Hino Trucks: The Fastest Growing Line of Medium Duty Trucks in America
When you own a good International heavy duty truck and trucking is your business, you have a kind of freedom in Texas that few people enjoy. However, this profession comes with a lot of responsibilities, and it’s easy to make mistakes if you have little experience. Here are five things you can do to increase your chances for success as an owner/operator.
1. Try it Out First
While you drive for a company, keep track of everything you do. Include miles, fuel mileage, repairs, and maintenance. This gives you a good idea of what you can expect when you own your rig.
2. Start with a Used Rig from a Reputable Truck Dealer
You can find some excellent deals on an International heavy duty truck from a dealership like Kyrish Truck Centers. In fact, we have models like the ProStar and 4300 which are affordably priced. You are sure to find what you want because we have 12 locations in Southeast Texas to serve you. When you need parts or service, our ASE certified mechanics are here for you.
3. Start a Maintenance Fund
You never know when you’ll need a tire or unexpected repairs. As you drive over the road, many things can happen, and you need to prepare your business for sudden expenses. Start out with a few thousand dollars in a separate account and put a percentage of your profits into it.
4. Work on Long-Term Business Relationships
As an owner/operator, you can work for many carriers. However, choose each carrier carefully, so you won’t have to keep changing all the time. When you find a good carrier, you’ll have fewer problems.
5. Keep Your Trucks in Good Condition
Even a well-made International heavy duty truck needs proper maintenance in Texas. Go with a trusted dealer like Kyrish Truck Centers with experienced staff and a reputation for service excellence.
Even if you get the best deal on a high-quality Isuzu NPR for sale in Texas, you could end up with problems. For example, it only takes a few seconds for an experienced thief to take advantage of you. Here are five important things you can do to increase your cargo’s security.
1. Check Your Insurance Policy
When you look for a good Isuzu NPR for sale in Texas, consider the insurance before you buy. Your commercial vehicle insurance policy doesn’t cover damage on the road from accidents. Check your inland marine coverage to make sure you have enough insurance for all your cargo.
2. Keep Doors Locked
Tell your drivers to keep their trucks locked even when they exit the truck for a moment. A thief can get into the cab and steal the truck and cargo, within a relatively short period. Locked cabs make it harder for someone to hijack your truck as it sits at a traffic light.
3. Safe Delivery Schedules
Do your drivers make deliveries in questionable parts of town? If so, make sure to schedule them during the week and daylight hours. There are fewer chances for robberies and theft during these times.
4. Get an Alarm System
It doesn’t cost much to install an alarm for your truck cab and cargo areas. You can save two ways with this strategy. First, it’s a tax-deductible business expense. Second, the insurance company may give you a break on your premiums.
5. Choose the Right Dealer
When you look for a good Hino 195 or Isuzu NPR for sale in Texas, go to a trusted source like Kyrish Truck Centers. We sell high-quality inspected vehicles, and our expert service technicians keep your truck on the road, so you don’t break down in areas where safety is a big concern.
During cold weather, you may see a new or used heavy duty truck in Texas sitting and running, but is that a good thing? Are diesel engines supposed to idle for long periods of time? Let’s explore this question and several more, to expose some common myths and misconceptions.
1. Diesel motors are hard to start in cold weather so you should let them idle all night.
Many years ago, large diesel trucks used heavy motor oils, and the fuel turned into a gel when it got cold. If these trucks sat for long periods in the cold, even in Southern Texas, they might not start. However, today’s technology produces better fuel, lubricants, batteries, and cold weather hard-starting problems no longer exist. Many people still believe you have to let big trucks idle in the cold.
2. A large truck doesn’t burn much fuel when it idles?
Many people still believe this myth because they used to see so many big rigs idling at truck stops and waiting for loads at the dock. They figured truckers must have a good reason for idling or so many truckers wouldn’t do this if it burned too much fuel. According to the New Mexico Environmental Department, diesel engines use about one gallon of fuel per hour as they sit and idle.
3. Diesel Engines Need Long Warm-Up Periods
Some drivers in Texas let a used heavy duty truck warm up for five minutes or longer, but this is not necessary. Since modern diesel fuel does not gel, long warm-ups are not needed. In fact, most manufacturers recommend no longer than three minutes warm-up time.
Idling for long periods places a great deal of wear and tear on your engine. When you need parts or service for your used heavy duty truck in Texas, Kyrish Truck Centers have what you need.