Tips for Truck Driving in the Heat

As we approach summer and the heatwave that inevitably arrives we thought it apt to discuss a few tips for truckers who are out on the road during those summer months.  With air conditioned cabs and APU units, along with 44 ounce Big Gulps, it's often easy to forget what the sun can do not only to your equipment but to the driver as well.  Here are a few precautions to take this summer as you prepare to get out on the road:

Bundle Up:

Luckily sun damage typically doesn't get this bad...

It may seem contrary that in the heat you'll want to wear layered clothing, however we've seen many truckers who suffer from skin damage or what can be referred to as "the Trucker's arm."  As drivers typically have one arm next to the window all day, every day, they can be susceptible to sunburns and skin damage from the sun's rays.  Whether you choose to wear sleeves or use sun protection, make sure you're addressing the wear that can come from being in front of the sun all day.

Stay Hydrated:

Most heat exhaustion with truckers doesn't occur while they are in the cab but when they are in the back, unloading or loading their trailers.  The heat within a trailer will be amplified after driving through the sun all day and can quickly cause exposure from heat fatigue to more serious issues.  Be sure to stay hydrated -- water will be your best friend in these summer months.  Try to avoid caffeinated sodas and keep an extra water bottle handy in the back of your rig.  

Other Tips:

Other tips from parking your tractor in the shade to taking time to stay healthy and in shape will enable you to perform at your best during these summer months.  Keep your equipment from overheating by scheduling a tune-up and you should be prepared for your summer driving.

Used Freightliner Cascadia in Fontana

Here at Prime Time Equipment we're helping many owner-operators get into new equipment in preparation for the summer months!  From Used International Trucks in Fontana to Used Freighliners in Fontana, we have a large inventory that will fit your needs!  Schedule an appointment today or visit us on the web at:  www.fontanatrucksandtrailers.com.  

Trucker Humor for Easter / Passover

As we approach Good Friday, Easter and those celebrating the Passover, please make sure to also Pass UNDER!

To all our trucker friends out on the road, drive safe and have a wonderful holiday this weekend!  From your friends at Prime Time Equipment.

5 Tips When Purchasing a Used Semi Trailer

As an owner operator or small fleet owner, having a semi truck won't make you any money without having a load to carry.  Prime Time Equipment has helped drivers purchase Used Semi Trailers in Fontana for over twenty years.  As a Trailer Dealer in Fontana we have experience in purchasing used trailers from large fleets as well as working with trade-ins.  We'd like to share a few tips to consider when looking to purchase a used tractor trailer.  But first a little about Trailers:

SEMI TRAILERS

In Fontana Box Trailers or Dry Van Trailers are the Most
Common Trailers You'll Find on the Road

Semi Trailers come in many varieties specific to the requirements of the load that will be hauled. 

Box Trailers / Dry Van Trailers:

The most common trailer is a Box Trailer or Van Trailer (also referred to as a Dry Van Trailer). These trailers are designed to hold anything that is meant to be kept dry during transport from consumer goods to personal belongings for moves. 

The most common dimensions for Box Trailers are 53' x 102" or 110".  Dry Van Trailers can come with swing doors or roll-up doors.  Some Box Trailers will have Side Doors as well.

Reefer Trailers / Refrigerated Trailers:

Reefer Trailers in Fontana must also meet CARB Compliance
Requirements in order to operate in California

The next most common trailer is a Refrigerated or Reefer Trailer.  These are box trailers with a heating / cooling unit attached (reefer) and are used primarily for hauling produce, flowers, meat or other items that require refrigeration.  Often Reefer Trailers will be insulated or ventilated as well but the main difference between Refrigerated and Dry Van Trailers is the mechanical refrigeration systems powered by small displacement diesel engines attached to the front of the units.

Other Less Common Trailers:

Trailers come in all shapes and sizes, including Flatbed or Lowboy Trailers, Car-Carrying Trailers, Curtain Siders, Livestock Trailers, Tanker and Dump Trailers, etc.  Depending on the need of the load there will be a trailer to haul it.

