and future opportunities as well as creating a business plan, however one of the most immediate and important concerns is the means to purchase the vehicle.  The good news is there are plenty of options!

You Don't Have to Break the Bank to Purchase
a Used Semi Truck in Fontana!
(photo courtesy of:  Images Money)

Good Credit?

For those with decent credit, applying for a financial loan is simple and quick.  Typically a credit application will be required. It is important to note that the more detailed information provided the easier it will be for a financial institution to approve the loan.  

If you have had experience driving trucks this puts you in a better position than those with little to no experience.  Also we have found that if this is not your first purchase of a Used Semi in Fontana you will have a much higher chance of getting your application approved.  

Here at Prime Time Equipment our experienced finance manager has helped hundreds of drivers become owner-operators, getting approvals for loans and new heavy duty equipment in Fontana.

Poor Credit?

For those who may be "credit challenged" (and in today's economy there are few of us who aren't!) there is no reason to give up your search!  There are still plenty of options available to you:

Make Sure You Find the Right Option
When Looking for Fontana Used Trucks!
(photo courtesy of: maddy3m)

• See if you can find a co-signer with good credit who can help you secure a loan.
• Having a higher than normal down payment can help a loan company feel more at ease.
• A trade-in vehicle can often help in offsetting a down payment.
• Non-traditional lenders can also be the right option in certain circumstances to get started, including lease-to-own options.
• We have seen many trucking companies who will actually get involved and help their drivers make the shift from employee to owner-operator, sometimes even financing or brokering the deal.   

Where Do I Start?

The best place to start if you are considering purchasing a Used Semi Truck is to speak with an experienced finance manager who can help in navigating these decisions.  Rather than falling in love with a piece of equipment that may be out of your price-range, find out how much you can qualify for first. Put your business plan in place and determine your monthly budget.  With these in place you will be able to make that purchase, moving one step further into your career and future.

Used Reefers in Fontana

Things to Remember When Shopping for Used Reefer Trailers:

Finding a Used Reefer in Fontana or anywhere that is in good condition can be a challenge.  Not only do you have to consider the condition of the reefer trailer and its normal features like tires, wheels, frame, brakes, interior condition, deck and roof but the engine is another factor.  The make, year and number of hours it has operated will all play into how long you will be able to continue operating it.

Purchasing a slightly older trailer with a newer engine
can keep you operating for years to come

Here at Prime Time Equipment we take into consideration many factors that will help you make the right decision for your Fontana Used Reefer needs.  While purchasing a new reefer like our 2014 Vanguard Trailers might be the quickest way to worry free driving it might not be the best option for all budgets.  When you purchase a new trailer you then have to consider the costs of adding a Thermo King or other engine and costs inherent in that.

For this reason we carry many different types of Used Reefer Trailers in Fontana.   Here are your three best options for CARB Compliant Used Reefer Trailers:

1.  Purchase an Older Trailer with a Newer Engine.

One of the most cost effective approaches for buying a used reefer trailer in Fontana is to look for an older model trailer body with a new reefer engine.  We have many 2006 Utility Reefers with 2012 ThermoKing Engines with less than 100 hours on them.  With bodies and trailers that are in great condition, this will enable you to operate a "like-new" engine with a trailer that was built to last and can be much more affordable than purchasing a brand new trailer and engine.

2.  Purchase a Slightly Newer Trailer With an Older Engine with a Particulate Filter.

Adding a particulate filter to an older reefer
engine can save money and performance

This can be a very cost effective solution, purchasing an 08 or 09 trailer with an 07 or 08 engine that may have high hours on it.  Often these engines could have anywhere from 10,000 - 20,000 hours of usage however if you have a particulate filter it will help these engines continue to run for many years and hours.

You will want to consider the maintenance the previous fleet or owner gave to the unit, oil changes, etc, similar to the upkeep of a car, but this can be a great option for those on a budget.  We have many 08 and 09 Utility Reefers in Fontana that have been well maintained and with particulate filters that can serve most budgets.

3.  Purchase a Slightly Newer Trailer With a Newer Engine.

Your third option in purchasing a Used Reefer Trailer in Fontana is to purchase a trailer that is only a few years old.  Many large fleets have policies that keep them from hanging on to equipment for long periods of time making available only one or two or three year old models that are still in great condition.  Maintenance on these are typically outstanding and you will save yourself the higher costs and depreciation of purchasing a newer model that within a few weeks becomes "used."  In our yard in Fontana we have several 2012 Utility Reefers with between 6000-8000 hours.

While finding the right piece of equipment can be a challenge it can also be a lot of fun.  With Dealerships like Prime Time Equipment making sure to carry only quality used trailers and reefers, your search could be much simpler than you ever thought!

Some Entertainment for Hump Day

For those of you who haven't seen this, watch Jean-Claude Van Damm doing splits between 2 Volvo Semis!  We're just glad we weren't the ones driving!!

Interested in looking at Used Volvo Trucks in Fontana?  Visit us online or view our inventory by clicking the button to the right!  Happy Hump Day.

5 Reasons to Consider UnderTray Systems Vs. Traditional Side Skirts

5 REASONS TO CONSIDER AERODYNAMIC UNDERTRAY SYSTEMS

SmartTruck  has a patented Aerodynamic UnderTray System that provides a unique alternative to Trailer Side Skirts.  Here are five reasons to consider UnderTrays vs Side Skirts for your next trailer:

1.  Increased Fuel Efficiency

With verified fuel savings by U.S. EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership, even SmartTruck's basic unit, the UT-1 System, provides a 5.5% MPG Improvement at highway speeds.  This translates to 7 Gallons of Fuel Saved per 1000 miles.  For those willing to invest a little more, the UT-6 System with Side Fairings provides up to 10% MPG Improvement or 12.5 Gallons saved per 1000 miles.

With the fuel savings provided with either system most owner-operators or fleets will recover their investment within the first year!

2.  Less Maintenance Than Traditional Skirts

The UnderTray System is installed inside the footprint of your trailer high off the ground to avoid contact with steep loading docks or other obstacles.  Made of durable polyethylene plastic it is suitable for all weather.  Whereas with a blowout skirts can often be damaged, ripped or completely destroyed, the SmartTruck Undertray System is designed to last as long as your trailer.

3.  Easier Accessibility

With traditional skirts a driver loses access to the undercarriage of a trailer where spare tires and other parts may be stored.  With the unique design of the SmartTruck UnderTray Systems a driver now has complete access to the spacing beneath their trailer.

Trailer Undertrays in Fontana

4.  A Bolder Look

Most truck drivers take pride in their equipment.  The design of the UnderTray Systems provides a sleeker look, as SmartTruck's catch phrase proves:  "Changing the Shape of Trucking."

5.  CARB Compliant Trailer System

To operate in California a fleet is required to meet the CARB requirements for trailers.  Whether you decide to use traditional skirts or move to a more modern solution like SmartTruck's Undertrays, a trailer system for fuel efficiency will be necessary to avoid fines that could be potentially catastrophic.  Prime Time Equipment can help your fleet meet California CARB requirements.

Prime Time Equipment is proud to be one of the few authorized dealers in Southern California for SmartTruck UnderTray Systems.

For a limited time Prime Time Equipment is offering Free Installation with any SmartTruck UnderTray System purchase here at our yard in Fontana, CA. Contact our sales office today to speak with an UnderTray System expert to see if this unique solution may be right for you.