Automotive Trucks information on net.

Getting A Truck Permit Online?

2008-03-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

A lot of truck Permit Service providers have setup their shops on the Internet. With the easy availability of wireless internet connectivity Truck Service Providers have setup websites offering all kinds of relevant services as are required by truck operators for obtaining truck permits.

From submitting application to the applicable truck permit issuing authorities the truck permit service providers provide their personalized service till the time the permit is handed over to the truck driver. For this purpose that truck operators are required to have a running account with the service provider, be it route wise, or monthly or annual. The kind of contract is dependent upon the type of service required. Truck Permit service providers having national foot print are at an obvious advantage over other providers who only provide local service. Most of the truck permit service providers operate nationally and have office across the country.

A simple search in Google for the term “truck permit service” would throw up a huge list of service providers who are available on the internet providing for such services. However, the quality of service of these providers cannot be judged by their websites. So before signing any contract with any of these service providers it is essential that the truck operators do a background check with their co-operators who might have experience of dealing with a particular web based service provider. A quick check with the local truck permit issuing authority or agency may also give preliminary information as to the operation of the web – based service provider in the local area. However, more information about the service providers may be available with the local office of the truck operators association or similar body.

Most such service providers require the operators to deposit a certain sum of money with them as a security deposit or membership fees. Recurring charges are regularly billed upon the operators for payment. Its is prudent that before paying the service provider the operator must satisfy itself about the bonafide of the service provider. A bank reference may be asked for or a list of clients can be asked for cross verification of credentials.

Once satisfied with the credentials of the service provider the truck operator can sign a contract with the service provider and then let the service provider handle all matters of issuing of a truck permit.

Mobile Auto Detailing and Truck Washing Combination Businesses

2008-03-15T02:50:00.000-07:00

perhaps you have considered what to do in the Winter Time where you live when it is downpouring rain or totally covered in snow. It is rather hard to detail cars in the snow and no one wants a car wash if God is doing it for free or if you are just going to spray snow off the car and turn it to ice. After all the last thing a property management company wants to see is a portable ice maker in their parking lot and people slip sliding away to the local slip and fall lawyer with paper work in hand for the courthouse the next day, that is for sure.

Recently a gentleman told me; I know a few dozen Landscape companies that have trucks, equipment and for a small fee, they are out on the road with clean trucks and making a good impression. I also know of two general contractors that have their trucks detailed at least once a year if not more. I can see the slow time would be the winter, but we do have a large garage that we can work out of if there are clients that need these services in the winter months.

Yes, these types of small businesses have lots of vehicles they make Excellent customers too. Fleet truck washing can definitely help an auto detailing or car washing business get thru the Winter Months and stay business and this makes a lot of sense. Contractors and Landscape business all need to keep their trucks clean, good points all of them. Well then, perhaps you should consider this in 2006?

Net-Centric Systems to Guide Trucks

2008-03-15T02:48:00.000-07:00

This means no car can ever crash into another car, because the other car will be talking to it at all times giving its changing coordinates. How is this possible you ask? Well each car will be using the same systems and satellites with the same information. Sounds to Sci Fi for you? Well that is okay, because in a way it is really, as this is some ways off in the future.

Although once these systems are in place and working well fewer people will be killed in auto-accidents and that is a very good thing. Losing 40,000 people per year to accidents is a horrific thing indeed.

Of course many Modern Trucks are already on their way to doing some of this. The Truck's digital nervous system is already in constant contact with all its components. The Truck itself may be in constant contact with the satellite and the dispatch office.

The Truck's Transponder talks with the computer system at the truck Scale, Toll-ways and at Border Checkpoints. Soon more and more roads will also contact the truck for warnings and traffic alerts. So all that is really left is simply allowing them to talk together with all the other cars and that is the net-centric vehicle vision of the future and it will save lives.

Mobile Auto Detailing and Truck Washing Combination Businesses

2008-03-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

If you own a mobile car wash or auto detailing business then perhaps you have considered what to do in the Winter Time where you live when it is downpouring rain or totally covered in snow. It is rather hard to detail cars in the snow and no one wants a car wash if God is doing it for free or if you are just going to spray snow off the car and turn it to ice. After all the last thing a property management company wants to see is a portable ice maker in their parking lot and people slip sliding away to the local slip and fall lawyer with paper work in hand for the courthouse the next day, that is for sure.

Mobile Auto Detailing and Truck Washing Combination Businesses

2008-03-13T03:44:00.000-07:00

Net-Centric Systems to Guide Trucks

2008-03-13T03:43:00.000-07:00

Different Types of Car Speakers - Coaxial Speakers, Component System, And Cone Material

2008-03-11T03:23:00.001-07:00

There are different types of speakers out on the market today. Finding out what you exactly need may save you some money, but more significantly, improve the sound system of your car. Read on to learn more about the different types of car speakers available to you!

Coaxial Speakers

This type of speakers is the most common. Factory installed audio system usually install at least two pairs of this type in new vehicles. It's basically a midrange cone woofer with at least one tweeter mounted right on top of it. The result is a low to midrange sound reproduction from the midwoofer, as well as having high frequency reproduction from the tweeter.

Older cars usually only have the midwoofer without the tweeter attached to it. As car makers realize the significance of car audio within the last couple of decades, they improved factory-installed systems with coaxial speakers. Don't be fooled by car makers today who say their car features a 6-piece speaker system because the four speakers are generally midrange woofers, with speakers 5 and 6 being simply detached tweeters. Unless it is configured as a component system (explained below), comes with a factory-installed amplifier or subwoofer, you could not call that 6-piece system premium audio; and therefore you should not pay extra for something you would otherwise already have.

Additionally, coaxial speakers are normally described as 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, etc. speakers. Simplistically speaking, a two-way is one woofer with one tweeter attached to it. A 3-way adds another tweeter, and so on and so forth. You may ask why is it that it even needs a tweeter and to that I will explain.

A typical non-tweeter speaker will pick up around 15-10000 Hz (remember low frequency means more bass). Regular source units like CD players put out a full range sound, like everyday noise that you hear from 20-20000 Hz. Without tweeters, your system will attempt to reproduce that missing 10000 Hz with something it physically can't do. The result would be not only a missing high-frequency sound but also additional distortion or degradation to the overall sound quality of your system.

Tweeters allow your system to reproduce the otherwise impossible sound, giving you a much clearer and defined sound quality. Any additional tweeter adds more detail to the sound as it hones in on a particular range.

Component Speaker System

A component system typically includes midrange woofers, separate tweeters, and crossover filter networks. What is explained above concerning midwoofers and tweeters apply the same as component systems. The only difference, as you may have noticed, is the separate tweeters. It would function the same exact way as the coaxially mounted tweeters, except for the crossover filter networks.

These filters improve sound quality significantly by channeling only audio signals the different components could physically handle. For instance it would channel only high-frequency signals (10000-20000 Hz) to the tweeters and the lower frequencies (25-10000 Hz) to the midwoofers. The result is an even better sound quality because each component is not given signals that they could not physically reproduce.

Component systems tend to be significantly more pricey but with much improved sound reproduction. Additionally, you generally will not find 3 or more way component systems because it is unnecessary, thanks to the filter. This is why I said that factory installed audio systems would only be premium if a crossover network is present.

Cone and Surround Material

The material of the woofer or the tweeter plays a significant role primarily in their longevity. Sound quality is only as good as the entire construction (i.e. voice coil type, magnet size, etc.). Though denser cones (Kevlar, glass fiber, polypropylene) tend to produce better sound quality than thinner materials (cloth, paper), understand that it takes the whole construction to produce great sound so don't dismiss a set of speakers just because it has thinner cone material. Heavier or denser cone materials last longer, especially helpful with constant high-power outputs.

Just like cone material, surround material plays a significant role in the longevity of your speakers as well. In its most simple explanation, a cone must move up and down as it produces sound. Think of your speaker as a trampoline, with the center elastic material of the cone and the springs on the edges as your surround. The surround must be tough and be able to stretch a little bit. Once again, denser material would do much better as thinner material tend to fray and degrade over time. Most lower-end car audio speakers have foam as the surround material, but these tend to harden and crack after temperature changes-which occurs in your car in the summer and winter with heater or air conditioning (especially under direct sunlight).

Car Speakers - For All That Jazz And Groove, On The Move

2008-03-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

Music enthusiasts love it all! Be it rock, jazz, soul, mettle, groove, classic etc. The music aficionados make it a point to not let the music detach from their lives. Almost everyone has a flair for music but the passion can range from listening to singing. World over, people love to carry their music with themselves. It can be in the form of I-pods, USB music players or even your car audio system. When it comes to audio, the system is not complete without high quality speakers.

The speakers come in variety of shapes, sizes and performance levels. The discretion is all about your choice, money, facilities and pleasure. The performance of audio is accentuated by good car speakers. The music aficionados can find speakers online. You will come across several renowned companies. Dabbling on the internet will leave you with wide choices. The car speakers must be judged on quality parameters, which ensure enhanced music performance output. Moreover, the speakers you are going for must be genuine and tagged with warranty.

Good quality car speakers become a priced accessory for your car. They are the voice of your car audio system and must not be compromised. One can experience exhilarating music when the audio system is a combination of most advanced technology car speakers and stereo. The use of woofers and bass tube is also popular among the music buffs. Analyse your music need and the level of output you are looking for and then make a sensible choice about speakers.

According to your personal choices, your car can be accessorised with two to four car speakers. The audio is all about enjoying the drive with choicest of music soothing your ears. When the music is inseparable for you then go for good quality speakers for the pleasure of long drives across the serene pastures.

Tough Guys Love Chevy Trucks

2008-02-26T04:21:00.001-08:00

Chevy brandished its trucks under the marketing tag 'A Legacy Built on Dependability'. For the 2008 model year, three distinctly outstanding models were introduced in the market. Silverado, Avalanche and Colorado are simply the best in their own class.

Tough guys want their trucks to be durable enough to stand the country dirt roads. Silverado's rock-solid body is a favorite choice. Owners bragged that this truck model can outlive them and would even fit as their son's inheritance. Power and driving comfort adds up to the excellent features of this Chevy truck. Silverado's extremely powerful 6.6L V8 Turbo diesel engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission can hurdle long dirt road and highway trips with ease. Its versatile passenger cab with a rear door capable of opening at 170-degrees takes care of easy cargo handling.

For guys who love sporty vehicles but still prefers the power and carrying capacity of a truck, the Avalanche is their preferred model. It is endowed with an innovative midgate system that allows the extension of the pick-up bed in the back seat area. When the midgate is folded down, it converts the pick-up's rear bed as a comfortable sleeping quarter. This is why the Avalanche is an outdoor-lover's favorite. Two sleeping bags nicely fit in this 'convertible' truck, so mountaineers do not need to pitch a base camp tent when the Avalanche joins the trek.

Economy conscious fellows would love a truck who can offer the same hardworking performance. The Colorado is Chevy's mid-sized truck powered by a smaller 3.5L I5 engine. As a model co-developed with the Japanese manufacturer Isuzu, this pick-up truck has all the much sought after features such as durability, flexibility, comfort and power all rolled into one.

Mindful that trucks usually haul cargo in long trips, entertainment and information connectivity are two important considerations. All 2008 model Chevy trucks are equipped with CD and MP3 capable entertainment package and state-of-the-art Radio Data System compatible radio. The Avalanche went beyond this by integrating a Navigation Radio.

General Motor's patented Active Fuel Management technology is also common to all new models of Chevy trucks. This revolutionary technology installed the engine's capability to shift between eight cylinder full power and fuel-saving four cylinder mode. This process is fully automated and electronically controlled.