5 TIPS FOR PURCHASING USED TRAILERS

Purchasing a Used Trailer is an excellent way to save money and receive a better return on your equipment investment.  However there are several things you will want to be aware of when looking at a trailer beyond whether it has a few scuffs or dings on the inside or out.  Below you will find Prime Time Equipment's 5 Tips in Purchasing a Used Trailer to help make your decision with confidence:

1.  Quality of the Floor

As you step into a trailer for the first time, consider the floor.  Is it bowing or misshapen?  Is there separated wood or large chips, dents or cracks that can weaken the floor integrity?  Because repairing the floor of a trailer is both costly and time-consuming if you want your purchase to maintain its resell value this will be one of the most important things to consider.

2.  Quality of the Roof

The next thing we look at is the roof itself -- just as a leak in a home can cause unforetold damage, even a small leak in a trailer can ruin whatever is being hauled causing thousands of dollars of damage.  One way to determine if there are any holes or leaks in the roof is to enter the trailer and close the doors.  Look for any light shining through -- if all you see is darkness, that's a good sign.  Here at Prime Time Equipment we have often completely replaced roofs rather than patch them up as we want our customers to know their buying experience will be one of the best in the industry!

3.  Quality of the Doors

Most people put little consideration into the doors of a trailer and yet a non-functioning door can be one of the biggest hassles considering the frequency of loading and unloading goods.  Take a good look at the hinges and hooks by opening the back of the trailer and closing it several times.  Are alignments correct? Does it open and latch closed with ease?  This can be a very important consideration in making sure your goods remain secure.

4. Quality of Brakes & Tires

Prime Time Equipment has over 20 years of helping
truckers find the right Tractor Trailer in Fontana!

Nothing is put to use with more frequency on a trailer than the brakes and tires.  For this reason you want to make sure what you are purchasing is ready to hit the road not a repair shop.  In your negotiations with a dealer make sure the brakes and tires are at least 50% or better so that you can immediately put your equipment to work.

5.  Purchase from Someone You Trust

Having trust in the dealer or previous owner of a used trailer in Fontana could be one of the most important factors when making a decision.  You want to make sure that your equipment is priced fairly, that the establishment has a history of good service and purchasing equipment that is road ready.  Here at Prime Time Equipment customer service is our highest priority -- we work hard to earn that trust that builds customers for a lifetime by going the extra mile.  Our work is never finished until our customers are happy.

Reefer Compliance Regulation Changes to Be Aware Of

Keeping up with CARB Compliance Regulations applies not only to heavy duty trucks but also Reefer trailer engines.  As the refrigeration systems in Reefers are powered by diesel internal combustion engines it is important to limit the emissions from these transport refrigeration units (TRU's).

Purchasing a New Reefer in Fontana Can Be a Great Option
To Keep Your Fleet Operational for Many Years to Come!

Prime Time Equipment is adept at helping owner-operators understand how CARB Compliance Regulations can impact your business.  As one of the largest Used Reefer Dealers in Fontana we have helped thousands of both small and large fleets become CARB Compliant.

Changes to TRU Compliance Regulations:

For TRU owners some important changes are taking place at the end of this year that will significantly impact the ability to meet with CARB Compliance requirements.

Repowering a TRU will no longer qualify as a compliance option unless the new engine meets a more stringent emissions standard than the original engine.  In the past it has been acceptable to simply replace an engine with a similar compatible engine that is newer.  According to the Title 13 California Code Regulations section 2477.5(i) these replacement engines will now need a more stringent emission standard.

Retrofitting with a Level 3 Verified Diesel Emissions Strategy (VDECS) may be a good option for some TRU owners as VDECS meet regulation requirements for in-use performance standard.

For more information about the TRU regulations visit:  http://www.arb-ca.gov/diesel/tru/tru.htm.

To speak with our experienced staff about how you can meet CARB requirements call us today at 909.357.9961.

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.

Trucking Tips for Driving in the Rain

California is finally seeing some much needed rain!  With hopefully more in store to help with the current drought we thought it appropriate here at Prime Time Equipment to share some of the tips we hear from truck drivers about driving safely in the rain.

Tips for Trucking in the Rain:

1.  AVOID HYDROPLANING:

Hydroplaning is more likely to occur closer to the start of a rainstorm as fuel and oil on the highways is brought to the surface creating a slicker than normal area of effect.  

