You’ve passed the test and have got your commercial driver’s license, or CDL, and are well on your way to becoming a commercial driver. Great.
However, the next step in making this dream a reality is to choose a suitable truck to help you move cargo across the United States. While this may sound simple, it is exceedingly complex, as there are many different types of trucks available for commercial usage, and ideally, you would want one that cannot only be capable of surviving long trips but will also be sturdy and require minimal maintenance.
So, how exactly do you go about choosing a commercial truck, either for yourself or when you are looking to set up a fleet? This very short guide will help you to make sense of the process.
Post Contents
Is It Fit for Purpose?
The first thing you need to look at is whether it is fit for purpose. This will involve looking at the engine size. A commercial carrier that will be used every day commuting middle-sized cargo will need a four-cylinder engine. If you’re moving objects that are larger than that, you will need trucks with five, six, or even eight-cylinder engines. This will also be the information that you need to know when you are applying for owner operator jobs, as your truck engine will determine how much you can transport and the kind of jobs you can take on.
The Cabin Size
The size of the cabin is something that you should also consider when looking at this big purchase, which varies based on the type of truck you buy.
If you intend to become a commercial truck driver to haul long distances, there is the possibility that you may find yourself on more than one occasion sleeping in the truck. Plus, of course, you will need to be comfortable. Two doors on a truck will be able to seat two or three adults, but if you are opting for a four-door truck, this can fit 5 to 6 people. This will also impact whether you may be able to have company when undertaking those large trips.
Safety Features
When you are purchasing a truck, whether it is pre-used or brand new, you will need to check the basic safety features, such as the airbags and seat belts. You also need to look at the safety gears and rear jump seats before you commit to buying any truck, and you will have to go through the regulatory compliance and safety standard guidelines for the state that you are in.
Size of the Storage Area
Much like the size of the engine, you will need to consider the size of the storage space at the back of the truck where the cargo will be kept. Is it adequate?
For instance, if you are looking to purchase a truck that will be hauling barrels of hay, you will need a lot of space, and if you find a truck that does not offer this but has a powerful engine, then it is worth moving on to the next one. The more space that you have in the back, the more you will be able to haul and the more money you may be able to make with a single trip.