Some models are adapted to E85 ethanol-blended fuel as an expression of Chevy's commitment to alternative energy utilization and development. Ethanol burns more efficiently that fossil-fuel based gasoline and thus, minimizing carbon gas emission in the atmosphere. True to its commitment to the American Revolution, Chevy is contributing in the global initiative to reverse the trend of climate change.

You have all the reasons to be a proud owner of a Chevy truck. Dress up your key with a Chevy Truck Keychain. Remember, that little rod gives you access to all the wonderful goodness stored in your Chevy. Your key is the lucky charm capable of activating all the powers of the greatest truck in the planet.

Net-Centric Systems to Guide Trucks

2008-02-26T04:21:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have heard about the Future of Net-Centric Automobiles? The car's systems will all work together like a Company Office and its computer system. Even better all these four-wheeled net-centric systems will have a system like the wireless Internet and they will communicate with each other and the Smart-Highways of the Future.

This means no car can ever crash into another car, because the other car will be talking to it at all times giving its changing coordinates. How is this possible you ask? Well each car will be using the same systems and satellites with the same information. Sounds to Sci Fi for you? Well that is okay, because in a way it is really, as this is some ways off in the future.

Although once these systems are in place and working well fewer people will be killed in auto-accidents and that is a very good thing. Losing 40,000 people per year to accidents is a horrific thing indeed.

Of course many Modern Trucks are already on their way to doing some of this. The Truck's digital nervous system is already in constant contact with all its components. The Truck itself may be in constant contact with the satellite and the dispatch office.

The Truck's Transponder talks with the computer system at the truck Scale, Toll-ways and at Border Checkpoints. Soon more and more roads will also contact the truck for warnings and traffic alerts. So all that is really left is simply allowing them to talk together with all the other cars and that is the net-centric vehicle vision of the future and it will save lives.

Popular Jeep Parts And Accessories Easier To Find, Easier To Buy

2008-02-25T03:32:00.000-08:00

Jeeps have been part of automobile Americana ever since the first Jeep rolled off the American assembly line. Jeeps are rugged vehicles, but every now and again they have to be refitted or have their parts and accessories customized to meet the growing demands of off-road driving. Whether it is for aesthetic purposes or for repair the most popular Jeep parts and accessories can be found easier and faster than in decades past. No longer do you have to go to the junkyard or make back door deals with Jeep part dealers. The Internet will allow you to pick out the most popular Jeep parts and accessories that you can imagine and have them delivered to your front door.

With the proper use of key words, you can find Jeep parts and accessories available online without the hassle of talking to auto parts clerks who have no idea what a Jeep is nor the conception of what Jeep part you need for your particular make and model. From Jeep bumpers to sidesteps, you can find what you need with the click of a mouse and be able to purchase popular Jeep parts and accessories without leaving the comfort of your home. You can wait for your new lift kit or skid plate and have them delivered to your front door.

Not only are these parts top-of-the-line, they come from the most popular Jeep parts and accessories manufacturers in the world. Name brand Jeep product manufacturers like Bestop Products, Warrior, and Rugged Ridge are available to meet your popular Jeep parts and accessories needs with better service and with Jeep parts that are less expensive than you would find in a brick-and-mortar auto parts store. Some sites online even offer free shipping and reduce costs for multiple orders. You can be sure of the quality and the service when you buy popular Jeep parts and accessories from these popular manufacturers and their online affiliates.

Whether you are looking for air filters and air systems or wanting to modify your Jeep with stainless steel accessories, the options are endless because there is a plethora of popular Jeep parts and accessories available from online vendors. You can surf these sites and find that winch or body component that will make your Jeep unique or you can find the parts that you need that will make your Jeep run better and faster than it ever has before.

If you own a Jeep you know that Jeep owners are a special breed, that need top-quality parts and accessories that will not only bring out the individuality of the Jeep, but also will reflect the personality of the owner. Whether you live in a small town or in a large city you can't beat shopping for popular Jeep parts and accessories online instead of going to brick-and-mortar auto parts stores and take a chance of being overcharged and under serviced. So bring your Jeep back to life and at the same time, have it looking good and running great and shop for your popular Jeep parts and accessories online to save both time and money.

Diesel Engine Problems - Heating And Starting A Diesel Engine Easily

2008-02-25T03:23:00.000-08:00

The main problem with a diesel engine is - getting it to start. The problem is compounded if
a. The engine happens to be an indirect injection model
b. The temperature is near or below freezing point
c. The engine is to be started with fuel other than diesel.

To overcome this problem most diesel engine vehicle manufacturers provide an engine heating system and/or a provision to start the engine with ether or petrol and then change over to diesel. Electric heating systems can be auto or manual. Electrical heating of the diesel engine is done in several ways. Two of the most commonly used systems are heating the chamber with glow plugs and heating the intake air with an electric air heater placed in the intake manifold.

In a manual heating system, a push button is pressed to make the dashboard mounted glow indicator to show the amount and duration of glow being transmitted to the chambers through a series of glow plugs. The advantage of this system is that there is no complicated electronic glow control system. However the disadvantage is that you try and heat on a hunch. If the button is kept pressed for a longer time than necessary, the battery will get drained and the life of the glow plugs will get reduced.

In an automatic engine heating system through glow plugs, the heating is started automatically as soon as the ignition switch is turned on. The CPU controller (timer) either senses the actual temperature of the engine through a sensor mounted on the engine block or in the cooling water jacket, or it senses indirectly with an internal device in the controller (timer). On the basis of the `feed back' of the sensor, the controller (timer) automatically determines the amount of heat duration to be given to the glow plugs. At the end of the required heating cycle the controller gets automatically switched off and indicates that pre-heating is over and the engine is ready for starting. The controller waits for the next starting of the engine. The advantage of this system is that the operation is fully automatic whenever the engine is started and heating cycle automatically operates as per the required time. This conserves battery power and increases the life of glow plugs. Further it eliminates `white smoke' which causes harmful air pollution. This kind of automatic system is more advantageous than intake air heating system, which can not pre-heat the chambers causing heating inefficiency. The air heater is also far more costly than glow plugs and replacement is difficult. It also consumes more energy than direct heating through glow plugs.

Most manufacturers of indirect or direct injection diesel engines are incorporating automatic engine heating systems of 12 or 24 Volt glow plugs but some are also using a quick glow system through 5.6V or 9 V systems for quick glow of glow plugs. With the quick glow system the controller becomes more complicated and expensive. Therefore the standard has become a normal heating time of around 7/8 Sec. at 20 Deg. C. The time-heat curve has been calibrated in the controller to vary the heating time automatically as per the engine temperature. In other words the heating time will get reduced to a second when the engine is in hot condition whereas the time will extend to as long as 30 Sec when starting conditions are extremely cold.

Additionally, for extremely cold climates, manufacturers are providing simultaneous heating during cranking after pre-heat period is over and again post heating time after the diesel engine has started. This simultaneous & post heating eliminates the emission of `white smoke' due to nil or partial combustion of the fuel, in extreme cold climates. However to retain the prospect of future parts sales, manufacturers do not allow interchangeability of the heating systems between different vehicles. This escalates prices and often local technicians do not know how to check, replace and calibrate these systems.

Rent A Truck For The Big Move

2008-02-23T04:45:00.001-08:00

Thousands rent a truck in the United States every day. There are many companies where you can rent a truck of your choice. For example Budget which has more than 32,000 trucks and about 3,000 locations across the US and they are not even the biggest company in this business.

The trucks of most truck rental companies in the US are of GMC, Ford, International and Isuzu make. The sizes of trucks available on rent are cargo vans, 10-feet trucks, 16-feet trucks and 24-feet trucks. Truck rental companies often claims that its trucks have an average age of two to three years.

Truck rental companies also provides hand trucks, packing paddings, adhesive tapes, ropes, packing paper, mattress bags, padlocks, boxes etc at a nominal cost. Most of the rental trucks have air conditioning, FM radio, power steering, automatic transmission, power brakes, walk off ramps, lift gates etc and they are really comfortable.

The rented trucks are often covered by roadside assistance. The internet websites of truck rental companies are full with information about types of trucks, prices etc. Most websites have a very user friendly interactive page where the pick up and drop off locations are mentioned. Online reservations and quoting rates are available on the sites.

An example, if a person is renting a Budget rental truck from Atlanta to New York (approx 1,100 miles) on a Wednesday and dropping off on the coming Monday that is for 5 days. It will approximately cost $650 for a 10-feet truck, $680 for a 16-feet truck and $830 for a 24-feet truck. A car carrier cost will be $50 extra. Out of the above mentioned rates $150 will be refunded as deposit.

The above rates do not include taxes. The extra miles will cost $0.56 per mile and an extra day will cost $56 per day if reserved before hand. If you add extra miles or days after pick up, the cost will be $0.70 per mile and extra days will cost $70 per day.

It is prudent to read the terms and conditions before renting and a cancellation has to be made at least 48 hours before pick up otherwise you will be charged extra for the cancellation.

At the time of a truck rental two things will be required, identification and U.S. issued driver’s license. Identification can be driver’s license, passport, Military ID, Social security card, phone bill, state issued identification etc.

The advantages of renting a truck are many. You are in charge of your goods, the trucks are in good condition, it has usually many locations and it provides a low cost moving solution.

Monster Truck Information for Fans of All Ages

2008-02-23T04:39:00.000-08:00

First off, if you have never been to a monster truck rally, you should really try to go and see one. There is no better way to get excited about this sport. Kids and adults of all ages are fans and the events are designed to appeal to all ages. If you dare, you should get a seat up close to the floor so that you can see all of the action-you may even get a little bit dirty. Most rallies also have pit passes or pit parties to encourage the fans to come down onto the field when the events are not going on, so that they can get a close up look at each monster truck. If you can’t go to a rally, at least get a video or DVD of a rally so that you can watch it at home (with the volume turned all the way up, of course.)

The internet is another great resource for monster truck fans. You can find websites which talk about the history of the sport, some are dedicated to a specific team or truck, and some even have message boards where you can connect with other fans. You can sign up for a free newsletter so that you can get the scoop on future rallies and events before anyone else. There are also sites which have pictures and videos of trucks.

For those who want even more information you can get magazines or even children’s books about these trucks. You can learn more specifics about the sport and details about each of the trucks.

This is a great, exciting sport that the whole family can enjoy-so get your motor running.

Custom Motorcycle Helmets

2008-02-21T01:31:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of companies offer motorcycle helmets, but few companies offer customization options. Some companies which do are Motorcycle Helmets, McCall Colors, Garcia Custom Airbrush, Be Unique, Helmet Guy, Iron Horse Helmets, Helmet Store, and many more.

Airbrushing and painting remain the two main ways in which companies customize our helmets. Normally, solid color helmets such as black or white are given to customize. Ranging from open face to full face motorcycle helmets, all types of motorcycle helmets can be customized.

Rates for customizing differ from one company to the other. Even for basic graphic designs, companies like TC Specialized Graphics charge at least $300. Iron Horse Helmets imprints designs at the back of any black helmet for $75 each. With prices starting at $150, Be Unique provides all types of custom airbrushing.

Garcia Custom Airbrush offers different types of designs, ranging from very minimum art work to elaborate and detailed work like ‘flames’, ‘graphics’, ‘metal flake’, ‘ghost effects’, and much more. With discount offers open till April 30, 2006, EZ Air FX provides high-quality, guaranteed customized airbrushing.