To avoid hydroplaning, keep your speed down during the first twenty minutes of rain until the moisture has soaked into the asphalt, often maintaining speeds below the speed limit.  

2.  HAVE A LARGE WORK-SPACE:

While some people's work spaces are their offices or desks, a truck driver's work space is the open road.  In poor conditions you want to leave an additional cushion of space between yourself and the next vehicle. 

 Should the unexpected occur you will have more reaction time.  

With rain such simple tasks as braking and slowing can become mechanically more complex.  Keeping that large work-space around your vehicle will make sure you have ample time to respond.

3.  REMAIN ALERT:

The more accustomed we are to performing a task the easier it sometimes becomes to put less thought into it, muscle memory and habits running on auto-pilot.  When trucking in the rain it is imperative to remain alert.  Be on the lookout for large puddles that can hide unwanted rubber or debris.  Pay attention to the performance of your vehicle and how the rain and moisture may be affecting it.

Regardless of how good of a truck driver you are other vehicles may not be as comfortable driving in the rain.  Be aware of those vehicles around you and drive with a heightened sense of safety while rain and storms persist.

We hope these tips will help you to stay safe regardless of weather conditions out on the road and welcome comments from those truckers who have their own list of tips that they've used over the years!  When looking to replace your semi tractor in Fontana feel free to check us out on the web.  Our large inventory of Fontana used semi trucks is available to browse on our website.

CARB Compliant Trucks in Fontana

With fleets and owner-operators scrambling to replace older pieces of heavy duty equipment in order to comply with the Air Resources Board requirements in California it is becoming imperative to find quality used semi trucks that are CARB Compliant.  Because of limited resources and a lack of available trucks in the marketplace inventory for most dealerships can be scarce.

Come visit our yard in Fontana to find Quality Used Trucks
that meet CARB requirements at Great Prices

CARB Compliant Trucks in Fontana

When looking for CARB Complaint Trucks in Fontana or Southern California, Prime Time Equipment is a dealer of choice.  Our inventory of 2010 or newer used semis is one of Fontana's largest.

We carry a large inventory of International Trucks, Volvo Trucks, Kenworth & Freighliner Trucks in Fontana at our yard on Valley Boulevard.  Looking for Automatic Transmission?  10 or 13 speed?  We have what you are looking for.


Here a few facts you can always rely on when purchasing a Used Semi at Prime Time Equipment:

• Trustworthy & Knowledgeable Sales Staff:  Our dedicated and experienced salesmen have over 50 years of experience between them working in the trucking industry.  Their interest is to find you the right vehicle for your needs not their commission checks.  With this in mind, Prime Time Equipment has one of the largest referral networks and repeat customers because we know how to treat our customers right.
• Trucks You Can Rely On:  All of our used semi trucks in Fontana have been thoroughly serviced. Every DPF Filter is baked and we take equipment only from the strongest fleets and sources we trust. When you purchase a used Semi Truck with Prime Time Equipment, you can purchase with confidence.
• A Great Selection of Used Semis:  Almost every week we are receiving new inventory of used International trucks, Kenworth, Volvo and Freightliners in Fontana.  With over 50 pieces of heavy duty equipment to choose from there's a good chance we'll have a CARB compliant truck to fit your needs.  Our constantly shifting inventory means if we don't have the truck you are looking for today we could have it tomorrow.  If there is a specific truck or model you are looking for, our sales staff is adept at locating at.  We will do all we need to in order to make it available for you.
• The Best Available Financing:  Our finance manager is one of the most experienced in the industries.  Through her network she will be able to locate the best rates putting you in your truck with as little down payment as possible.  Credit history is always a concern for most buyers but even with poor credit we have been able to help many owner-operators purchase CARB compliant trucks in Fontana.

The best way to see if we can help you find a CARB Compliant Used Semi in Fontana is to come by our dealership and visit our yard.  We are open Monday through Friday 8:30 - 5pm.  No appointments are necessary.  Our sales staff is non-threatening and helpful. For a look at our inventory of used CARB Compliant trucks visit our website today: www.fontanatrucksandtrailers.com.