There Are A Wide Number Of Semi Trucks & Trailers

November 20th, 2008

If you do not have much knowledge of the trucking industry then you may be surprised to learn that there are a wide number of semi trucks and trailers. If you are planning to get started in trucking then you should learn as much as possible about each of these brands, designs and styles. Different manufacturers will of course offer different products and determining which is best for you is important for your trucking career.

For instance, Stoughton trailers are very popular and produce a wide range of trailers such as tankers, reefers and flatbeds. If you are planning to haul produce, frozen goods or other perishables then you will need a reefer or refrigerator trailer. Again, determining the cargo that you will be hauling is the first step in choosing your semi trailer. Once you have chosen what you will haul then you will need to choose which manufacturer you trust to help you haul your cargo.

While there are many trailer manufacturers like Dorsey trailer, Doonan trailer, American trailer, etc. Stoughton seems to be among the most popular. Semi trucks and trailers can be purchased new or used either on location at a dealership or through an online site. Although new trailers tend to be the number one choice for many, used ones can be much less expensive. Finding an affordable trailer is vitally important for those considering starting up their own company or being an owner/driver.

If you are among the many truck drivers that are considering becoming an owner/operator then you should definitely take advantage of the deals that you can find online. Many trucking websites offer brilliant photos of the trucks or trailers for sale along with contact information for the seller and specific information to let you know all the details of what you are purchasing. You can see all major trailer and truck brands, giving you the opportunity to compare prices and other information before you purchase. Whether you are looking specifically for Stoughton trailers or are still shopping around, and no matter what truck brand you prefer, you can find wonderful deals online if you simply learn where to look. Beginning your own trucking business can seem overwhelming, but when you know that you can save thousands of dollars going in, it makes it much more feasible to give it a try.

Types of Semi Trailers

November 18th, 2008

If you are just starting out in the trucking industry, you will need to determine the type or types of available semi trailers. There are numerous types of semi trailers with various manufacturers. The type of cargo you will haul will determine the type of semi trailer needed. Specializing in one specific type of cargo will allow you to purchase a new or used semi trailer that will accommodate your needs.

A tanker trailer is used for hauling liquids and fuels. Milk and other similar dairy products are transported in tanker trailers. There are specific cleanliness and refrigeration requirements that will need to be known before moving this type of merchandise. The upkeep of this semi trailer is very important. Fuel is also transported in tanker trailers and usually ships to gas stations or truck stops. Tanker trailers can be more difficult to drive due to shifting liquids. The driver should be aware of how to drive these effectively before embarking.

Flatbed trailers are a very popular type of semi trailer and are quite versatile. These trailers can be used to haul heavy equipment, construction items and machinery. The merchandise can be loaded from the rear, sides or the top with the use of a crane. Drivers will need to be aware about how to secure the items for transporting safely and if there are any requirements for protecting the items from the elements. Use of tarps can assist in protecting the equipment. Loading, unloading and securing the items can be strenuous work.

Van semi trailers are another widely popular type of semi trailer that can be used to transport most types of merchandise. Adding a cooling unit to the compartment will allow for the transportation of perishable items. Most van trailers have rear loading doors and will need the assistance of a forklift to fill the container. Some van trailers have side doors which can add ease to the loading process. Shipments of food items will typically occur to grocery stores and warehouses.

Livestock trailers are used to move animals. They are designed to allow air to circulate, keeping the animals alive. There may be loading and unloading requirements for the driver as well as periodic checks to ensure they are upright and not trampled. Shipment may be to farms and ranches or to meat markets. Typical shipments are for cows, horses, sheep, and hogs.

Deciding on the type of cargo you prefer to haul will help determine the type of semi trailer that should be purchased. Semi trailers can be purchased new or used; however, used trailers are generally more affordable. There are a number of manufacturers available to choose from such as Great Dane trailer, Wabash National trailer, Fontaine trailer, Fruehauf trailer, Utility trailer, Trailmobile trailer, Wilson trailer, Strick trailer, Dorsey trailer, Reitnouer trailer, Lufkin trailer, Stoughton trailer and Dragon trailer. Choose the make and model of the semi trailer that best suits your needs.

