10 Things to Consider When Buying Specialty Semi Trailers

Stepping into the world of trucking is a thrilling endeavor laden with possibilities and challenges. As you gear up to invest in your inaugural semi-truck, the choices you make now will significantly impact your professional and personal life down the road. This comprehensive guide delves into ten essential things to think about that will shape the trajectory of your journey in the trucking industry.

View Details

1. Lifestyle Adjustment

Transitioning to a trucking career requires more than just changing jobs – it’s a lifestyle overhaul. Beyond the adventure of the open road, consider the potential strain on relationships and family life. Ensuring open communication and mutual understanding with loved ones will be pivotal in adapting to your new lifestyle. This transition period can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right support and planning, it can lead to a fulfilling career on the road.

2. Financial Planning and Investment

Investing in a semi-truck demands careful financial planning. Research financing options that match your budget and requirements. While some opt for loans or leases, others invest from savings. Bear in mind not only the upfront cost but also recurring expenses such as insurance, fuel, maintenance, and taxes. A well-structured financial strategy will lay the foundation for a successful trucking journey. Financial discipline can now lead to sustainable profitability in the long run.

3. New vs. Used

Choosing between a new and used truck is a pivotal decision. New trucks offer cutting-edge features, advanced technology, and warranties, albeit at a higher price point. Used trucks can be budget-friendly but might entail increased maintenance costs. Reflect on your budget, long-term objectives, and willingness to invest in repairs when making this choice. Balancing initial savings with potential long-term costs is essential for maximizing your investment.

4. Aligning Truck with Cargo Needs

Different cargo types necessitate specific truck configurations. Are you transporting perishable goods, construction equipment, or general freight? Opt for a truck that aligns with your cargo specialization to optimize performance and efficiency. Research available options and select a truck tailored to your intended hauls. Choosing a truck that suits your cargo requirements not only ensures smoother operations but also enhances your reputation as a reliable transporter.

5. Dealer Reputation vs. Private Sales Flexibility

Deciding where to purchase your semi-truck is a critical determination. Reputable dealers offer warranties, financing options, and a sense of reliability. On the other hand, private sales might provide room for negotiation but could lack the safeguards of a dealership purchase. Thoroughly investigate the truck’s history, consider a trusted mechanic’s inspection, and make a choice in line with your risk tolerance. A trustworthy source can provide peace of mind and potentially save you from unforeseen costs.

For more information, please visit longyong.

6. Maintenance and Future-Proofing

Proactive maintenance is the backbone of any trucking venture. Evaluate your ability to manage routine maintenance and minor repairs. If these skills are lacking, allocate resources for professional services. Additionally, explore trucks equipped with advanced technologies for enhanced fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and compliance with industry regulations. These investments yield long-term benefits for your business. Incorporating modern maintenance practices not only prolongs your truck’s lifespan but also minimizes downtime.

7. Insurance Coverage

Insurance is a cornerstone of owning a semi-truck. Research insurance options, including liability coverage, cargo insurance, and comprehensive coverage for potential accidents or damages. Comprehending coverage limits and regional requirements is crucial to mitigate risks effectively. Adequate insurance coverage safeguards your investment and ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected circumstances.

8. Licensing and Regulations

Operating a commercial vehicle mandates the right licenses and adherence to stringent regulations. Familiarize yourself with the requisite licenses, permits, and certifications mandated by your state or jurisdiction. Staying compliant is paramount to avoid legal entanglements and financial penalties. Understanding and adhering to licensing and regulations is crucial for your business’s credibility and longevity.

9. Networking and Industry Connections

Cultivating a network within the trucking industry can prove invaluable. Connect with seasoned truckers, industry associations, and online forums. These connections offer insights, guidance, and even prospects for future employment as you navigate your trucking journey. Building a network within the industry provides a support system and a source of valuable advice as you embark on your trucking career.

