Think alternative fuels are just for the not-so-powerful Smart cars? Think again. Now, a name that the U.S. has come to trust regarding the crafting of excellent semi-trucks is running on an alternative fuel. That’s right; two recent Peterbilt LNG truck models have been designed not only to give them the strength that truckers need, but also the clean energy that the ozone layer requires.

Peterbilt 365 and 384 will run on natural gas, which will be compressed and then liquefied in order to create a fuel feasible for powering the trucks. And powerful they are. In fact, truckers can choose to have both trucks outfitted with a Cummins Westport ISL G engine as one option. And if you know anything about Cummins, you know that they won’t let you down on engine quality.

With a 320-hp rating and 1,000 lb ft of torque, the Cummins engine is a powerhouse of strength. But it doesn’t need dirty diesel to exhibit that strength. Instead, this engine has been specifically designed to operate when alternative fuels are used. And what’s best is the fact that the strength and performance of this engine are comparable to the strength and performance of the traditional diesel powered engine.

However, these trucks eliminate one of the biggest problems of the diesel engine—emissions. The alternative fuel Peterbilt can operate whether you’re filling the tank with liquid or compressed gas. Regardless, this type of Peterbilt can meet and exceed some of the highest emissions standards, meaning it is good for the environment and advances the transportation industry in the direction of caring about the environment while still continuing to offer this valuable service. Peterbilt is proud to support Lower Greenhouse Gas emission initiatives.

So if you’re looking for a truck that can haul what you normally haul, a truck that can stand up to the rigors of the road, and also a truck that won’t pollute, you’re looking for a Peterbilt LNG truck. Check out the model today before buying another used, polluting vehicle. Since you’re a member of the trucking industry, check out tax breaks and other rewards for having an environmentally friendly truck.

While many trucks may look good on the outside, and even have sleepers and accessories that seem grand, the most important thing about a used semi-truck is the way it runs, and if it can take the rigors of the road that you are about to put it through.

Whether you’re shopping for a big rig or you’re examining the trucks for sale owned by a company that you’re thinking about driving for, mechanics should be key. As a trucker, and especially as a truck buyer, you’ll need to learn to prioritize. While the epitome of all trucks can certainly be made, you’ll have to pay quite a lot to get it. Most truckers can’t afford to have their wants and needs satisfied in every category. For this reason, checking out how well the truck does what it is designed to do should be your first move when looking to buy or drive a truck.

Of course, this means that one of the first things you will focus on is the engine. You’ll want to know what kind of transmission it is, especially if you are one of the few who has learned on an automatic transmission. Though most semi-trucks have manual transmissions, as this is much more convenient for the trucker, automatic semi-trucks are available, and if you’re not looking for one, you need to be sure you are not getting one.

When you discover that the truck you are looking at has a manual transmission, there are still questions you need to ask. Mainly, you’ll need to find out how many speeds the engine can carry. Ranging from nine to eighteen speeds, transmissions with more speeds allow truckers to have more control over the vehicle and make certain maneuvers easier.

After the engine, truckers need to consider safety features like lights and brakes. If you’re looking at a used truck, you’ll want to make sure all of the lights are intact. Also, you’ll need to make sure that the truck has the minimum number of lights needed to be legal, in addition to more if you feel that this is necessary. For breaks, truckers should be sure that the lines connecting breaks from truck to trailer are not broken. Furthermore, some truckers will want to see if the truck contains a jake break, or a device that helps truckers slow their trucks.

Finally, after determining that engine and safety equipment meet their standards, truckers will want to look at those factors that are not as important. For instance, truckers may then consider amenities in the trucks’ cabs, such as thermostat gauges, and other indicators that make trucking easier. In addition, truckers may want to see if the truck has other safety equipment or comfortable sleepers.

Although truckers can get their perfect truck either to own or to drive, most don’t believe it is worth the financial strain. By getting their priorities in order, drivers can make sure that they drive away with the truck that is best for them.

Are you looking to unload a heavy-duty truck? Things might be tough in a market that is suffering, but suffering market means job changes, and some who have been working in affected heavy industries might opt for truck driving school as a way to get ahead. Whether or not your trucks for sale get sold in a timely manner, then, has to do with environment, purpose, and appearance.

Of course, whether or not your truck sells is going to depend quite a bit on whether or not the kind of truck you’re selling is needed or in demand. In addition, what kind of truck you are selling and the mechanical specifications are also important. But, usually, truckers will know what kind of truck and what features they need on it before they even start searching. What makes your truck different from all the others, then, is its appearance.

Today, many truckers start their search online, so you’ll want to take a picture of your truck that is flattering, but you also need to make sure your truck looks good. That’s where truck accessories come in. There are all kinds of truck accessories, though, and picking the personalized ones like mud flaps featuring your favorite characters and grills that look like teeth are probably not the kind of accessories you should use to improve your chances of selling your truck.