The Manufacture Of Trailers Dates Back Only Half A Dozen Years

November 13th, 2008

As an industry, the manufacture of trailers dates back only half a dozen years, but it has grown rapidly until today there are seventy-five or more trailer manufacturers which include Doonan trailer, Dorsey trailer,Benson trailer, American trailer and many more in the country, and several are exporting to foreign countries. Trailers are made in a wide variety of types and capacities for all sorts of purposes, ranging from the little pneumatic tired two-wheel trailer of 500 pounds capacity, to be attached behind runabouts and touring cars, to ten-ton and fifteen-ton trailers and semi-trailers, hauled by powerful tractors and motor trucks. These include car haulers, dump trailers, utility trailers, equipment trailers etc. Size is one of the main considerations while looking for a trailer. The maximum towing capacity and maximum tongue weight of your tow vehicle are limiting factors.

Utility trailers are of great use for both home owners and contactors as well. These multipurpose utility trailers are available in varied sizes so as to cater to your specific requirements like for lifting lawn mowers, vehicles, golf carts as well as ideal for hauling small equipment too. Car haulers are used for specific purpose of hauling your vehicles, including personal car or racing car. Apart from car haulers, another variety is equipment trailer which are used to transfer skid loaders, excavators, and small tractors. Dump trailers are used for small purposes at homes as well as for commercial purposes. These types of dump trailers are available in various types of models, sizes and weights.

The use of dump trailers has been gaining in popularity as one of the most cost effective means for handling tear-off removal. Licensing fees, insurance costs and maintenance expenses associated with a dump truck are astronomical in most parts of the country. The use of dump trailers is a more cost effective and more versatile method for handling tear-off debris.

A gooseneck trailer is also an important variety of trailers that has been introduced especially for heavy loads and towing of equipments as these trailers have an enhanced stability and tighter turning of radius.

All About Utility Trailers

November 12th, 2008

A utility trailer is an engine-less and a motor-less trailer used to carry items. It is pulled by a powered vehicle with engine. It might be your car or might be a truck. . Utility trailers are used all over the world for transportation of heavy goods for long distances. Trailers can carry large number of goods at a time. Utility trailers are used for transporting almost anything. They can be used as tractor trailers, bike trailers, car trailers, truck trailers or snowmobile trailers. Let’s discuss some aspects of utility trailers here.

Types of Utility trailers
Utility trailers are basically available as enclosed and open utility trailers. Open utility trailers are the one which do not provide coverage to the cargo from external elements. If weather is not a problem for you, buying an open utility trailer would be a wise and economical choice. These open trailers usually range from about $900 to $2500.

You can buy a utility trailer if you are planning to start a small landscaping business. You can carry your essential equipments quite easily in this trailer. Open utility trailers are also lighter as compared to enclosed trailers. On the other hand enclosed utility trailers provide security to your cargo. They combine essential features of weather protection and theft protection. These trailers are lockable to give your cargo maximum protection. These trailers cost around $1600-$5000. There are several other types of utility trailers available to you.

Boat Trailers
Small Box Trailers
Flat Bed Trailers
Stock Trailers
Van Trailers
Semi Trailers– if pulled by a power unit of less than 26,000 GVW
Pole Trailers– if pulled by a power unit of less than 26,000 GVW
Horse Trailers

Utility trailers are made, keeping in mind some basic things like strength, towing stability, versatility and flexibility. By versatility of a utility trailer we mean that it should be able to accommodate various load equipments like snowmobile, automobiles and much more. By flexibility we mean that it should be adjustable to varying hauling requirements. Basically a trailer should have enough strength and durability to carry the requisite amount of load which is required, without too many hassles.