10. Long-Term Career Goals

Contemplate your aspirations within the trucking industry. Do you envision establishing your own trucking company down the line? Are you interested in long haul versus local trucking? Or is becoming a driver your primary objective? Your initial semi-truck serves as a stepping stone toward your broader ambitions. Align your choices with your vision for the future. Setting clear long-term goals enables you to make decisions that propel you toward your desired outcomes. Whether you’re planning to become an owner-operator or an entrepreneur in the industry, your choices now will shape your path ahead.

Conclusion

Purchasing your first semi-truck entails a multitude of considerations extending beyond the vehicle itself. By thoughtfully addressing these ten factors, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed choices that set you on the path to success in the trucking industry. Your next step begins with the right truck – one that harmonizes with your ambitions and propels you toward a fulfilling and prosperous career on the road.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Specialty Semi Trailers.

1 Why should I buy a used trailer?
The perception behind buying a used piece of equipment is to save money, but could also be because of lack of availability. Buying a trailer from Maxim Truck & Trailer eliminates the risk of the trailer not being as advertised and the peace of mind of knowing that the equipment has been inspected by a qualified technician. 2 How new can a used trailer be?
If a trailer has been registered and the NVIS (New Vehicle Information Sheet) is destroyed the trailer becomes used. The unit could be 1 day old and be considered a used trailer. 3 Is this a good time to buy new or used?
Buying a used trailer depends on a lot of factors. One could be if the current market for new trailers is being affected by the US exchange rate, import tariffs or lack of availability. Another reason to purchase used over new is if you are venturing into a new market. To keep costs down when entering a uncertain job, buying used will help save some money in case the new work does not work out. 4 What is the availability of used trailers?
A new trailer has to be ordered and it can take two months to a year to get in. A used trailer could be sitting on the lot. Maxim is always looking for good used trailers to add to the inventory and tries to keep a wide variety of trailers available. 5 Does a trailer need to have a provincial trailer safety and does that impact the price of the trailer?
There are three ways to buy a trailer – with a new safety, the current safety, or as is. With a new safety, it’s brought in to the shop and inspected by a qualified technician who diagnoses any issues. The trailer cannot pass the provincial safety standard until those issues are repaired. The trailer will then get a provincial sticker that is good for one year from the certification date. 

With a current safety, the trailer was inspected within the past year and would have been issued a safety sticker. The sticker will indicate how long the safety is still valid for – but you will need to safety it before the expiry date and that could reveal issues you may not have realized.

With “As Is,” the safety has expired and before it can go on the highway carrying a load, it needs a new safety.

A new provincial safety can only be completed by a qualified trailer technician. At Maxim we safety our trailers to high standards to ensure the used equipment we sell is of the highest quality. 6 Why is it important to know the tire depths?
Tires are the most expensive maintenance item on a trailer. Depending on the tire, the tread depths can be quite different. A highway tire normally has a shallower depth than an off-road tire because of the application. However, despite the difference in depth, these tires can have the same amount of kilometers. While the depths are important, the side wall and tread quality also effect the longevity of the tire. 7 What is the Reefer HRS?
Some reefer unit manufacturers’ offer extended warranty on their units depending on the engine hours. HRS are the number of hours the refrigerators compressor has been running. If you have a trailer full of ice cream, you’ll want the temperature to be around -7C. Once it starts to warm up, the compressor will kick in again and cool it back down again. 8 How long can a compressor run before it needs to be replaced?
Typically, a unit runs 1,200 to 1,500 hours per year. If the trailer is on the road for five years, it should have around 7,500 hours on it.