Instead, you’ll want to invest in accessories that not only make your truck look good, but also that add value. For instance, LED lights will increase your truck’s safety features, and prospective buyers can rest assured that other drivers will see you at night.

If you can, it’s also best to spiff up the look of your truck using chrome. Chrome not only makes a truck look great, but it’s also a longer lasting material in many cases. When asked to choose between a truck shining with chrome and a truck without these accessories, a buyer will probably go for the chromed-up truck.

So, if you’re getting ready to sell your truck, then you’ll need to think about the economy, where to list it, and all the other options that you generally consider when it comes to truck buying. But don’t forget about appearance, as it gives the first impression of your truck.

Shopping for any kind of vehicle can be a difficult experience, especially for those who want to make sure they’re getting the best deals. While truckers looking to buy their first often have a checklist of details that they are looking for, it can be difficult to determine what a truck is really worth.

Some things to consider when buying a truck or when gauging the value of the truck you’re about to put on the market include the condition of the exterior, the interior condition, the mileage, and how the truck was used. But while this can help give you an idea of the truck’s value, it can’t give you definitive number.

That’s where the NADA vehicle guide comes in. For years, the NADA has been helping consumers by analyzing vehicle sales in order to determine the prices at which most people buy and sell them. Shoppers and sellers who use the NADA guidelines when buying and selling their semi-trucks will be sure to base their decisions around a truck’s actual value.

The NADA comes up with its numbers by analyzing vehicle sales in the United States. By looking at the sales from a statistics viewpoint, and taking into consideration variables such as geographic location, this group can produce a real, scientific representation of the truck’s value.

The NADA presents its findings for trucks, cars, and other vehicles in a variety of forms that are perfect for buyers and sellers on the go. For instance, the company’s guides are available on the Internet, in mobile form, or in portable electronic version. Of course, the guides are also available in their famous print form.

So if you’re looking to buy a truck or sell your own big rig, make sure you think about the value, and the science of NADA is there to help you do that.

We're continuing our financing tips from our last post:

Know your credit score. How good a financing deal you'll be able to arrange depends on your creditworthiness. The higher your credit score (over 720 is great), the better the deal you'll be able to cut. You should review your credit record at least annually. You can get one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. That means you can be a free report every 4 months every single year. Click here to get your free credit report. Once a year pay the extra few bucks to obtain your credit score with your report. The report is free, but you have to pay a small fee for the score.

MHC TRUCK SOURCE in Kansas City Missouri has 8 matched 2008 T660's ready for sale;

http://www.truckertotrucker.com/details.cfm?action=ShowDetail&ClientID=0&recordID=fa928da7-1774-44b8-876d-fed2b09add08

Call today and find out how much off of new I can save you!!

Marc Hess

MHC Truck Source - Kansas City

866-312-5642

We have a member that needs info about Autoshift Transmissions.....

Hello every1,
I was wondering if anyone out there can tell me a little more about the autoshift transmissions that are found on some rigs, perferrebly the Freightliners. I am trying to get into the trucking industry as a O/O. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Also if any1 has websites that has such info.. Jim

If anyone can help him, please make a comment.

New Feature Launched Today....

Here is a sample ad to demonstrate our new slideshow feature. Now you can email the slideshows to up to 5 potential customers or friends at one time. Try using the comments area next to the photo's uploaded to sell the unit. Example...Picture of the tires, add a comment like "virgin rubber". Picture of the sleeper, add a comment like 72" Aerocab, new mattress, ect. This is a great incentive to use all the 20 picture slots and make comments to really communicate the highlights of your listing. Let me know if you like this new feature, we'll be adding more cool features soon... did someone say You Tube Videos? If you need help, call my direct line at 866-430-7474.....Jim

Feedback is appreciated!

If you are an owner operator with just one truck or if you own a company with one to a thousand trucks, you are out there on the road every day trying to make money. What I am about to show you is that if you are running a Kenworth W900L, a Peterbilt 379-127, an International 9900, a Western Star 4964EX, a Freightliner Classic or any other brand truck with a hood, you are leaving money out on the road rather then in your pocket.

See The Video Here

This is a must read for anyone getting into the trucking business....

Doug Shields has a written a killer Truck Buying Guide...here's a bit...

Welcome to my Truck Buying Guide. It has been designed to be an ongoing informational guide to both the first time buyer as well as the seasoned veteran. This guide is by no means the last word on this subject and I encourage you to use all the tools at your disposal to make your decisions. Unfortunately there is, to my knowledge, no book on the market that is specific to this subject. I wrote this guide as an attempt to dispel the "truckstop myths" that you may hear from other drivers and provide clear, easy to follow steps to make truck ownership your reality rather than just a dream. This guide is designed to help you own a truck with the lowest risk and highest level of benefit to your operation......Read more here....

Truck Buying Guide