Utility Trailer- sizes and elements
Utility trailers are available in different sizes and shapes as per your needs. The sizes of utility trailers vary extensively such as 5 x 8/10, 5.3 x 8, 6.4 x 16 and many more. Manufacturers from all over the world make 5x 10 utility trailers for general usage.

The size of the trailer bed is 5 ft. x 8/10 ft long. Maximum capacities of trailer beds vary. A general capacity of a 5 x 10 utility trailer is 3500 pounds. The capacities of trailers vary as they differ in size. It could go up to 24,000 pounds. This weight is inclusive of the trailer weight.

Utility trailers are made up of steel or aluminum. They have a floating axle, which allows them to adjust to different load requirements. It also contains a long tongue for vehicle maneuverability and spacing. A utility trailer also includes heavy-duty spring suspensions, wheels, tires, safety chain and side lighting. A utility trailer has an essential back bumper. Trailer brakes form an essential part of utility trailers. Though the usage of a trailer is dependent on load and the tow vehicle, still they make a considerable part of utility trailers. Trailer lights, rear lights and running lights are also an important component of utility trailers.

All About Dorsey Dry Vans

November 11th, 2008

Dorsey dry vans trailer deliver more because more goes into building them. More experience. More research. Higher standards. Tougher quality control. In sum, the excellence and painstaking attention to detail you expect from Dorsey Trailers.

Features:
1.6″ radius corners of prepainted white aluminum reduce weight and enhance appearance.

2.Upper corners are reinforced with diagonal braces.

3.The upper coupler assembly is sturdy and solid. The pick-up plate is made of hi-tensile steel and is reinforced with
six longitudinal stiffeners to prevent buckling. A built-in angle stabilizes and reinforces the front.

4.The unique pick-up angle, a Dorsey exclusive, is built into the nose impact area to provide easier coupling to the tractor and protection for the gladhands and airlines. Available in optional stainless steel.

5.The full width upper coupler assembly allows the approaches necessary to couple or uncouple within the front 180 degree area.

6.Standard side post spacing is 24″ with additional posts in the upper coupler area for added strength and durability.

7.Crossmembers are 4″ deep steel I-beams on 12″ centers, locked into a no-roll position by four 5/16″ rivets, which attach the floor and sill end clips to the lower rail.

8.0.40″ natural aluminum roof sheet has a protective edge cap extrusion riveted to the upper rail and roof skin on 2″ centers with 1/4″ solid aluminum rivets. This feature eliminates fatigue stress and insures against leaks.

9.The rugged rear frame is built to resist punishment from docking. Double door hardware with one anti-rack lock rod on each door is standard.

10.Dorsey builds the broadest line of trailers for sale in the industry today. We offer a wide range and variety of optional equipment and styles to meet your requirements. Among available options are FRP, plate-side, exterior posts, logistics posts, 100″ inside width, and open top models for special applications.

Need For Tractor-Trailer Lawyers

November 10th, 2008

Tractor-trailer lawyers are those who fight the case for their clients if they have been injured in an accident involving a big tractor-trailer and achieve a compensation amount from the opposite party.

A tractor-trailer accident may be devastating and you may not be able to decide what to do now. The professional truck accident lawyers are experienced enough to handle lawsuits of their clients who are suffering from a serious tractor trailer injury involving a rig truck. Every day, people traveling on highways and roads have to encounter numerous big trucks like tractor trailers, 18 wheelers and other large vehicles that weigh more than 10000 pounds.

Statistics reveal that thousands of fatal or non-fatal accidents around the world occur due to a big rig truck or a tractor trailer. Almost half of them lead to fatalities and others cause serious injuries to the persons involved. A large number of them are rendered jobless as a result of a semi truck accident.

Specialization Of Tractor Trailer Lawyers

Tractor trailers lawyers who specialize in such accidents are generally familiar with the state as well as federal laws and also know the federal rules and regulations that control the large trucking companies. These regulations and laws often play a significant role in successfully prosecuting cases of tractor trailer accidents. In order to come out successfully in an accident case involving a rig truck, proper and prompt investigation is what is required immediately.

