For one to set up their successful owner/operator business, one of the most important factors that must be made is decision making regarding the choice of the right truck. The choice of the truck that you make will consequently affect the operations of the business, profitability of the enterprise and general comfort. Factors such as performance and fuel consumption, maintenance and repair costs and also comfort during long hauls will play a crucial role in determining the truck to purchase. The following guide is intended to provide step by step instructions of selecting the appropriate truck for your owner operator business.
The first step of selecting the perfect truck is to determine what the specific requirements are with respect to the operations of the business. Think about the four main aspects of loads you are going to be transporting, their destination or the distances they are going to be travelling, as well as the average number of trips you will be doing in a week. Answer the. Consider the following questions:
Answering the above questions will determine the type of truck to look for if need be, heavy duty tractor heads or light weight vehicles for regional areas.
For owner-operators, the evaluation of whether to buy a new or used truck globetrotter is one of the most difficult tasks. No matter which option you select, it has its upsides and its negatives.
New technology and features of fuel efficiency improvement.
There are manufacturer’s extended warranties.
There will be little in terms of repair costs during the first few years.
First investment is high.
The rate of depreciation is worse than for second hand trucks.
The upfront cost is reduced. Decreased rate of depreciation. One may get a high-end specification of a truck at a lower cost.
Risks of higher regular maintenance.
Little or no warranty.
They are more economic in terms of fuel, but not so advanced in the design of the older vehicles which most trucks fall under.
If the budget is within range, it is no denying that there are long term advantages-cut costs on repairs and use less fuel that could be afforded by purchasing a new truck. However, if you are looking to begin small scale operations or simply prefer frozen capital, that buying a second-hand truck in good condition would be ideal.
Power generated by the engine comes with a cost, and so does the overall performance of the truck in its operational use. Choose according to the type of freight you look towards hauling and the type of route.
In the event you have plans of moving bulky Tows, then it is recommended that you Find a truck that has a higher horsepower engine (between 400 to 600 HP) and higher torque for better pulling power.
In the case of less bulky loads or regional routes, there is also an option for a truck with lower horsepower that will also enhance the level of fuel efficiency.
Fuel is one of the biggest expenditures for owner-operators, and that is why it is essential to go with a truck that has high fuel economy. Most of the new trucks break even on operating costs in the short run mainly because of the incorporation of fuel-efficient technologies such as…. When buying a used truck, pay attention to the brand that over the years has built a reputation of responsible fuel consumption.
Reliability and maintenance costs are essential parameters affecting the total cost of ownership of a truck. Some truck makes/models are prominent for the length of time they serve and their maintenance burden and some may be the reverse.
Comfort is a vital aspect of owning a truck when offering owner-operator services. In purchasing a truck, you should ensure that you buy one with a well-designed cab and good amenities so that long distances traveled do not cause stress. Key Comfort Features:
Resale of truck would be an issue as well when deciding on the truck to purchase. It is understandable that you do not have the intent to sell your truck out now, nevertheless, the acquisition of a truck that guarantees you a good resale should come in also for the future upgrade plan.
Things to do to enhance Resale Value of Your Truck:
The second step is how to finance the purchased truck after you have selected the required truck. And to realize your goals, you should familiarize with additional funding sources, such as loans or leasing options.
After taking into account all factors, do not Hurry in making a purchase decision. Some of the common brands in trucking include Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, and Mack among others. There are advantages associated with every brand. Therefore, when making a model comparison, consider aspects such as reliability, fuel efficiency, and features available, etc.
Test drive and feel how the trucks drive to ascertain their performance, comfort, and maneuverability before arriving at the final decision. Focus on the truck’s maneuverability, visibility, braking, and shock absorbers. If the truck can be tested, it would be best if this were done on the same roads on which one usually drives, that is closer to normal conditions of operation.
Finding the best truck to fit in the owner-operator business model is indeed a fundamental investment decision which must be approached with caution. After identifying your business’s requirements and analyzing your budget including aspects such as fuel economy, cost of maintenance and the comfort of your drivers, you will be ready to select a truck that will help grow the performance and profitability of your business.
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