Discounted custom painted helmets can all be found at Biker Needs. You can either send in our own designs, ideas, photos, drawings, or ask them to create a unique design for you. Motorcycle helmets come in certain specific designs and styles. With the help of customizing options provided by companies, we can get helmets customized according to our wishes

Custom Motorcycle Helmets

2008-02-21T01:29:00.000-08:00

Helmets which are fashioned and made according to our own specifications are known as custom motorcycle helmets. Although different types and kinds of motorcycle helmets are available on the market, sometimes we do need something different to suit our own wants. Hence, different companies exist which offer custom motorcycle helmets exactly the way we want.

Hundreds of companies offer motorcycle helmets, but few companies offer customization options. Some companies which do are Motorcycle Helmets, McCall Colors, Garcia Custom Airbrush, Be Unique, Helmet Guy, Iron Horse Helmets, Helmet Store, and many more.

Airbrushing and painting remain the two main ways in which companies customize our helmets. Normally, solid color helmets such as black or white are given to customize. Ranging from open face to full face motorcycle helmets, all types of motorcycle helmets can be customized.

Rates for customizing differ from one company to the other. Even for basic graphic designs, companies like TC Specialized Graphics charge at least $300. Iron Horse Helmets imprints designs at the back of any black helmet for $75 each. With prices starting at $150, Be Unique provides all types of custom airbrushing.

Garcia Custom Airbrush offers different types of designs, ranging from very minimum art work to elaborate and detailed work like ‘flames’, ‘graphics’, ‘metal flake’, ‘ghost effects’, and much more. With discount offers open till April 30, 2006, EZ Air FX provides high-quality, guaranteed customized airbrushing.

Discounted custom painted helmets can all be found at Biker Needs. You can either send in our own designs, ideas, photos, drawings, or ask them to create a unique design for you. Motorcycle helmets come in certain specific designs and styles. With the help of customizing options provided by companies, we can get helmets customized according to our wishes.

The State of the Trucking Industry

2008-02-21T01:27:00.000-08:00

If we study the current state of the Trucking Industry and the statistical facts we see a much different picture painted than the perceptions purported by the general public. The Trucking and the Economy are very much inter-related as are all the Flows of Transportation in America and those which are beyond our borders. Interstate Commerce cannot exist without the trucking industry.

Unfortunately, things are not so easy for many operators and we are continually seeing the death of the Independent Truck Driver as major Trucking Companies enjoy their economies of scale, even with the huge crisis presently with Truck Driver Labor Shortages.

Government Intervention

No other industry relies on our Nations Highway System as much as the Trucking Industry. Congress has based a gigantic Transportation Bill and Billions are planned in improvements, some of which is geared to help Trucking and Safety. Of course the information we get from Government Reports such as those from the DOT and GAO do not always point out the true reality.

There are however many wonderful things being done from within the industry such as the American Trucking Association's Mobile Watch Program, which incidentally was a huge factor in catching the DC Shooters. So, the Trucking Industry is taking a leading role in the safety of our nation. Indeed there are now many Electronic Highway Interactive Safety Devices, which assist authorities and trucking companies maintain a cohesive flow and protect the welfare and safety of all vehicles.

Potential Truck Safety Issues

There have been many new technologies for Iced Conditions to prevent accidents due to black ice. This protects 4-wheelers and truck drivers alike. There are also new Road Coatings, which may be the answer in curbing Global Warming by eliminating Urban Heat.

There have been many studies with truck driver falling asleep at the wheel, thus more Truck Parking has been added in many states and more have been mandated by the Department of Transportation. Likewise there have been more reviews on the Hours of Service Debates and proposed legislation to limit the amount of time truck drivers are aloud to drive without resting.

Truck Load Statistics Wobbling

One significant statistic is the load factors in trucking and these economic indicators help us judge the future markets. There is quite a bit of Rail VS. Trucking and piggy back trailer strategies for moving freight across the nation. These factors must also be considered. It is the entire supply chain that must be judged to determine the flow of goods to market.

Trucking Companies and Transportation Service Firms have many Logistic Strategies to Handle Freight Traffic. The Flow of Transportation is a critical factor in the wealth and health of a nation. Because if you bought it, a truck brought it.

Monster Truck Information for Fans of All Ages

2008-02-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

Can you say that you or your kids are monster truck fans? When the last truck rally came to town, were you there with a big smile on your face and ear plugs on your ears? Some monster truck fans are so crazy about the sport that they can’t wait for the next rally or event to happen in their area. What do they do to get their “monster truck” fix when they have nowhere to go? Aside from buying a truck and heading out on the tour with them, there are actually quite a few ways to get all of the latest news and information about your favorite monster truck, the teams and the drivers. You just have to know where to look.

First off, if you have never been to a monster truck rally, you should really try to go and see one. There is no better way to get excited about this sport. Kids and adults of all ages are fans and the events are designed to appeal to all ages. If you dare, you should get a seat up close to the floor so that you can see all of the action-you may even get a little bit dirty. Most rallies also have pit passes or pit parties to encourage the fans to come down onto the field when the events are not going on, so that they can get a close up look at each monster truck. If you can’t go to a rally, at least get a video or DVD of a rally so that you can watch it at home (with the volume turned all the way up, of course.)

The internet is another great resource for monster truck fans. You can find websites which talk about the history of the sport, some are dedicated to a specific team or truck, and some even have message boards where you can connect with other fans. You can sign up for a free newsletter so that you can get the scoop on future rallies and events before anyone else. There are also sites which have pictures and videos of trucks.

For those who want even more information you can get magazines or even children’s books about these trucks. You can learn more specifics about the sport and details about each of the trucks.

This is a great, exciting sport that the whole family can enjoy-so get your motor running.

Rent A Truck For The Big Move

2008-02-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

Pimp My Truck!

2008-02-19T02:06:00.000-08:00

Pimp My Ride-or I Mean, My Truck

Do you feel like you're old convertible, jeep, or even huge truck needs some pimping? You basically don't have to scram. There are far too many choices that you can absolutely pick. These are called aftermarket accessories.

Aftermarket Racks

One of the most common problems in trucks, and even any other type of vehicle, is space. It seems like there's no area that will ever suffice your needs. But before you get mad and wish that there will be a car manufacturer who's open to building much larger vehicles, there are a number of aftermarket racks that can give you ample storage for the many things that you are probably going to transport, especially if you're going in a very long trip.

The aftermarket racks will give the extension your trunk needs. All you have to do is to take way your backseat and set up the trunk. This way, you can have more space at the back of your truck, particularly when you have a Jeep.

If you're truck has its own hard top, you can get yourself a rack basket that reminds you of Safari. It will surely make your jeep ultrafashionable; what's more, it can contain loads of cargo.

Aftermarket Winch

Let's face it, you enjoy it when you're traveling in rough terrain. It gives you a sense of hype, not to mention that it's going to be such a fulfilling experience if you can escape the mud, rocks, and slopes. But one of the biggest problems when it comes to such travel or off-roading is that you have all the probability of getting stuck. That's definitely okay if you have your friends with you. You can simply ask your buddy to come down and help you pull the Jeep or truck that has been buried in the mud. But what if it's only you? That's why it's very important that you bring with you an aftermarket winch.

If you're going to pick up a winch, it may be a good idea if you go for one that has a wire rope as long as 125 feet. It should be able to wound your motor and can pull up as much as 9,000 pounds. You'll be surprised on how fast you will remove yourself from your place.

Aftermarket Light Bar

Whether you like it or not, there will definitely be time when you have to travel when your environment's totally dark. That is the time when the sun is down or that stars and moon start to show up. However, it's also possible that you can drive around your truck without any source of light. What if you hit yourself and your truck to a tree? Of course, you can't blame the plant for your unfortunate situation.

There's a good way on how to prevent that. You can just install or mount an aftermarket light bar such as Maxi. Besides protecting the front side of your truck from getting damaged after the collision, it will also save you much time and effort as there's no need for you to drill them. All you have to do is to get rid of the torque bolts, which you can find at the half side of the top portion of your truck's windshield hinge, install the light bar, and then return the torque bolts. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Aftermarket Covers

When you're traveling, and especially if you have an open portion of your vehicle, it's very important that you can ensure that they are kept safe, especially from the harsh elements. You also need something to hold everything down. That's where the aftermarket covers come in. One of the most preferred choices can be the Tonneau covers. They are also highly valued because you can easily tuck them or put them in storage when they're no longer in use.

SUV's - The Hidden Dangers

2008-02-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Today there are many vehicles on the highways and freeways daily and with this amount of traffic there are many accidents and some of these include vehicles that roll over. Some models more that others are prone to have this happen according to crash statistics, the SUV, the hidden dangers are one of these vehicles.

It is difficult to choose an automobile today with the rising cost of fuel, and it is even more difficult if you have certain needs such as transporting a family or for work where a larger amount of room is needed rather than the smaller more efficient models.

SUV's in recent years have gotten a reputation for being a model of vehicle that when impacted can and will roll over in an accident. One of the reasons that an SUV is more likely to rollover is because their center of gravity is higher than in other vehicles and for some years the amount of deaths in highway accidents reached as high as 33%. As well as some models had design defects that aided in the amount of deaths related to SUV rollovers.

Some of these models were also found to have defective door mechanics to hold the latch shut during a rollover accident, which left the people in this accident vulnerable to being thrown out of the vehicle. The roof strength in some models was also found to be inadequate and in a rollover accident would crush, leaving the driver and passengers at a true disadvantage from severe injuries due to the SUV, the hidden dangers.

These defects involved such a number of people injured or family members of those who died that there has been a large lawsuits and settlements. This does not mean that the SUV's with defects are off the roads nor does it mean the owners of these vehicles know the dangers associated with them. This also does not mean that SUV designs have changed so much that they will not rollover or crush in an accident.

How To Install Truck Running Boards

2008-02-18T01:43:00.001-08:00

If you are a pick up truck or SUV owner, one of the most popular accessories for these types of vehicles are running boards. Running boards are particularly useful as they allow easier access to your truck’s cabin in addition to simply “lookin’ good”. You can outfit your vehicle yourself with running boards by following three simple steps. Depending on the brand of running board you purchase, the procedures involved may vary somewhat.

Lund running boards are industry hot sellers and the company helps make installation a breeze by outlining how to get the job done:

1. Insert the square head bolts into the extruded channels on the underside of the board, then attach the Multi-Fit brackets loosely with supplied washers and nuts.

2. After determining mounting position on the truck, the end caps and step pads are attached with matching black rivets.

3. Mounting methods vary slightly with application. Multi-Fit Running boards are bolted in place with clip nuts and bolts at factory holes. Tighten after determining alignment is correct.

That’s it! Before you know it your running boards are securely in place and ready for use.

When shopping for running boards, please note that the quality of the products marketed can vary. A top of the line running board such as those sold by Lund or Westin running boards is typically made out of tough polymer materials or diamond plated aluminum and will, therefore, adequately hold your weight and resist deterioration. You can order running boards that light up, choose boards that have a wide step area, and even select running boards that allow you to paint the shell yourself.

Running boards are made for SUVs from the Kia Sorento to the Ford Expedition, and for trucks from the Toyota Tacoma to the GMC Sierra Denali. Mounting kits are usually sold separately, so before completing your order make sure that all the parts as well as instructions are included with your shipment.

By shopping with a reputable online retailer and installing the running boards yourself you can save plenty of money and have the satisfaction of knowing that you did the installation.

