Anyone that drives a truck understands that tires take a beating and are often the biggest financial expenditure of all maintenance costs.  Research shows that 80% of problems encountered with tires are caused by incorrect inflation.  Frequently, they are not checked often enough which leads to uneven wear.  Worst of all, underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency.

One new piece of technology designed to alleviate this problem is the automatic tire inflation system, such as that released by Pressure Systems International.   This system increases tire life by ensuring tires remain properly inflated at all times.  In the long run this saves on fuel and increases safety by compensating for pressure lost through slow leaks, punctures, and other problems.

This is different from an equalization system in that it does not just distribute the air from one tire to another.  Nor is it like the monitoring system that merely draws a driver’s attention to the fact that one or more tires have lost air pressure.  Instead, auto-inflation systems utilize the compressed air available through the truck’s own air system to re-inflate tires that fall below preset manufacturer levels.

The way this works is that all tires on the trailer are connected to an air supply that keeps them at the proper pressure, even when the truck is in motion.  Needed air is routed through a control box, which ensures that all tires have the perfect pressure at all times.  This extends the life of the tires as well as ensures that tire tread wears evenly and maximum fuel efficiency is maintained.  Regardless of whether a driver has a van, container chassis, flatbed, or something else, this system is easily adaptable.

There are also other great advances in technology when it comes to preserving tires and improving fuel efficiency.  Another option, also designed by Pressure Systems International, is the ThermALERT.  This system utilizes a thermal screw which melts if the tire temperature becomes too high.  When the plug melts, air is allowed to escape through the tee vent in the hubcap thereby triggering exterior lights and emitting an audible signal that warns the driver.  By adding this type of protection, drivers can take a proactive stance by avoiding damage caused by elevated temperatures.  This lessens downtime, costs, and risks and results in more business volume.

Maintaining proper levels of inflation are required to extend tire life, increase fuel economy, and ensure deliveries arrive on time.  Inflation and high temperature inflation and warning systems are a great way to make certain that tires are the last thing you have to worry about.  With all the new technology available today, reduced fuel use and lower maintenance costs are easier to achieve than ever.

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The trucking industry is complex especially for those who attempt to become a lease operator before they are totally ready. Although many new drivers may have the desire to own their own rig and run their own company, having that dream and being successful takes experience and knowledge of the many parts of the industry that impact income, especially when the state of the economy is taken into consideration.  Knowledge of how to run a business is a key to success.

Starting a company often begins with leasing a truck, which is much cheaper than buying one and hoping you can find work.  Contracts associated with leasing often include high-interest balloon payments, questionably legal documentation that is confusing, and individuals that have developed scams that result in money pouring into the company and out of the driver’s pocket.  The one exception found was JCT, which is an Oklahoma-based company.

JCT leases only to experienced drivers.  Leases are set for 5 years after which time the truck is purchased for $1.  At this point drivers decide whether they want to continue driving the same truck, trading it in for a new lease, or purchasing a new rig.  By keeping the original truck, a driver can save between $600 and $900 per week.

It’s not uncommon for new drivers to become obsessed with owning their own company one day.  Unfortunately, it’s all too common for drivers to hear about deals that are too good to be true and they usually are. Research is very important at the beginning stages to determine if this is an option that is viable for you.  There are many facets of the business that need to be considered prior to making this kind of commitment.

Even with JCT, however, expensive travel is required.  The amount of money a driver can make in a lease program is directly related to meeting the milestones set by the company.  For those associated with this company, or any other, they can expect to spend years in the program when skills at business ownership are developed.  It should be remembered that in order to be successful, an individual must be social, not mind asking questions, and be willing to market themselves which manufactures that require transport services.

The best way to begin is with an established company with a good reputation, like JCT.  With their guidance an individual will learn the ropes, develop skills needed to become independent, and make the connections necessary to ensure that driving time is filled with work.  This can be very difficult when the economy takes the downturn.  It creates a surplus in drivers resulting in hiring freezes and more difficulty finding work.  It’s also important that once connected with a company, no less than two years be spent establishing a positive work history.  As a driver, once you learn the ropes, starting your own company is the next logical step, but make sure you do your homework before you make such a big move.

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