The sooner the trailer injury attorneys are appointed, the sooner they can take action in order to secure proofs and evidences in your support while the matter is still afresh. Wind, rain, snow and ice may cause disappearance of possible physical evidences such as, skid marks, impact marks, accident debris and oil, radiator fluid and gas stains on the road. Other critical evidences including the rig truck itself may get destroyed or lost.

Get Compensation Claims

Tractor trailer
Lawyers will be able to preserve important data such as driver’s logs, drug and alcohol testing in addition to testimony from eye-witnesses that will be extremely vital in your accident case.

If your loved one has lost the life in a large truck accident or you have got injured due to someone else’s negligence, ignorance or incorrect road manners, you can immediately contact the commercial vehicle attorney who will be able to represent your case convincingly in the court.

Why To Hire A Professional Lawyer?

Experienced and professional accident tractor lawyers have an experienced group of investigators, legal assistants and attorneys who can work with the health care providers and accident reconstruction experts and engineering experts for investigating, developing and prosecuting accident cases involving large tractor trailers.

You can rely on the experienced and professional team of these commercial injury attorneys most of whom are willing to provide free consultation services to their prospective clients. There are others that do not hesitate to work on the basis of contingency fees which mean that they do not ask any fees or charges from their clients unless they have won the case.

This service is generally only provided by those tractor trailer lawyers who have confidence in their abilities and accept the challenge to win the case for their clients. So, do not feel helpless and miserable after being injured in a tractor trailer accident, go find one of the most reputable tractor trailer lawyers and fight for your rights.

Benson to Idle Cadiz Trailer Manufacturing Plant

November 7th, 2008

Soaring fuel costs have effectively caused many very large trucking companies out of business,” Corporate Human Resources Manager John Earles said. “For example, Jevic Trucking closed its doors two weeks ago, eliminating 1,500 jobs. Platform trailer sales mirror housing starts. The collapsed housing industry has effectively ended the requirement for these type units. The increased cost of oil combined with a weak dollar has created the steepest cost increase in steel, aluminum, tires and other related materials in the history of modern manufacturing. Some steel items have increased up to 100% since December. Heavy demand by the Chinese and Indian markets have added to the run-up in costs.

Thus, Benson and its host of competitors have seen orders for trailers from the trucking companies drop up to 80% in recent months. Several of Bensons’ competitors have idled plants during this period.

Large truck manufacturers such as Kenworth truck, Mack truck and others are seeing the same effects. Freightliner just announced the layoff of nearly 3,000 employees due to this depression in the industry. The announcement by General Motors that they are closing four more assembly plants is another hit to steel haulers that transport steel on heavy versions of platform trailers.”

Earles indicates that recent data from all the leading economists for this industry see no end in sight for at least the next three years.

Purchasing Used Semi Trailers Is An Affordable Option To Buying New

November 6th, 2008

Purchasing used semi trailers is an affordable option to buying new. Trailers can get very expensive for new equipment and purchasing used is a money saving alternative. Used trailers can be found in every make and model available at a significantly lower cost. However, there are many factors one needs to decide before purchasing used.

Researching different manufacturers will give an idea as to the type of semi trailer needed. Leading manufacturers such as Great Dane trailer, Doonan trailer, Wabash National trailer, Fontaine trailer, Fruehauf trailer, Utility trailer, Trailmobile trailer, Wilson trailer, Strick trailer, Dorsey trailer, Reitnouer trailer, Lufkin trailer, Stoughton trailer and Dragon trailer are just a few. Each manufacturer designs a variety of trailers suitable for various needs.

