Do you want to have comprehensive guidance on purchasing the best commercial truck for your business? This article will help you in making a profound judgment to get the value for your money. The term commercial truck is not limited to exclusively one type of vehicle. Instead, it refers to any truck employed to carry out commercial tasks. These trucks get used by businesses and companies into their daily work of transportation, either profitable commodities such as grocery produce or aiding I provision of other commercial services.
Therefore, it is necessary to have clear guidance on the best commercial truck for your commercial duties. Each truck has a unique task that it can carry out, which means that different types of commercial trucks get involved in distinct commercial transport services. The selection of the best commercial truck is dependent on the features it possesses. For instance, Peterbilt 379 is mainly considered for its comfort and high productivity. Hence, it is advisable to have an insight into the different classifications of commercial trucks.
Commercial Truck Classification
The classification of commercial trucks happens based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This safety standard GVWR design helps in the maintenance of a truck’s safe-operating-weight. The truck’s GVWR gets determined by considering various components such as suspension, tires, frame, and tires.
The following are the distinct commercial trucks categories sizes based on their GVWR
Heavy-duty Commercial Trucks
This category involves two main classes of trucks that are 7 and 8. The gross vehicle weight rating of these commercial vehicles are 26,001-33,001lbs. Those drivers who drive these trucks must-have commercial driving license class B.
These heavy-duty commercial trucks get branded many names, including semi trailers, semis, semi-tractor, eighteen-wheeler, rigs, tractor-trailer, big rigs, and many more. However, their common denominator remains GVWR higher above 26,000lbs.
These commercial trucks transport heavy loads
Medium-Duty Commercial Trucks
Those drivers who drive trucks under this classification – a requirement for having a commercial driving license class B is not a must. This category constitutes commercial trucks, class 3 to class 6. Classification of commercial trucks under this category is based on the kind of body the truck possesses, which in return determines the sort of load the truck can transport efficiently and effectively.
The types of trucks under this classification include; box truck, stake-body-truck, reefer truck, dump truck, straight truck, and landscape truck. These trucks get determined by a GVWR ranging from 10,001-26000. These medium-duty commercial trucks run locally as well as regionally. They are engaged in long haul where the delivery of the cargo to the end-user happens frequently, terming it as last-mile deliveries. Hauling commodities using these trucks has increased immensely recently as a result of eCommerce purchases increase, making home deliveries to as well increase.
Light Duty Trucks
Commercial trucks under this category involve classes 1 and 2. Drivers of these commercial trucks do not have to own a commercial driving license, class B, to get in the vehicle’s operation. Those trucks under these categories include; pick-ups trucks and transit vans.
The Different Types of Commercial Trucks
A variety of different commercial trucks exists in the market as well as on roads. Each commercial truck gets specially designed to perform a unique purpose. It is upon the company or any other business to choose the best commercial truck based on its needs. The main types of commercial trucks available exist with their varying usage.
Tractor Trailer
These are the standard type of commercial trucks and mainly referred to as Semis or Eighteen wheelers/Big Rigs.
Heavy Hauler
These super-heavy trucks have a design that accommodates heavy loads for transportation. The operation of these commercial trucks, drivers are required to obtain a special permit.
Dump Truck
The usage of these trucks cannot get applied in long hauls. Mostly, they are found in construction sites to transport locally-based construction materials. Their dump body makes it easy to identify them.
Flatbed
As the name depicts, these trucks have a design of a flatbed without any roofs or sides. They get most frequently applied in the transportation of building materials, including concrete, lumber, steel beams, and many more. Their design makes it easy for cargo to get loaded and after reaching the destination to get unloaded. Thus, minimal strategic loading is required whenever several stops happen.
Reefer Truck
These commercial trucks transport those commodities which are perishable and require an ambiance with controlled temperatures. They have a cargo transportation area whose temperature is well controlled.
Tanker Trucks
These commercial trucks transport commodities in the form of liquid or gases. Around the trailer place, a tank is up-fitted. Their application is mainly in those companies that carry fuels frequently.
Garbage Truck
These trucks have a unique design to transport garbage removed from different homesteads. They carry out these tasks of garbage collection very fast.
Landscape Truck
These trucks help landscapers to move their equipment and supplies quickly from one job site to another.
Auto Haulers
These commercial tracks have a unique design to aid in hauling cars on the trailer.
Straight Trucks
They have a chassis cab, which is up-fitted to have a cargo box used in transporting dry goods, not connected to the cab area—mainly used in local transportation and last-mile deliveries.
Service Utility
These commercial trucks have an up-fit whose bodies are customized, making it very easy to deliver a service in off-site locations. These trucks are mainly prominent with plumbers, electricians, repair vendors, and other service givers. Their body compartment makes it convenient to store and easily access supplies and tools.
Roll-off
These commercial trucks are designed with roll-off containers fitted with wheels. Their application is mainly in the construction, demolition industries, and waste collection.
Important Consideration When Buying a Used Commercial Vehicle
Have an understanding of your Trucking Activities
An aerodynamic truck with a small motor works well when the operation involves a flat area, and you will experience enormous savings as far as fuel cost is concerned. If the operations involve hauling heavy loads in the Rocky Mountains, choose a track whose engine has a more substantial horsepower with between 23 and 18-speed transmission.
Check the Oil
Do not make any assumptions. Ensure that carry a motor oil sample of the truck you intend to buy and take it to the testing lab. Analysis of the oil will take place, and traces of metal identified to detect any sort of problems. You will get the expert’s opinion on whether there is any part of the truck functioning abnormally.
Bring a Mechanic for Inspection
If by chance you possess any mechanical knowledge, it is advisable to seek mechanical expertise. The truck’s engine gets inspected brakes, electrical, tires, air leaks, steering, suspension, and fluid leaks.
Shun any Middlemen and Truck Brokers
Having a broker in the deal process of purchasing a commercial truck increases the cost of buying it. Hence, it is advisable to keep off from a deal where intermediaries get involved.
Do the Financing of the Commercial Truck
It is advisable to make the down payment by ensuring that you pay a considerable amount without getting any load. This action helps in providing that you do not have the burden of paying high-interest rates.
Scrutinize the ECM Report
It is advisable to get the Electronic Control Module of the truck you intend to purchase. The ECM gives you the complete information concerning the truck, such as fuel mileage, accident data, and fault codes of the engine, hard braking, top, and average speed and other many more reports. The ECM data aids in the truck’s life analysis, and paying much attention to mileage will tell you the truck’s performance.
Final Thoughts
During the purchasing the best commercial trucks, it is crucial to have a good understanding of your tracking operations as various trucks have a different specific purpose. Go for the commercial truck that will meet you desired commercial needs, and that will give you the best productivity and comfort such as a Peterbilt 379.
