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There’s no one perfect truck for every situation. What technical specifications does your business require?
#Semi truck drivers
#Semi truck driver
That way, you won’t have to worry about getting the right truck to the right driver your whole fleet will be capable of any route. Do you offer both local and over-the-road hauling? If you operate a fleet that travels both locally and over the road, you might consider sticking with sleeper cabs.But if you plan to drive coast-to-coast, you’ll get a return on your investment in hotel savings alone. Do you offer (or want to be able to offer) over-the-road trucking services? If you operate local routes and your drivers are home every night, a sleeper’s probably not necessary.Is the extra cost worth it for your trucking business? That depends on a few details about how you operate: That could make the lower cost of a used vehicle more attractive. A more mechanically inclined owner-operator may be comfortable handling maintenance-or even breakdowns-on their own. Used vehicles are already sitting on the lot, ready to go. Even if you order a new truck, the manufacturer may not be able to deliver immediately. We’re publishing this article in the midst of global supply chain disruptions. You’ll face lower initial and monthly truck payments when you buy used. Many first-time truck buyers simply can’t afford a new rig. Looking for advanced telematics built into your cab? What about pre-installed auxiliary power units or digital safety features? The newer the truck, the more likely it’ll come with these features ready to go. Even if your 20-year-old rig is shipshape, running used vehicles may knock you out of the running on certain bids. Some brokers and shippers require carriers to have newer equipment. More potential business opportunities.That adds up to less downtime and lower operating costs-at least for a few years. Similarly, new trucks usually require far less scheduled maintenance than used ones. New trucks usually include factory warranties, too, so even if something goes wrong, you’ll know it’s covered. When you buy new, you can be more confident that your rig will stay on the road, with a lower risk of costly breakdowns. Needless to say, mechanical systems weaken as they age. There are advantages to each option: Advantages Of Buying A New Truck The next high-level decision to make is whether to go for a brand-new unit or pick up something used. Here’s what to look for when buying a semi truck. From this point forward, we’ll assume you’ve rejected the option to lease. Leasing may be the safer bet for a new operator.Īll that said, you are reading an article about buying a semi truck for your business. Ultimately, ownership gives you more control over your business-but also adds a lot of responsibility. Plus, when you own your truck, you have the freedom to use and modify it as you see fit.
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Your own trucks pack a lot more value into your business and can open up more funding opportunities. If you want to take out a loan, banks may require collateral. However, there are also advantages to owning. It’s what some business owners call a “turnkey solution.” Leasing outsources many of the responsibilities of ownership your leasing company may handle maintenance, DOT compliance, vehicle registration, and even roadside assistance. 5 Decisions To Make Before Buying Your First Semi Truck 1. Here are the top five questions to ask as you begin planning for your first semi truck purchase, whether you’re an owner-operator just setting up shop or an experienced fleet owner making the leap from leasing to owning. So, where do you start with the research? The answer is with a list of questions. Truckers should do the same for their trucks. Manufacturers do a lot of research before buying new factory equipment. The best way to think about buying a semi truck for business is as an asset-machinery you buy now that will provide a financial return (and then some) through years of use.
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A brand new cab will run you at least $100,000 on the low end-and if you drive over-the-road routes, your rig is a sort of residence.īut a semi truck isn’t just a vehicle or a shelter. The price tag is more like a home, though. It is a vehicle, after all, and you’ll want to compare manufacturers, engines, transmissions, and more. Buying your first semi truck is a bit like buying a car and a bit like buying a home.
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