The condition of the trailer should be excellent especially if using the semi trailer to haul heavy equipment. Safety is always of prime importance, so ensure the tires, brakes and floor type are suitable. These pieces of equipment are meant to be sturdy so most newer used models will be in good shape. Late model trailers can be highly affordable but make sure they are thoroughly tested for safety and reliability. Upgrading or replacing parts can make the seemingly inexpensive investment much more expensive.

Determine the type of trailer by considering what its use will be. Gauge the type of equipment or supplies that will be transported, how it will be loaded and how it will be unloaded. Consider where the machinery or items will be hauled and if special features will be needed to account for field conditions.

The size and capacity is highly important. Depending on the cargo, there are different styles to meet the need. Ensure the weight capacity is suitable for the type of load. To safely transport items and safely secure each load, the size must also be appropriate. Determine what conditions will be found when transporting and whether the cargo needs to be enclosed or protected from the elements.

Shopping online for used trailers for sale is a great way to get an idea of the type of trailer needed. Purchasing used equipment is an affordable alternative to purchasing a new or custom made trailer. With a little research and quality assurance, used trailers are a viable alternative and will save a lot of money.

Pitts Enterprises Acquires The Assets Of Dorsey Trailer

November 5th, 2008

Pitts Enterprises has acquired the assets of Dorsey Trailer, including Dorsey’s 800,000-sq-ft plant in Elba AL. The purchase was completed June 14, according to Jeff Pitts, president of Pitts Enterprises.

With the acquisition, Pitts Enterprises now owns and operates three trailer divisions: Pitts Trailers in Pittsview AL, Dynaweld Trailers of Columbus GA, and Dorsey Trailer. Pitts was recently classified by industry sources as the 22nd largest truck trailer manufacturing company in the nation. Headquartered in Pittsview, the firm was founded in 1976 by Andrew Pitts, Jeff’s father.

Pitts Trailers produces forestry-related trailers, while Dynaweld tag specializes in heavy haul and tag-along trailers. Dorsey Trailer will continue to manufacture a variety of over-the-road trailers bearing the Dorsey nameplate including refrigerated vans, dry freight vans, fruit haul trailers, chip haul trailers, and steel and combo flatbeds.

Dorsey Trailer began truck trailer production in the 1920s. In the 1980s, the firm employed 1,200 people on three shifts and produced 50 trailers per day.

“The main focus of the plant is to supply a national network of dealer’s needs in the tradition of high quality trailers that established the Dorsey label throughout the past century,” Pitts said.

David Dorsey, an Elba native, has been named general manager of Dorsey Trailer. David is a third-generation descendant of the founders of the company.

All About Dorsey Trailers

November 4th, 2008

For flatbed trailers, dry van trailers, reefer trailers, electronic van trailers, and more, Dorsey trailers offers sturdy, reliable trailers that truckers can trust with their most important cargo. Since 1911, this company has been producing some of the most popular and reliable trailers on the market. Currently, the company’s wide selection of products will satisfy even the most conscientious owner-operators.

For dry van drivers, Dorsey’s products are both stylish and structurally sound. Six inch white aluminum radius corners decrease several trailers’ weights, in addition to increasing their stylish appearance. Corners are strengthened by stringent reinforcements, and additional posts and equipment insure the durability of the product. Additionally, the “Dorsey exclusive” pick-up angle allows for an easy and safe latch-on to the tractor.

But more than dry van owners will be impressed by Dorsey Trailers. Reefer owner-operators will appreciate the Dorsey Liteguard, with its innovative design that reduces weight, improves insulation, and reduces leakage. Intended to improve upkeep and decrease maintenance costs, these trailers are called the strongest in the industry by the company’s web site. With specially designed reinforcement and ventilation, the product also comes standard with theft-reduction technology.

Although these are just two of the products offered by Dorsey Trailers, their excellence in appearance, durability, and features speaks to the product line. Truckers can be sure that their cargo will arrive at its destination safely with Dorsey, and they can give this same assurance to their clients. Available used and new in a variety of models and style, Dorsey trailers are just the product for truckers looking for a smooth, stylish ride for their cargo.