A Look at Truck Tonneau Covers

2008-02-18T01:36:00.000-08:00

Pickup Tonneau covers are a versatile way that owners can add security and style to their truck. The market is saturated with a variety of models with features to fit the diverse needs of pickup truck owners. Prices vary greatly depending on the model and the features offered. Some basic models sell for a little over one hundred dollars while more elaborate editions can retail at close to a thousand.

For the many people who use their trucks to carry heavy-duty cargo, a hard top Tonneau cover is often the right choice. Hard tops provide security to items in the bed, and locks protect against theft they will protect cargo from rain, wind and sunlight. Most hard tops are made of fiberglass or aluminum and steel.

A soft-top Tonneau cover is another option. These covers are usually made of high-grade vinyl and are designed to withstand rain, wind, and sunshine. Soft tops are extremely lightweight and easy to attach to the truck bed. Most soft top Tonneau Covers for pickups can be easily retracted into a storage device right behind the truck’s cab.

Truck Tonneau covers can increase a pickup’s speed by cutting down on wind resistance. When one of these devices is installed on a truck, they cover the bed and do not allow wind to push against the tailgate. Without Tonneau covers for pickups, drivers must either drive with the tailgate open or remove the tailgate and replace it with a net to avoid wind resistance. Both of these options leave the bed’s cargo free to shift while the truck is in motion, and items could fall out of the bed while the truck is moving at high speeds, which is especially dangerous on the highway or other high traffic areas.

Truck Tonneau covers are perfect to guard cargo against theft and the elements, and also add an element of style to any pickup truck.

Truck Bed Liner - Essential Protection For Your Truck

2008-02-14T01:53:00.000-08:00

Bed liner truck accessories protect your valuable vehicle from damage and corrosion. One of the leading options for trucks is now a bed liner. If your truck bed is scratched and scarred it not only looks bad. If the finish is scratched through to bare metal, rust starts there. Once the rust gets started, it is a rapid road to the ruin of your truck.

The most popular bed liners for trucks are applied as a spray. Get a professionally applied bed coating and you protect your bed with a durable beautiful coating that can last for years. Spray on liners are liquid before application and harden quickly to a durable finish that is permanently bonded to the bed. Most of the professional finishes are a multi-part material with a catalyst that dries in seconds. The materials are applied very thick, up to 1/4 inch and that's part of the secret to protecting your truck. The finish is so thick that it can be dinged, scraped and scratched and still not be penetrated down to the metal underneath.

Major advantages of bed liner spray coatings include the following.

* Thick coatings protect the bed from minor dings and scrapes.

* Unharmed by most chemicals.

* Includes UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage.

* Protects your truck bed from rust damage.

* Repairable.

* Fast application, only two to three hours.

* Guaranteed.

* Available in many colors to match or blend with your truck finish.

The only real disadvantage of the bed liners spray on finish is the cost. You're looking at several hundred dollars depending on your dealer. But that's a small price to pay to protect your valuable truck.

Another option, especially for older trucks is a roll on kit.

A bed liner spray finish you apply yourself or a finish you roll on can make your truck look a whole lot better. Make your older truck bed look great with a practical finish for a reasonable price.

We rolled on a bed liner on our old Plymouth truck and it looks far better. You can do it too.

Used Truck Auctions - Buy From The Source And Get Big Discounts!

2008-02-14T01:50:00.000-08:00

If you are looking to buy a used truck from an auction but don't know where to start this is a useful source for you. What do you need to know before attending used truck auctions?

There are thousands of used trucks that have been auctioned off every year. They come from different sources. Some used trucks have been seized by Police Department, IRS, DEA or even FBI. The auction usually starts as low as $100 or even less in order to get people who are interested to move fast. The used truck auctions are available in all makes and models and they are usually only a few years old.

You might wonder why the prices of these used trucks are so cheap. The reason for this is the cost of maintenance and storing these used trucks are very expensive. In fact, it's so expensive that the government and the financial industry want to get rid of the used trucks and recoup their money as quickly as possible.

The used truck auctions are open to the public which means we can attend the auctions and pay much less than the retail price of the trucks. These trucks have clean titles and usually come with low miles. Today, everyone can buy used trucks at much lower prices and the discount is up to 95% in many cases due to the increasing number of auctions online. One thing that you should always keep in mind for this used truck auction is never pay more than the amount that you have set in your mind. There will always be some kind of bidding war so please make sure that you don't get into it. Remember that there will be more used trucks for you to choose later on. One thing I do suggest is to bring an expert or try to get information about the truck that you want as much as possible before you start bidding. You might also need to check out Kelly blue book to make sure that you don't pay too much for the used truck that you want to buy.

What're the benefits of Used Truck Auction?

• Used Trucks from $100 or less.
• All makes and models from up to 95% off retail value.
• Listings in every US city and state.
• Clean title trucks with low miles bought!
• Used Trucks by Police, IRS, Customs, DEA and more.
• Seized boats and vessels.
• Access to Real Estate & Seized Property Auction
• Personal property items.
• Buy directly from the source and save!

Disadvantages of Used Truck Auctions

The big disadvantage is you don't really know how long the trucks have been sitting in storage or in a garage without maintenance. It's possible that some of them could be there for a year without getting checked. The other thing is these used trucks also do not come with any warranties.

Truck Service Body - Designed To Cater To Your Individual Needs

2008-02-13T02:22:00.001-08:00

Truck service body must come with all the accessories or fittings that make it easy for you to move comfortably and keep everything safe and organized. The companies manufacturing vehicle service bodies are now aware of the varied requirements and are striving to meet these demands that make work easy for the driver. Vehicle service bodies are now specially manufactured with truck toolboxes so as to provide additional truck storage and safety of the belongings.

A truck toolbox is an important part of a truck service body that allows to keep all belongings safe and also provides ample truck storage. The truck toolboxes make an addition to the overall storage space available and thus provide for keeping everything in place. You can have everything organized and get all that you need without having to search for it.

Truck toolboxes are available in different sizes and are made of different material to cater to the individual requirements of the user. Depending on whether you need a big truck toolbox to keep big items or want one with small partitions for storing small items, you could make your choice out of the wide range that is available. The truck toolbox is also made of different material ranging from plastic to steel catering to the requirements and budget of the customer. The toolbox allows to keep all the belongings safe. There are toolboxes that come with locking systems that make your belongings absolutely safe while you are doing long distances moving from one place to the other.

The truck toolbox also helps you keep all the accessories of your toolkit safe and organized so that you have exactly what you need. While moving from one place to another a requirement for tools could actually arise at any time, in fact, it generally arises at the most unexpected moment and so having everything handy is very important.

There are truck service body manufacturing companies that manufacture custom made bodies in keeping with your specific requirements. These companies aim at providing for your individual requirements perfectly and so having a custom truck service body is a good idea. By having it custom made for you all the requirements can actually be incorporated to suit your specific needs. By having a custom service body made you do not need to get an additional truck toolbox fitted but could have it incorporated in your truck service body itself. The truck toolbox thus, fitted would be more sturdy and durable and can be made to your specifications so as to accommodate all your belongings.

Fuel Oil Trucks Get Design Improvements

2008-02-13T02:19:00.000-08:00

When fuel oil distributors talk about their truck needs, the most frequently mentioned among these needs are durability and maneuverability. Practical design enhancements can make fuel oil trucks better tools to provide greater productivity for the oil industry.

Fuel oil distributors engaged in the task of selecting new delivery truck enhancements typically have a list of 'must-have' features and a list of 'like-to-have' features. Ideally, the truck that finally gets purchased has all of the 'must-have' features and at least a couple of the 'like-to-haves.'

Truck manufacturers have both of the lists and have been working to provide these and additional features after learning from the fuel oil distributors what actually is expected in performance. Bob Bees, marketing product manager for Volvo Trucks North America in Greensboro, N.C. said that while Volvo might not be an obvious or common choice for fuel oil delivery, "it's got a great wheel cut" - a primary consideration for operators who require maneuverability in negotiating driveways and other tight spots in the course of making deliveries.

Home heating oil tankers typically have a capacity of approximately 2,000 - 3,000 gallons. These are typically single-axle vehicles. The front axle often ranges from 14,000 to 16,000 pounds, with a rear axle typically ranging from 23,000 to 26,000 pounds. "They might go all the way up to a 30,000-pound rear axle," Bees said. "We can do this making a very, very good home fuel oil truck, but it's on the high end of the cost spectrum."

Other original equipment manufacturers (OEM) that make trucks that can be designed for fuel oil delivery to the priority of maneuverability have listened to the fuel oil distributors' needs. Freightliner, for example, said its Business Class M2 106 features up to a 55-degree wheel cut, achieved through a combination of a setback front axle and a swept-back bumper. They also offer to complement the wheel-cut, a 2,500-square-inch windshield, low-profile dash and an aerodynamic sloped hood - features that combine for visibility, which are crucial in the negotiating of tight spots. Wide door openings, low step-in heights and interior and exterior grab handles on the M2 are designed to help reduce fatigue, and offer easy entry and exit for drivers who make numerous fuel oil deliveries daily.

Hino Motors Sales USA in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offers a Hino Model 338 Class 7 straight truck with a 260 HP engine, optional in-cab controlled rear locking differentials and optional vertical exhaust. This truck also has an air suspension. The straight truck features an exceptional turning radius because of its 55-degree wheel cut and wide visibility for ease of movement during fuel oil deliveries, even to homes where access is cramped. The truck's dashboard includes a 'Driver Information Display' capable of presenting a range of information, including trip fuel economy, service, and interval maintenance check ups.

Some other design features, integral parts of the specs requested by the oil truck distributors, that different dealers are now offering are: automatic five-speed transmission because many fuel oil distributors find that the automatic transmission helps save several minutes off each stop; new halogen projector low beam headlamps which offer three times longer life than sealed beam headlamps; a new hood assist device and 90-degree hood tilt opening providing easy access to the engine compartment for mechanical repairs; air or hydraulic brakes; and the option of a combination of diesel and electric modes of operation automatically switching between the two seamlessly.

Repo Truck Auction - Buy Directly From The Source And Save!

2008-02-12T01:43:00.000-08:00

If you're looking to buy a new truck or used truck from an auction, this is a useful information for you. We've seen a lot of ads on TV promoting the car and truck auctions in every state. Have you ever wondered where are those trucks from? Every month thousands of trucks are seized by the government or police, repossessed by the bank from drug dealers or people who have financial problems. I know it sounds a bit sad but the good news is the trucks cost the government a fortune to store them and the vehicles would continue to depreciate in value. That’s why they are trying to sell the repo trucks as quickly as possible.

The repo truck auctions are open to the public which means we can attend the auctions and pay much less than the book value of the trucks. Some trucks start bidding as low as $100. Today, everyone can buy these trucks at much lower prices and the discount is up to 95% in many cases due to the increasing number of auctions online. One thing that you should always keep in mind for this repo truck auction is never pay more than the amount that you have set in your mind. There will always be some kind of bidding war so please make sure that you don’t get into it. Remember that there will be more trucks for you to choose later on. One thing I do suggest is to bring an expert or try to get information about the truck that you want as much as possible before you start bidding. Good luck and I hope you all get the truck you really want with an excellent bargain price.

What're the benefits of Repo Truck Auction?

• Cars Trucks and SUV's From $100.
• All makes and models from up to 95% off retail value.
• Listings in every US city and state.
• Clean title cars with low miles bought!
• Seized Vehicles by Police, IRS, Customs, DEA and more.
• Seized boats and vessels.
• Access to Real Estate & Seized Property Auction
• Personal property items.
• Unclaimed money

Truck Parts And Repairs

2008-02-11T03:31:00.001-08:00

Regular maintenance checkups are important to keep a truck in good working condition. So are repairs and the occasional parts replacements.