Compressor replacement depends on how well it has been maintained. It could be after 20,000 hours if it has had poor maintenance and 50,000 for good maintenance. If a unit has less than 5,000 hours on it, you can usually still apply for extended warranty. 9 Should I ask if the reefer unit has been serviced?
Yes. It’s a good idea to get the latest reefer service report to know the working condition of the cooling unit. Buying a reefer unit is different than any other trailer. You want a service report for the box itself and the cooler unit at the front. It should be a red flag if the cooling unit has not been serviced within the last year. The oil filter on reefer engine will normally be marked with the date it was last serviced. 10 Does the reefer unit model year match that of the trailer?
For the majority, the model year of the reefer unit will match the trailers model year. However, it is a good idea to check with the local reefer dealer to find out the model year of the reefer on your trailer. 11 Does it matter whether the rear opening has swing or roll-up doors?
Yes. It’s important to get the right type of rear opening for the type of deliveries you’ve got. If you’re using loading docks, you can have swing doors because there’s room. But if you’re going down a back alley to deliver food to a 7-Eleven, there will be less room so you’ll probably need a roll-up door. It’s all about knowing your business. Having the wrong doors could make the job more difficult or impossible. You might have to bring the trailer back to get what you need. 12 Does it matter what type of floor the trailer has?
Yes. You can have a duct floor or a flat floor. Tightly-packed loads, such a drinks or meat, benefit greatly from the duct floor for the increased airflow. That kind of floor is good when you’re loading and unloading a maximum of once a day. Flat floors are more for city delivery where drivers are going in and out of the trailer more often. 13 Does how I secure the cargo on my deck impact the kind of floor I should get?
Yes. Aluminum floors have wooden strips in between for nailing down freight. If you’re weight conscious, you want aluminum floors. With wood floors, it’s cheaper to maintain or replace wood planks.

If you’re a regular hauler who is hard on equipment, you should probably get a wood floor. You can just replace the wood planks as you need them. 14 What if I’m carrying cargo that could spill?
If you have an environmentally safe trailer, you might have chemicals, which you can’t have soaking into the wood. If you have an aluminum floor, it’s easier to hose it down and maintain. 15 How thick a floor do I need?
It all depends on what you’re hauling but the thickness of the floor or type of steel in the floor can greatly extend the life of an end dump trailer.

If you’re hauling sand or gravel, that’s not too hard on the floor. But if you’re hauling cement blocks or big rocks in the mines, it can be hard on the floor. The harder the cargo you’re hauling, the thicker the floor you want and the harder the steel. On the flipside, doing so increases costs. 16 Should I get steel or aluminum wheels?
This is another balancing act. Aluminum wheels look nice and stay shiny for a long time and save weight but they’re more expensive. Steel wheels are heavier and are susceptible to corrosion but they’re significantly cheaper. Do you want the cost up front or over time? The replacement costs are $300 per aluminum wheel and $100 per steel wheel. 17 Should I buy a trailer with air ride or spring ride?
It depends on what you want and can afford. The air ride option offers a smoother ride, but it can be costly to repair or replace. It’s just what it sounds like, a bag full of air. Instead of the spring that goes up and down, the air bag goes up and down. Air rides are more expensive. For a tandem unit, it costs about $5,000 for an air ride while the spring ride is about $2,000. 18 Why does the length of the trailer matter?
You should make sure you’re purchasing the right length of trailer for the job you’re doing. A few feet can make a big difference when you’re trying to maneuver in tight places.

Trailers come in all kinds of lengths. A reefer van can be as short as 28 feet and as long as 53 feet. 19 What’s the bottom line price-wise?
Just like buying a car, buying a used trailer is a negotiation. You want to buy a trailer that helps your business be successful. It’s an asset and you will want to maximize that asset. Try to find a trailer sales rep that can be your business partner.  It is in the best interest of the dealership and the customer to be happy with the completed transaction. 20 Why is there a freight charge for used trailers?
If the trailer you’re looking for is not available in your city, there’s a good chance it can be found somewhere else. There will be a cost associated with moving the equipment to its final destination. If the advertisement says, “Selling price $20,000 FOB Calgary,” it means it’s in Calgary and you’ll pay $20,000. But if you’re in Saskatoon, it will have to be moved there. The charge to do that could be $800.