Category Archives: Driver Info

Overcoming Loneliness On The Road

The life of a trucker is a life spent on the road, a lot. They are alone, a lot. And let’s face it, being on the road can be difficult for truck drivers at times. It can bring loneliness. Being away from family and friends for a long period of time will take a toll on anyone. For truckers, this is just a day in the life. The feeling of loneliness is a feeling no one should feel on a daily basis. Here are a few tips that we’ve received about how to deal with the loneliness and make the days easier.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Regional, OTR, or Vocational Trucking: What’s Right for You

Regional, OTR, or Vocational Trucking: What’s Right for You

Truck driving is a popular occupation, and it’s important to weigh your options and find what the best fit is for you. There are three main types of trucking:

  1. REGIONAL: This typically involves day trips—often a maximum of one or two nights out. A driver may run areas anywhere from a few cities or counties to a few states.
  2. OVER THE ROAD (OTR): A long-haul OTR driver can spend weeks at a time on the road with coast-to-coast loads.
  3. VOCATIONAL: Vocational drives take care of specific jobs or tasks. This category includes dump trucks, end-dumps and side-dumps, belly dumps, refuse (garbage trucks and roll-offs), concrete trucks, service trucks, rail trucks, and the list goes on. These types of rigs are often found in construction sites, oil fields, landfills, and more.

Read the rest of this entry >>

How Does Traffic Congestion Affect Commercial Trucking?

Traffic Jam

Traffic jams are incredibly irritating for many Americans. As long as we have driven cars, it seems as though we have all been driving to the same place at the same time. This leads to traffic congestion and stress for many drivers. All of this traffic has a significant impact on the commercial trucking industry. So how does traffic congestion affect commercial trucking? Read the rest of this entry >>

Warranty Options When Purchasing Pre-Owned

By Bill Maki
Used Truck Manager
Allstate Peterbilt Group

Recently, a host of companies offering extended warranties on pre-owned units entered the used truck market. Most of these programs include a limited mechanical breakdown warranty and require an inspection. So, how do you know if an extended warranty is worth the additional cost? Or which type is best for you? Read the rest of this entry >>

Tips to Keep Your Truck Running in Cold Weather

By Dana Dagen
Regional Service Manager
Allstate Peterbilt Group

Being in the trucking industry, we are all more than aware of the headaches cold weather can create for drivers and maintenance managers alike. Most industry veterans are very familiar with the havoc that winter can cause for a truck’s fundamental components. However, many of us are not as comfortable with the newer technology of the engine and aftertreatment systems that are ever evolving. Read the rest of this entry >>

Planning for the Next Round of Emission Regulations “GHG Phase 2”

By Tom Wentworth
General Sales Manager
Allstate Peterbilt Group
Have you ever thought it would have been nice to have a “do over” on how you planned for 2007 and the first DPF trucks required by the EPA? If so, Greenhouse Gas Phase 2 may provide you with your chance. By the time you read this president Obama will most likely have signed the latest emission reduction proposal into law. It may be worth a quick google search of the topic which will provide you with dozens of articles detailing the new requirements. Read the rest of this entry >>

Maintenance Recommendations for Aftertreatment Uptime

By Tony Rich
Service Technician
Allstate Peterbilt Group

If you have 2010 or newer units in your fleet, you already know there are additional requirements for maintaining the aftertreatment system. But, are you aware of the recommended maintenance schedules for ALL of the components? Staying ahead of these practices will not only help you increase uptime, but prevent significant repair costs. Read the rest of this entry >>

Four Questions You Should Always Ask when Buying a Used Truck

By Bill Maki
Used Truck Manager
Allstate Peterbilt Group
The time has come… you are ready to purchase your “new” used truck! Do you know what you should be looking for when evaluating a truck? After all, this is a critical decision and you want to be sure you are making the best choice for you and your business. Before purchasing a used truck, you should always ask the following four questions: Read the rest of this entry >>