Most trucks are used primarily for hard and heavy jobs such as hauling cargo, towing trailers or boats or simply serving as a family’s main means of transportation. Unavoidably, your truck will need new parts, as well as repairs to restore its good condition. In such cases, your truck needs the best parts and repair services.

When your truck shows signs of defects or malfunctions, the first thing you might do is check the vehicle yourself, and see if you can do anything to fix it. Minor problems like overheating, flat tires and broken headlights usually do not require professional help and can easily be remedied at any garage using household tools and basic automotive knowledge. However, for more serious problems, a trip to the nearest truck parts and repair shops is necessary.

Getting high-quality truck parts and repair services is fairly easy. Reliable and competent auto repair shops can be found anywhere. Truck parts suppliers and retailers are also readily accessible if you need a new part -- ranging from spark plugs to tailgates or fenders. If you are short on time, there are a number of sites on the Internet that offer high quality truck parts. You can easily order an affordable replacement truck part.

When choosing the right truck parts and repair services, pick an experienced auto body repair shop manned by competent and efficient auto mechanics and professionals. There are many truck parts shop that offer a combination of both high-quality truck parts and top-notch service. In these auto shops, you know that your truck is in good hands and in no time at all, it will be up and running like it used to.

Your Truck's Tonneau Cover

2008-02-11T03:30:00.000-08:00

When I purchased my first truck, a showroom new 1985 Ford F-150, it was a basic offering needing some serious upgrades. One of the first products I purchased was a snap-on tonneau cover that adequately covered the truck's eight foot bed. Although I did not have the truck for long, it proved to be one of my favorite "add-ons" and it actually saved me some money. If you're shopping for a new tonneau cover there are some important things for you to keep in mind before finalizing your purchase. Let's take a look at five of them.

You get what you pay for! A tonneau cover can be had cheaply or it can cost you a small fortune. In the middle area, where most consumers shop, there are several reasonably priced models that are durable, long lasting, and attractive. Some covers look cheap -- and they are, while others look expensive -- but they really are not. Generally, you will pay less for a soft-top tonneau cover than for a hard-top cover, so it becomes a matter of personal preference which style you decide to buy.

They are easy to maintain. Quite true! For the most part, if you are washing your truck, you will clean your cover the same way. However, do not use the car tire or dashboard cleaning agents on your cover. Manufacturers such as for the Extang Tonneau Cover will have specific care instructions for you to follow. Your local auto supply store should carry products specifically designed to help you clean and shine your tonneau cover.

You will reap security dividends. Even a soft, non-locking tonneau cover is better to have on your truck bed than no cover at all, as tempting items are kept away from thieves' eyes. Still, if you carry valuable merchandise, consider a locking, hard cover version. Covers such as those offered by Truxedo Tonneau Cover can meet your security requirements.

Resale value will be strong. If you take good care of your truck and outfit it with a premium tonneau cover, you will be able to command a good resale value when it is time for you to sell your truck.

Decent fuel savings. With gas prices surging, one way you can save as much as 10-15% at the pump is to have a tonneau cover installed. Wind drag is greatly reduced when your tonneau cover is securely in place.

Most tonneau covers come with a one year limited warranty, which should be adequate for you. Your online auto parts supplier can provide detailed information about product offerings, care/maintenance, prices, shipping/handling information, and more.

Automotive Scan Tools and Troubleshooting Your Car

2008-02-08T02:10:00.000-08:00

Troubleshooting a vehicle should not be more trouble than it already is. Until the very recent past, a combination of intuitive guesswork, costly man-hours, and outright trial and error were the only available means for technicians to diagnose mechanical failure. The advent of computers changed this, making it possible not only to internally regulate automotive functions, but also to quickly and reliably diagnose problems with automotive scan tools that interface directly between machine and man, eliminating costly overtime and problematics in the process. Today's automotive scan tools have evolved into highly sophisticated devices that can test practically anything under the hood. By reading data from the vehicle's onboard computer and sending that information directly to the technician, an automotive scan tool can reliably and quickly diagnose a problem that would have taken hours or even days to manually troubleshoot in the past.

Whenever a car rolls into a shop these days, technicians start by checking the basics utilizing automotive scan tools specifically designed to check oil levels and quality, air bag functionality, and engine check lights. Almost every new car relies on an onboard diagnostic computer, or OBD, to report malfunctions in the engine and supporting systems.

This information feeds into a connector and reports data through a series of codes, referred to in the mechanical world as OBD or OBD2 codes. Before beginning any work under the hood, a technician must first collect this data with an automotive scan tool engineered to read and interpret the codes. Armed with accurate information, the technician can now begin the repair process without the excessive labor costs and possible damage than often resulted when trial and error troubleshooting ran into late hours and overtime in the past.

What Automotive High-Performance Marketers Ought To Know About Headlines

2008-02-08T02:09:00.000-08:00

Automotive high-performance marketers, why do you advertise your parts? To sell more of them, no doubt. What about the headline in your ad? Is it doing its job? Does it grab readers' attention? How, you might wonder, could a headline help sell more hotrod parts? Follow along as we take a closer look at--The Headline.

Considering the cost of advertising in today's magazines, your entire ad had better do its job. But headlines, as part of the ad, are special; they're the hook that pulls readers into the body copy.

A headline has fewer than five seconds to work its magic. If it fails, the readers move on to something else. If it succeeds, it draws readers into the body copy, and they buy your products. It's not quite that simple, but you get the idea.

Take these drag racing headlines, for example:

* Give Me Three Minutes a Day and I'll Help You Lower Your ETs.

* The Lazy Racer's Way to Lower Elapsed Times

* Do You Make These Mistakes at the Starting Line?

* See How Easily You Can Lower Your Quarter-mile ETs

* Here's a Method That's Helping Drag Racers Lower Their Elapsed Times

* The Secret to Getting Lower Elapsed Times

* Who Else Wants to Cut Their ETs by a Full Second?

* How Red-lighting Made Me a Winner

Clearly, I've combined direct-response copy with drag racing and created some ridiculous headlines. But they prove my point: If you're a drag racer thumbing through a car magazine and come across one of these headlines, it would grab your attention. You'd look because you're interested in lowering your ETs.

(By the way, the direct response ads from which these headlines were taken have proved themselves to work exceptionally well, selling millions of dollars worth of merchandise over the years and turning lots of marketers into millionaires.)

But what exactly does a good headline do? Copywriter Bob Bly, in The Copywriter's Handbook, lists four different tasks that a headline can do:

1. Get attention.

2. Select the audience.

3. Deliver a complete message.

4. Draw the reader into the body copy.

Let's look at each one of these tasks individually.

Get attention: To get attention, the headline must appeal to a reader's self-interest. In the January '08 issue of Custom Classic Trucks, one headline says, "Helping Your Dreams Come True." Another ad says, "You've got the ride. We've got the parts." And yet another says, "The Choice of the Discriminating Builder!"

Offering news is another way of getting attention. In the January/February '08 issue of Street Thunder, the magazine of the National Street Machine Club, one headline says, "SEMA Best of Show," and then pictures and describes 17 new products.

Select the audience: Your headline must be geared toward the correct audience, or it won't do its job. In the March '08 Car Craft, an ad states, "Take a Kid to a Car Show," referring to adults, of course.

On the back cover of the same magazine a headline says, "I got the Pro Touring handling I've always wanted, and the 12 months of 0% financing kept the wife happy," appealing to guys who want high-performance cars and an appreciative spouse.

Deliver a complete message: The Pareto Principle says that 80 percent of people read the headline, but only 20 percent read the body copy. So, it behooves us to write headlines with as complete a message as possible rather than a partial one. In the February '08 Muscle Machine magazine, an insurance ad's headline says, "I should be guaranteed the real value of my Muscle Car if it's stolen or destroyed. We agree!"

In the September '07 Custom Classic Trucks a headline states, "CAD-Engineered For Your Year/Make/Model Truck. Get A Contemporary Stance, Superior Handling And Comfortable Ride!" Both of these headlines tell the whole story.

Drawing the reader into the body copy: To do this you must arouse readers' curiosity. For these examples, I turned to one of my writing magazines, the October '07 issue of Writer's Digest where one headline says, "[T]he 7 Habits of Successfully Published People."

This piqued my curiosity; I had to read the text to see if I had any of the seven habits. In the same magazine, another headline says, "Win $20,000 and Get Published!" Well, I was drawn to read the body copy to see how I could win that money.

This short article isn't meant to be a dissertation on how to write the best headlines. Its purpose is to let you know there's more to writing headlines that sell your products than just putting words on paper.

Remember, the principal ingredient for a successful ad is the headline. It must grab attention by doing one or more of the tasks listed above. Writing headlines is nearly a science, and testing headlines is the key. Try different headlines until you find the one that keeps readers reading.

Rent A Truck For The Big Move

2008-02-07T01:28:00.001-08:00

Jeep Select Trac NP 242 Transfer Case Information

2008-02-07T01:27:00.001-08:00

The Select Trac option on the Jeep Cherokee gets you the New Process NP 242 transfer case. This transfer case gives the following operating modes: 2wd, 4wd with the center differential open, 4wd with the center differential locked, neutral, and 4wd low range (center differential locked)

The addition of a center differential is the main difference between the NP 242 and the NP 231 or Command Trac transfer case. Without a differential, the 231 transfer case offers only part time four wheel drive mode.

The NP 242 transfer case Full time mode opens the center differential allowing the front and rear axles to rotate at different speeds while still being linked by the transfer case. The end with the least traction will get the most torque. While this mode may have some disadvantages off road where a wheel may loose contact with the ground, it has the advantage of being usable on all paved surfaces. Part Time mode - with the center differential locks can only be used on loose or slick surfaces with out possible damage to the transfer case.

I use full time mode on wet streets, hard packed gravel or dirt, some snow and ice situations and on dry pavement when full acceleration without wheel spin is desirable. I use part time mode on loose gravel, dirt, grass and any off road situation. I use Part time mode when RallyCross racing as well.

I use low range for more control in off road situations or on rough gravel roads when traveling downhill to avoid excessive use of the brakes. I also often use low range when positioning my trailer or other towed equipment when precision placement is needed.

The NP 242 transfer case can be switched between 2wd and either 4wd mode at any speed simply by moving the lever. The switch to low range must be made at very low speed - the Jeep manual says 3 mph.

One common operating problem with the 242 transfer case is that it will stick in 4wd even if the lever is moved to 2wd. Internally, moving the lever loads a spring which then applies force to move the selector fork. If the gears are loaded with torque, the spring will not have enough energy to move the sleeve off the gears. Once torque is removed from the gears, the spring will then move the fork and slide the sleeve of the gears.

Momentarily lifting your foot off the gas will often unload the gears enough to allow the spring pressure to move the fork. On some high mileage units, a wear groove will form on the sleeve or gear causing it to stick longer and may require a couple of changes from loaded to unloaded to get the sleeve to release form the gear.

The Jeep NP 242 is lubricated with Automatic Transmission fluid. The level is checked by removing the upper of the two large plugs on the back of the case. The fluid should be level with the upper plug.

The NP 242 has a slip yoke on the tail shaft. If the drive shaft is damaged or removed, fluid will be lost out the tail shaft. Also this seal is important to maintain in good condition to prevent fluid loss.

The NP 242 is a very versatile transfer case and is my choice for three of my five Jeeps. The full time selection gets frequent use in all of them.

