Lakeville Motor Business Engine

Although the strengthening economy has significantly reduced the incidences of opportunistic thefts on trucks, it doesn’t mean truck cargos have stopped being high-value loads; hence, organized crime syndicates and gangs could still target them. Owner-operators and trucking companies are advised to caution when picking-up and making deliveries, especially in theft-prone areas such as along the US-Mexico border. Highway robbers aren’t the only threat to watch out; bad weather could pose a traveling challenge to your fleet and even cause accidents. It never too late or early to begin planning; here is how to protect your trucking fleet from trouble:

1. Truck Insurance

Commercial truck insurance cover is essential for an owner-operator or small trucking companies, but it can be incredibly expensive for a firm with just one truck. It is even worse for your vehicle to get o the highway uncovered. Fortunately, some insurance companies would offer just the right cover for everyone. You can keep your trucks safe by choosing one or several options provided by the insurance company. Basic coverage entails comprehensive insurance and collision coverage. Comprehensive and Collision Damage Insurance for trucks works very much as it does in other vehicles.

Insurance companies that offer specialized coverage for commercial trucks provide a range of specialized options that cover every possible scenario without increasing the premiums to an unaffordable level.

2. In winter, ensure that your trucks are stocked up

The slick highways and tripping wind of the winter should find you prepared. The effect of the winter won’t depend on where your fleet delivers or where you’re based. Consider the range of trucks and models in your fleet before making decisions about tools, supplies, and materials because each type of vehicle would require different types of equipment. To keep your trucks on the safe side, consider stocking up plenty of the following: thinner oil, plenty of brake pads, heavy-duty windscreen wipers, new lights, engine heaters, new spark plugs, every type of vehicle fluid, diesel engine batteries and so on.

3. Install collision mitigation technologies

Trucks get involved in collisions more than any other type of vehicle, and this is partly to their large size and weight. Collision mitigation preserves profitability and public safety. Advanced collision mitigation devices come with sensing technology to detect crashes and avoid them by taking emergency action. Meritor WABCO’s OnGuard and Drivewyze is one such device; Today’s systems are advanced than their predecessors and have cut down on false positives and other malfunctions. These systems have become standard on new trucks, and you would even want them installed on your old models.

4. Install trailer tracking devices

Trailer tracking technologies do more than preventing the loss of cargo. Some advanced tracking systems are capable of warning the whole fleet traveling nearby if one truck engages in an accident or gets attacked by highway robbers. They can as well as serve as highway transponders – remotely providing information to highway patrol police about the whereabouts of the truck, the speed, weight, among other essential details. For instance, Blackberry’s Radar not only ensures the safety of your vehicles but also collects troves of data about the fleet, which can be used in decision making.

5. Choosing the best tires for the winter

The state of tires can make or ruin your fleet’s productive and safe fleet. During the winter when the roads are snowy and wet, equip your trucks with proper winter tires that can guarantee exceptional grip. Also, keep your tires well inflated at all times. Underinflated tires fail very much like the worn-out ones. Overinflation, on another hand, makes tires more susceptible to wear off faster. You also choose to invest. Tire chains would be a significant investment in some extreme winter conditions.