| Once an economic recession at the bottom of | | | | too much for fuel when you're in one of those |
| the business cycle really gets going, the trucking | | | | states like California that has all the extra taxes |
| industry just gets hammered something silly. | | | | on the fuel. You'll also need a good sleeper, one |
| Thousands of independent truck drivers go out of | | | | which is insulated. Due to the new regulations |
| business, and many smaller trucking companies | | | | about "idling your truck all night" so, you'll probably |
| just can't compete, their economies of scale are | | | | want a little portable generator. |
| just not there, and there was really nowhere else | | | | Most of all, you will want good visibility and a nice |
| to cut costs considering the onerous regulations | | | | smooth ride. Indeed, you'll want a large engine to |
| from the Department of Transportation. | | | | pull heavy loads over the long steep grades, with |
| As more and more independent truck drivers and | | | | a large overdrive gear so you can drive at 1500 |
| smaller trucking companies go out of business, | | | | RPM when you're cruising down the highway at |
| and yes, some larger ones due, hundreds of | | | | 60 mph. You are also going to want a truck that |
| thousands of trucks and up on the market, these | | | | looks nice, and has good aerodynamics, as that |
| are used trucks with many miles on them. Many | | | | can save you a ton of money on your fuel costs. |
| of them are sent to the scrap yard, or to large | | | | But there are some other things you should |
| storage facilities to go into hibernation, in case the | | | | know, and you should be looking out for. There |
| economy returns again, there might be companies | | | | are new laws for emissions restrictions in many |
| willing to buy them. | | | | states such as California, and some trucks may |
| Now that this recession is pretty much over, and | | | | not be allowed unless they have the |
| considering that most people do not believe we | | | | environmental certification in the future and they |
| will go into a double dip, we should be seeing the | | | | meet the new standards. This may prevent you |
| trucking industry along with all of those in the | | | | from buying a used tuck which may have been |
| transportation and distribution sector expanding | | | | built before let's say 2004-2005. |
| their businesses. Many folks will be looking to buy | | | | This means you will be paying more money for |
| over-the-road-trucks. Buying a new truck these | | | | your truck, and you're going to have to justify |
| days, it's not that simple. | | | | that with your ability to get good solid loads to |
| Sure, there are basic things you need to know, | | | | run back and forth across the country. Indeed, I |
| and things you need to look out for; for instance | | | | hope you will please consider all this and make a |
| long-range fuel tanks so you don't have to pay | | | | wise choice on your next truck purchase. |