Tips To Consider When Buying A Car For Your Teen Child

2008-02-06T00:12:00.000-08:00

You may also be facing the prospect of adding another car to your garage. Choosing the right car for your teen may not make her a better driver, but may be a key factor in keeping her safe. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which crash-tests dozens of vehicles each year, advises parents to choose a midsize vehicle with lots of safety features such as air bags and antilock brakes.

If your budget can support buying your teen a new car, chances are most recommended safety features will be standard issue, and your biggest dilemma will be choosing a paint color. However, if you are looking at used cars for your teen driver, you may have to do a little more research to find a car with appropriate safety equipment. Here are some tips from the experts at Farmers Insurance Group that can help you find the best car for your new driver:

* A good place to start is with “The Consumer Guide Used Car Rating Guide.” This useful publication talks about the pros and cons of buying a used vehicle, which is especially useful if you haven’t shopped for a used car before.

* Check out the consumer information on car safety available from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Insurance Information Institute, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This background can help you zero in on cars that can better protect your teen in case she’s ever involved in an accident.

* Choose the newest model your budget can afford, since most of today’s cars are better designed for crash protection than vehicles six to 10 years old.

* Make sure the car has working airbags. Many models manufactured after 1993 or 1994 have at least a driver’s side airbag.

* Know the market before you shop. Use the Internet or your local library to research prices on the make and model car you’re interested in. Armed with this information, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate a good deal.

* Use the power of the Internet to make your search easier. Check out an online car buying site for details on used cars in your area.

Once you find a car you’re interested in, don’t take the owner’s or the dealer’s assurances as the last word on whether the car is in good shape. Check the horn, lights, heat, air-conditioning, brakes, seat belts and steering.

Look for evidence that might indicate the car was in a major accident, such as cracks in the dashboard or doors that don’t quite shut properly. Check the car for evidence of tampering, like any marks on the odometer or numbers that don’t line up. Ask the owner or the dealer for the car’s accident and maintenance record. For a small fee, you can find out about any accident or flood damage, odometer rollbacks, lemon histories, lien activity and vehicle use (taxi, rental, lease, etc.)

Unless you really know cars, have a mechanic you trust go over the car and alert you to any potential problems. Although this checkup costs money up front, if there is something wrong with the car that isn’t readily apparent, it’s money well spent that could save you a fortune down the road.

Finally, check out insurance costs for the car you are considering before you buy it. Depending on the make, model and year of the car, this cost can vary substantially, and might influence your final decision.

Self Moving Truck Rentals

2008-02-05T02:41:00.001-08:00

Self-moving truck rentals refer to truck rentals where you load your own belongings in a truck or trailer and then move on to the new location. It helps you to save money, since you are the person doing all of the labor involved in picking up the truck at the provider's lot, packing the truck, driving it, unpacking it, and returning the truck. This option is exercised by people who do not want to spend money hiring movers and packers. The trucks come in various sizes, depending on your needs, from the largest of trucks all the way down to the trailers that you hitch to the back of your own truck or car.

Almost all the truck rental companies provide such services. You just have to pick up the phone and dial their number, and they will send a truck to your home, office or factory in few hours. Self-moving truck rentals cost less than full-service moving companies. For self-moving truck rentals, the truck is often sent on the scheduled day to your house or business address, and then you load your belongings and take them where they need to go.

Remember that the cost depends on the size of the truck you rent. You are responsible for the cost of gas and tolls, and may have to pay a per-mile fee in addition to the cost of the actual time you have the truck. Despite these costs, self-moving truck rentals are generally cheaper than full-service moving companies, because the self-moving truck companies do not have to hire very many employees to keep the company running.

The Other Side of the Truck Rental Coin

2008-02-05T02:39:00.000-08:00

When you say truck rental, the biggest majority of us instantly think of a move it yourself truck rental company such as U-Haul or Budget Truck Rentals. But some of those same companies that you might associate with do it yourself movers also rent over the road semi tractor trailer combinations to individuals and companies who have qualifying CDL licenses. Budget and other companies have what they call commercial rental divisions, where they handle truck rental and leasing to all manner of commercial enterprises.

The advantage of leasing truck rather then buying can be substantial to many companies. Many companies need trucks only during particular times of the year, or on special occasions. It might be advantages to some companies to lease or rent trucks for tax purposes, or insurance reasons. For companies that want to make sure that their cargos get handled only by personnel that are qualified, leasing trucks is a big advantage, making sure that drivers are well informed about how to deal with special shipments when loading and unloading as well as while the shipment is in transit.

Other advantages for companies are flexibility and diversity of equipment, making it easier to match the right truck or equipment to the right job. Fleet availability to move what ever needs moved without the hassles of maintaining fleet operations, such as maintenance facilities, thus helping to simplify budgeting and expenditures.

Many of the companies that offer leasing of commercial trucks offer 24 hour roadside assistance as well as offering licensing services that take care of your permitting and tax reports further saving time and money. Some even offer driver safety programs that can help to educate and retain driving personnel. Also driver education and safety programs can help to reduce costs due to equipment and cargo damage, thereby lowing insurance rates.

Some leasing companies have dedicated systems that can track each and every truck while in route, helping companies to maintain critical transit time tables on important materials.

So if you company has need of trucks on a big scale or a small scale, it may be worth while to check into leasing or renting the trucks and equipment you need rather then hiring a trucking company or buying the equipment.

Trucks Require Constant Maintenance to Avoid Accidents

2008-02-04T23:58:00.001-08:00

18-wheelers and large commercial vehicles pose a significant hazard to most other vehicles on the road due their massive weight and size. A jackknifed trailer can become an impenetrable wall and result in a multiple vehicle collision and lost lives. An overwhelming majority of truck accidents that result in a fatality involve a passenger vehicle. This is the inevitable result of a truck weighing 60-80 tons colliding with a passenger vehicle weighing a little over one ton.

Trucks require proper maintenance. Mechanical failure of a truck, particularly the brakes, can create a great danger to other drivers. Brakes, truck lights and other safety equipment must be properly maintained and regularly checked. Truckers should always perform a pre-trip inspection of their truck, regardless of the length of the trip.

Maintenance Checklist

Truckers and their mechanics should do a chassis inspection daily (if possible). Any identified problems should be scheduled for repairs as soon as possible. Also, the following must be checked for each trip:

· Check the engine, transmission, rear differential, power steering, and wheel seals for lubricant or coolant leaks.
· Check your air pressure and make sure your truck is building up air to the proper level.
· Check the condition of all belts, hoses, and lines (engine belts, fuel lines, radiator hoses, water and air lines, automatic transmission lines, and power steering lines).
· Check tire tread and wear of all tires.
· Check the brake shoes and drums for cracks and wear.
· Drain your air tanks daily and check for excessive moisture.
· Make sure all lights work.
· Make sure horns and wipers work.
· Check windshield and mirrors for visibility and/or cracks.
· Keep flares and a fire extinguisher in the truck at all times.

It is very important that truck drivers watch all gauges while driving for signs of trouble.

There are inexpensive items that you can put on your truck to extend the life of the components. For instance, you can add oil coolers to the hydraulic system, power steering system and the automatic transmission. These simple additions can double, if not triple, the life of those components.

Also, preventative care is something that is typically much lower than repairs. Investing some money in the upkeep of your truck may just prevent you from investing thousands after a part breaks.

How to Review Truck Tires Before Purchasing

2008-02-04T23:56:00.000-08:00

While truck tires may be one of the more stylized parts of a truck, your wheels are not simply all about adding shine and beauty to your ride. Choosing the right tires for your truck should actually receive a serious amount of consideration, because the right set of wheels can add a great deal of performance benefit. Buying new tires for your truck is not just about style or appearance, as it also has to do with adding power, performance and value to your truck as well. Especially when it comes to off-road oriented trucks, choosing the right set of wheels can be just as important as choosing the right truck to begin with.

When choosing tires, be wary of the following factors: First of all, when choosing a new set of tires for your truck, the first consideration that you need to make is how vital your truck tires are going to be to your vehicle. The type of truck tires that you choose can have a serious and significant impact on the handling, traction, safety, braking and ride quality of the vehicle that you drive. The tires that you choose are just as crucial as every aspect of your vehicle and should never be taken lightly.

After you do pick the right tires, it is important to also know that you need to take proper care of them in order to maintain their proper level of performance, as well as to keep them looking shiny and new over time. Your tires are providing stability for your entire truck, connected directly to your brakes, your suspension system and your axle. A failing tire can seriously harm other parts of your vehicle, so be protected by purchasing the right tires, and maintaining them for as long as they are part of your vehicle.

When purchasing new tires, the stylistic aspect is often the first consideration, but it is imperative that you not overlook performance factors and safety factors as well. This is why reading truck tire reviews before making a purchase is so important. If you educate yourself about the best types of tires for your truck before you go out to make a purchase, you can make better-informed decisions and ensure that the truck tires that you do purchase are the right ones for the job. If you want to get the most out of your truck and its tires, you may wish to use truck tire reviews to steer you in the direction of the right tires for your truck!

Can A Former Truck Driver Succeed With EDC Gold On The Internet?

2008-02-04T00:39:00.001-08:00

This article is for those of you who have not yet found your way to financial independence. If you have found a way to generate steady and ever increasing income you probably won't benefit from my article.

* BUT if you are one of the thousands of Americans who lay
* awake at night worrying if your job is going to last
* If you can't take another year of financial stress
* If you would like to FIRE YOUR BOSS
* Then keep reading

Two years ago my life was turned upside down when I was rear ended by a Tractor/Trailer while I was stopped at a traffic signal. I was 52 years old then and had been working my own business for the previous four years. This accident caused me to lose my business and to go bankrupt. Before that I had worked as a truck driver mostly driving the big car hauler trucks we see everywhere. I did not know where to turn. My back was never going to be the same and I didn't want to go over the road again. I heard of some successful business owners in my area who helped others find their way in the world of free enterprise. I thought my options were limited as I had no college nor any special skills which would at my age make me a hot property. I contacted Myron and Dwayne Golden. That was 2 years ago and things have never been so good ! These very successful brothers showed me and my wife how to succeed in today's world.

The days of making a living with your hands are gone. The money today is on the internet...

Now we have multiple income streams.You must have more than one source of income to avoid financial devastation when tragedy comes your way. We learned that the best way to insure our financial future was to sell things, and the best things to sell were information. One of the things I was encouraged to do was to write a special report about my experiences with the motor vehicle accident and settlement. My special report sells for $67. The work I did to put this report together will continue to pay me for along time to come. You will be amazed at the knowledge folks will pay for!

It is not my intent here to sell my report rather to encourage you to look for your buried treasure.

There are many places to go to receive internet training. I have tried several. I found most to complicated for me to get working. I did find one source that was hands on and kind of affordable. After I got some basic skills (very basic) I was ready to start something I had been hearing about for a while.

What I found was EDC Gold. We invested $997 to get started and then paid some additional fees such as $350 one time admin fee and we also pay for a merchant account to process credit card orders that's $79 per month. We have had some success in the five weeks we've been doing this. One more transaction and we will start to keep all the money from our enrollements ($997) and we earn 100% profit on all the software we sell, and we do sell some software. I expect EDC Gold to provide a large chunk of our future income.

My point is that just because you have had some challenges and life may have kicked you around don't throw in the towel. If you can't take care of your financial needs who will? You must learn to generate some easy internet money. Get some training and set your self up for a nice comfortable future. You deserve it.

Also this is all done from your home so if you have to or want to be home you can still support yourself and your family.

Moving Truck Advertising

2008-02-04T00:37:00.000-08:00

Given the large number of American who move every year, the moving truck business is indeed booming. Several companies that provide different kinds of transport services are concentrating entirely on the ‘packing and moving’ business, and several new companies have entered the business. All in all, it becomes highly difficult for a family to choose the correct packing and moving company.

Moving trucks advertise s in the yellow pages and on the Internet extensively. There are many ads in newspapers and home improvement magazines. Print ads are small and only tell the name of the company and give a contact number. Internet advertising allows moving truck companies to have their own designed websites devoted to their services. It is not unusual to see many pictures of their moving trucks and comments from previous clients.

A moving truck advertisement must detail where the company’s main office is and the areas where they operate. It is important that the driver of the moving truck know the area in and out, in case of any emergency.

The prime purpose of a moving truck company advertisement is to attract more clients. You should not be carried away by their claims and upscale advertisements, but must actually shop around. You must take quotes of at least three moving truck companies before making the final decision. It helps if you personally know someone who has used the services of the company you are thinking of going with. It is also extremely important to actually visit the office of the company before signing on the dotted line.

Used Pickup Trucks

2008-02-02T01:32:00.000-08:00

There is a huge market for used pickup trucks for both sellers and buyers. The pickup trucks of manufacturing companies such as Volvo, Renault, Mercedes Benz, DAF, Farbs, Nissan and Iveco, are freely available in the market. Before deciding to buy a used pickup truck, it is important that you set your priorities. You also need to consider if you have a preference for a particular truck manufacturer, based upon your personal experience or the feedback of your friends. Yet even if you have confidence in a particular brand, it is better to study the other options available in the market. This is because, due to stiff competition, leading manufacturing companies take every possible step to ensure that their product meets consumer satisfaction. So you might get benefits that you had not really considered while setting your priorities.

You should take care to consider your business requirements and also your budget. Do you need a small pickup truck for its basic purpose, which is hauling cargo? Or do you need a full sized truck, which can tow a trailer and a boat also? If you have greater towing needs, go for a full-sized truck, or a multipurpose pickup truck that can serve as a car-cum-pickup truck. Keep in mind that the smaller compact trucks have better fuel efficiency than the heavier vehicles. Also, you need to consider the space, depending upon the size of items you have to move.

You should also check the performance capacity of the engine. Compact trucks have four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, while the bigger ones have six-cylinders and other configurations.

Once you have decided the buy a model, you should visit your local market to survey and get the quotations and also the associated warranties or guarantees, if any, along with the data of the running conditions. You can also search the Internet for information and competitive prices.

Net-Centric Systems to Guide Trucks

2008-02-02T01:31:00.000-08:00

How to Choose Chevy Truck Seat Covers

2008-02-01T02:17:00.000-08:00

You are proud of your Chevrolet truck and want to keep it looking as new as possible for as long as you can. Because of this, you should make the decision to buy Chevy truck seat covers. When you place seat covers over your current seats you will have a custom looking vehicle and all the while be protecting your investment and ultimate resale or trade-in value. However, choosing the perfect Chevy truck seat covers is not as easy as you might think and you should consider the following tips before you start shopping.

Size and Fit for Your Truck

The make, model, and year of your truck affects the type of seat you have, so buying Chevy truck seat covers is not as easy as just picking up a one size fits all option, unless you don’t mind ill fitting seat covers. You will need to make sure you know the make, model and year of your truck so when you are shopping in stores or online you will be able to see which Chevy truck seat covers will fit your truck and those that want. The reason this information is so important is to ensure that you get a quality seat cover that has a custom fit and appearance. If you buy a seat cover that does not require this type of information, it will most likely take away from the look of the truck rather than add to it.

Waterproof

Also, when you are shopping for custom looking Chevy truck seat covers you need to be sure you also buy covers that are waterproof. Many covers are made with fabrics that have a new waterproof technology while remaining soft and smooth. When you buy waterproof covers you ensure that every inevitable rain storm and spill that gets your covers wet won’t affect your real seat upholstery. Be sure they are also easy to remove and wash.

Four Tips When Choosing New Ford Truck Seat Covers

2008-02-01T02:15:00.000-08:00

Buying your first or tenth Ford truck will always create feelings of pride and satisfaction. And of course, you will want to protect your investment the best way you know how, but somehow many people never realize that the simple act of buying Ford truck seat covers can protect and extend the life of your truck. Consider the following benefits of buying Ford truck seat covers.

Protect your Seats

If you drive a truck then you are probably around dirt and mud and other stain causing agents on a regular basis. The easiest way to keep stains from ruining your seats is to cover them with Ford truck seat covers that are waterproof. This way, not only will you protect your seats from regular stains, but also from spills of colas, water, chemicals, and the like.

Increase value, or Resale value

Everyone wants to protect their investment, and amazingly a small investment in Ford truck seat covers will pay off in the long run by protecting your main investment, your truck. This is the case because your actual seats and fabrics will be protected by the seat cover and when the day comes that you want to sale your truck or trade it in, you will be able to get a better price or trade in value because your seats and fabrics will be in impeccable condition, like when you first bought the truck. This benefit alone is worth getting Ford truck seat covers, but there are several more reasons why as well.

Give your truck a custom look

When you have seat covers made for your truck or either buy them pre-made you get the same result—a custom look for your truck. When you put seat covers in your Ford Truck you will be setting yourself apart from all the other Ford truck owners, be protecting your investment, and look a lot better as well.

Keep Your Truck Clean

When buying Ford truck seat covers you should definitely consider getting the custom made with some great fashionable fabrics that are waterproof yet feel like normal soft fabric. You can buy these custom made or even pre-made as well. They are perfect because they generally resist stains, protect your actual seats, and can easily be machine washed as often as you li

Monster Truck Information for Fans of All Ages

2008-01-31T03:23:00.000-08:00

Can you say that you or your kids are monster truck fans? When the last truck rally came to town, were you there with a big smile on your face and ear plugs on your ears? Some monster truck fans are so crazy about the sport that they can’t wait for the next rally or event to happen in their area. What do they do to get their “monster truck” fix when they have nowhere to go? Aside from buying a truck and heading out on the tour with them, there are actually quite a few ways to get all of the latest news and information about your favorite monster truck, the teams and the drivers. You just have to know where to look.

First off, if you have never been to a monster truck rally, you should really try to go and see one. There is no better way to get excited about this sport. Kids and adults of all ages are fans and the events are designed to appeal to all ages. If you dare, you should get a seat up close to the floor so that you can see all of the action-you may even get a little bit dirty. Most rallies also have pit passes or pit parties to encourage the fans to come down onto the field when the events are not going on, so that they can get a close up look at each monster truck. If you can’t go to a rally, at least get a video or DVD of a rally so that you can watch it at home .

The internet is another great resource for monster truck fans. You can find websites which talk about the history of the sport, some are dedicated to a specific team or truck, and some even have message boards where you can connect with other fans. You can sign up for a free newsletter so that you can get the scoop on future rallies and events before anyone else. There are also sites which have pictures and videos of trucks.

For those who want even more information you can get magazines or even children’s books about these trucks. You can learn more specifics about the sport and details about each of the trucks.

This is a great, exciting sport that the whole family can enjoy-so get your motor running.

Monster Truck Information for Fans of All Ages

2008-01-30T01:11:00.000-08:00

CDL Test General Information Class A, B, C

2008-01-30T01:08:00.000-08:00

If you want to become a truck driver and enter the transportation industry, there are several requirements that you must fulfill. A lot of companies will pay for your training but you need to know what may be expected of you. Most Trucking Companies will ask that you are at least 21 years of age for interstate driving or 18 years old for intrastate driving. They also require you to pass the DOT physical exam, a drug test screen exam and ask that you posses a valid driver license issued in the state in which you live. But the most universal requirement of them all is the Commercial Driver License (CDL). If you do not have this permit you can not drive trucks of more than 26,000 lbs hauling capacity. Even if you have experience on the transportation business you must have this permit.

The CDL test is divided in two sections: the General Knowledge Test and the Road Driving Test. The first part is a written test which includes subjects like endorsements, air brakes, cargo vehicles, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, passenger vehicles, tank vehicles, school bus endorsement and doubles and triples.

The second part is the driving test which includes: pre-trip inspection and on the road driving skills. There are some practical techniques that you can practice that will help you to prepare to pass the CDL test. First, establish a study schedule. This allows you to maximize your studying time. A good technique for this is to study one hour before work and then one hour after work but if you do not work yet the best moment to study is in the morning when your mind is fresh. Later, do a review in the afternoon and quiz yourself. It is best that you not study very late at night as you will not retain the information as well. Just do not wait to study until the last moment! You can not rush memory skills. It takes time and dedication.

After you get your CDL and are ready to work, there are other requirements/endorsements that you may be required to pass. This depends on the kind of truck that you are going to drive, or the kind of job you are going to do.

One common requirement is the airbrakes endorsement which is required for people who are going to operate a vehicle with airbrakes, which may include buses and/or trailers. Hazardous material endorsements (required to operate trucks that transport hazmat) are also very common. For this endorsement you must know all the rules and regulations about the transportation of this freight. Passenger endorsement is necessary to drive vehicles designed to move 16 or more people including the driver but most truck drivers will probably not be required to pass this. Another is cargo endorsement for people interested in hauling cargo. This mainly covers various safety rules. There is also a combination vehicle endorsement which is required for people who are going to drive vehicles such like tractors and trailers. Truck drivers may also be required to pass doubles and triple endorsements and tank vehicle endorsement.

Truck Paper - Much More Than Just A Semi Trucks For Sale Newspaper

2008-01-29T01:44:00.000-08:00

Jim is a semi-truck driver on his way to Seattle and wants to check out the weather conditions. Instead of his trusted print version of Truck Paper, he goes to truckpaper, and then lands on to the web page of Seattle Met Traffic Flow.

Tom is a semi-truck owner who wants to locate semi-truck dealers situated in Nebraska. He types in truckpaper into Google search and viola! The names of 40 semi-truck dealers get displayed.

When you are involved with trucks, you gotta have information on the tip of your fingers. For years, the Truck Paper newsprint edition has been a trusted friend for many a working owner operator. Usually found at most major truck stops, it is the preferred owner operator companion at the local diner.

Many of the owner operators I have interviewed indicated that they had no idea how many tools and resources were available at truckpaper. What I found was that most diehard truck paper newsprint loyalists rarely use the internet version of Truck Paper.

The truck paper can prove to be much more than just semi trucks for sale. Truckpaper is one efficient pit stop providing information on a multitude of owner operator topics.

The truckpaper.com website makes it incredibly easy to shop for your next semi truck. Their search features allow you to compare pricing and features that provide a more focused approach to getting the most semi truck for your money. Whether your interest lays in the legendary Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks or the Japanese Isuzu or may be the world renowned Scania, you just have to browse through the Truck Manufacturers section.

If you are interested in purchasing a semi-truck, then chances are you may also be in need of financing. Truckpaper.com provides various institutions that are interested in financing your purchase. Whether you are purchasing a new truck or used equipment, various institutions are waiting for turning your dream into a reality.

Now that you have purchased a semi-truck, you might be looking out for a driver. Or may be you are interested in becoming an owner operator. Whatever your needs, you can visit the 'Industry Jobs' section and view the jobs listed or post your own requirements. You can also look at the 'View Job Wanted Listings' and 'Post Job Wanted Listings'.

If you are purchasing a newer semi truck for yourself, you might want to sell your old truck. Well, in that case, you need not look beyond truckpaper.com. There are no charges for listing your entry into 'For Sale Listing'. Similarly, you can also check out the ' Want-to Buy' section and locate a prospective buyer for your used truck.

As you have commissioned your new truck into service, you might want to protect it. Truckpaper.com lists out the website addresses of various insurance companies. It also gives the website addresses of various meteorological departments located in the USA. This ensures that your truck and the driver does not run into rough weather and even if it does, you have someone to compensate for your losses.

Sometimes, your semi-truck might get stolen. So, in such cases, apart from registering it with the police, you can also post the information about the stolen truck on truckpaper.com and who know a fellow trucker might help you to locate your truck.

Truckpaper also hosts information on various topics such as provider of various parts, truck services and accessories, driving schools, periodical and publications useful for members of the trucking fraternity, information on various trucking shows and expos, truck auctions etc.

So, if you are a novice in the world of trucks or a veteran member truckpaper.com will surely satisfy all your needs.

Truck Trader - Using Online Classifieds to Buy or Sell a Used Truck

2008-01-29T01:42:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking of buying or selling a used truck through classifieds like Truck Trader magazine? Why do people choose to buy a truck through classifieds such as the Truck Trader magazine rather than a dealership? What are some suggestions to make the buying and selling experience safer for both parties? How can the internet make the experience with truck trader and classifieds easier?

People buy and sell used trucks through publications and online classifieds like a truck trader because they can save money. Sellers offer lower prices than most dealerships because they could not get even that much for the truck as a trade in. Buyers are happy to pay the lower prices they get in a magazine such as Truck Trader, and are willing to put forth the effort to get their own financing and get the car checked at a mechanic because of they money they can save.

When you buy a truck through classifieds like Truck Trader, you need to be very cautious to make sure that not only is the truck the “great deal” that you think it is, but also that you are treated fairly by the seller. After you have decided what kind of truck you would like to buy, you will need to Blue Book it to get a good idea of what a fair price is. Once you find a truck in Truck Trader that you are interested in buying, you should make sure that the seller will allow you to take the car to a mechanic of your choice to get it checked out and check it out on CARFAX as well to see if it has been in any accidents. You should offer a cash down payment to provide the seller with “earnest money.” Financing can be done through your bank, credit union, or an online loan company.

Truck Trader and other classified magazines are also good for sellers. You can advertise your used truck to a wide audience. Offer a fair price that you can find in a Blue Book and write an ad that emphasizes the positives such as low miles. Before any potential buyer takes the car for a test drive, positively ID them, and you can even ask for something as collateral such as a down payment if they want to take it to a mechanic.

The internet makes it easy for you to list your used truck if you are a seller, and it makes it easy to find and narrow down your choices if you are a buyer. You will find other resources such as financing, Blue Book info, and tips for both buyers and sellers as well.

Infiniti Part - Extend The Lifespan Of Your Car

2007-09-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

Buying a car is one dream that most of us cherish and put all our efforts to materialize this dream. To buy a car you need loads of money and if you are one of those who have a soft corner for luxury cars, their pockets will have to be really deep. Luxury cars have a class and style of their own and just by seeing the car you will feel the whole aura of class and elegance. Infiniti is one brand of luxury car manufactured by Nissan, the Japanese automobile company that is very high on the popularity chart. Infiniti cars are frenzy among people who love to drive in a luxury car and if you have the money, owning a luxury car like Infiniti is not a very difficult task. Now if you are driving an Infiniti car you have to make sure that you have access to all the genuine Infiniti parts so that the car runs perfectly for a long time.

Infiniti parts are normally available with all Infiniti dealers, however you must beware of all the dealers who claim to sell original ones and instead sell fake Infiniti parts. If you find that it is difficult to locate a genuine Infiniti dealer, you can take the help of the internet. You just have to locate an Infiniti dealer who is nearest to the place where you are staying. It is not only for buying the Infiniti part that you must find out an Infiniti dealer, but also for buying the car you must find out a genuine dealer. If for some reason you are facing a financial crunch and still want to buy an Infiniti car, you can easily do so with an auto loan. Auto loan is not something that is difficult to get, just get hold of a loan provider who is charging a decent rate of interest on the loan amount.

To get an auto loan, first you must determine what amount you require and based on that amount you will have to approach the loan provider. Buying a used Infiniti car is another option that you can think of. Most dealers sell used cars and this is a good option for you as you will get an Infiniti car at a reduced price. Most of these cars are very new and some of them even come under the warranty period and if you end up buying one of those cars you are buying almost a new car. The only thing that you will probably be missing by buying a used car is the smell and feel of a new car.

Make sure that you have a stock of some of the essential spare parts that wear down due to constant use of the car. You may need those anytime and if you have that handy it will really be helpful for you and help your car run in good condition for a long time. Only genuine Infiniti parts can help you drive your car smoothly under any condition.

BF Goodrich Tires - An Amazing Tire Company

2007-09-26T03:24:00.000-07:00

BF Goodrich tires has manufactured tires that have been some of the finest and most well known for decades. The Goodrich Corp has certainly had a storied history in the world of passenger tires.

The company dates back to 1870 when a man by the name of Benjamin Franklin Goodrich opened up a tire manufacturing plant in Akron, OH. It quickly became the leader in the tire industry, providing tires for all types of vehicles.

BF Goodrich tires supply tires not only for just passenger cars and trucks, but many other markets as well.

The Goodrich Company invented several firsts in the tire market including the first tubeless tire in 1946.

Perhaps what the company is most known for has been their line of BF Goodrich Radial T/A brand of tires.

I can remember back in the 70's when having a set of radial T/A's was top of the line. With its raised white letters and unique tread design, this tire was for serious car owners. I had a set on my Pontiac Trans Am and it was incredible. Back then it was a letter rating system for tires. I had a set of LR60-15's and they were fat looking. Of course, times have dramatically changed since then.

Today you can find Goodrich tires for racing or off-road use as well as long lasting passenger use.

A lot has changed since BF Goodrich started his company, but one thing remains the same; Goodrich tires continue to be among the leaders in the tire industry.

Dash Kit Installation

2007-09-26T03:23:00.000-07:00

A dash kit can be a great modification that will give that added appeal to the interior of any vehicle. However, proper procedures must be taken to ensure proper fitting of a dash kit. The installation process of the interior dash trim will vary depending on the type of dash kit and the manufacturer; below are a few tips, guidelines, and steps that can be taken that can be used for most installations.

To ensure proper fit, there are a few precautions and steps you can take before and during the installation of the dash trim kit. First and foremost, make sure that all of the pieces came with the kit, and that each piece will fit correctly in the interior of the vehicle. Also, check to see if any of the parts were damaged or lost during shipment. If this has occurred, immediately stop the installation, and contact the manufacturer before continuing any further.

Furthermore, check to make sure that the following materials are available before beginning the installation:

Rubber gloves

Alcohol swabs

Adhesion promoter

Hair dryer or heat gun

Once you have determined the pieces fit, the actual installation process can began. Most likely, you will have received some form of alcohol cleaner and/or pads; this can be used to clean the interior surfaces of the dash and trim pieces to allow the adhesive on the new dash kit to adhere. If there is any type of liquid protectant such as Armor All, make sure to remove all of the protectant so the new dash kit can adhere properly to the surface. If it seems as if it is slippery or has an oily feel, continue cleaning until a dry, rough texture has been achieved.

After cleaning, the adhesion promoter can be applied to the surface of the dash panel trim of your interior. Make sure to only apply the adhesive bond to all the areas where you will be installing the trim piece overlay that came with your kit, and not on the actual dash trim pieces. The adhesive should dry after approximately 1-5 minutes depending on the dash kit manufacturer.

If working in temperatures below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is highly recommended that a heat gun is used first to make the dash trim pieces flexible, and pliable. To install the pieces of the kit, start first with a smaller piece, and partially remove the tape backing on the trim piece. Than carefully align the trim, and peel of the backing of the tape, while holding the trim in the proper position. After, firmly stick the dash trim onto the surface. Repeat this process for all of the dash kit pieces, and the installation has been complete. For a finished look, clean any fingerprints or extra adhesive from the front of the dash pieces using a clean, soft cloth. Now, just sit back and enjoy your appealing, new interior!

Case Study: How Ford Motor Co. Got Back on Track

2007-04-25T04:16:00.003-07:00

After decades snug in the role of the perennial No. 2 in the U.S. auto industry, Ford Motor Co. suddenly seemed intent on overtaking its longtime rival, General Motors Corp., when Australian Jacques Nasser was named Ford CEO in 1999. An unabashed admirer of General Electric's "Neutron Jack" Welch, the cocky and confident Nasser billed himself as an agent of change. It was clear he not only wanted to pass the struggling GM in terms of global car sales volume, but also ease Ford's vulnerability to the recurrent downturns that regularly cripple the auto industry.

Nasser spent billions to acquire brands such as Volvo and Land Rover, and even more on an array of businesses ranging from repairs to recycling. But Nasser, like many top corporate executives in the heady days of the late 1990s, seemed even more enamored with the then-emerging world of "e-"—and put into place a $1 billion Internet strategy that seemed, at times, to lay more emphasis on the Internet than it did on automobiles.

"We've entered a world where you measure speed in gigahertz and pipeline bursts, not horsepower," Nasser declared at the January 2000 North American International Auto Show. Framed by a giant video image of himself, Nasser stood at center stage in Detroit's cavernous Cobo convention center, surrounded by a quartet of boxy concept vehicles. Dubbed "24.7," they looked like they'd just rolled out of a Nintendo game. Their plain-vanilla exteriors enveloped high-tech instrument panels featuring an array of telematic technology, including voice-activated navigation, organic LCD video displays and mobile Internet access.
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"Go back 100 years, Henry Ford put the world on wheels. Today," said Nasser, "Ford Motor Company will put the Internet on wheels."

But the bravado didn't stop there. A couple of days later, Nasser announced the launch of Ford's Wingcast telematics unit—which would allow consumers to use their cars as Net portals, ready to tap into the information superhighway from the road. Nasser also formed joint ventures with an array of high-tech partners ranging from Qualcomm Inc. to Yahoo!, and even announced plans—with Yahoo! founder Jerry Yang at his side—to give every Ford employee a computer and Internet access.

In addition, Ford, its stock price at an all-time high of nearly $64 a share, and its already fat profits looking to grow even larger with the spoils of the New Economy, took to the Web with a passion. It helped found the B2B auction site, Covisint, with crosstown rivals General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. It also moved aggressively to begin retailing its cars online, and boldly moved to sell factory-direct to consumers, bypassing dealers and their hefty markups.

Accelerate to the present. What once seemed so inevitable has taken on the ring of futility. Ford dissolved the Wingcast venture last June and has curtailed the computer giveaway. The Yahoo! partnership has quietly expired, while its standalone ConsumerConnect unit—the figurehead of its old aggressive, five-prong Internet sales strategy—has been downsized and absorbed into Ford's traditional marketing groups.

And after running afoul of state franchising laws and angry retailers, the automaker has handed its online retailing operation over to dealers—though Ford insists the Web is paying off handsomely with sales leads it wouldn't be getting otherwise.

Meanwhile, Ford's stock price is stuck in low gear, averaging around $9 in recent months. Its market share is sliding, from 23.2 percent to 21.5 in 2002. Earnings are also depressed, with worldwide automotive operations reporting a third-quarter loss of $243 million, compared with a loss of $877 million for the same period in 2001. True, the red ink is diminishing, but at press time, Ford's 2002 earnings were expected to fall way short of Wall Street expectations. Embarrassing vehicle recalls, meanwhile, have tarnished an image honed by years of advertising that "Quality is Job One," and the company is eliminating thousands of jobs and shuttering five factories to get costs back in line.

Indeed, things are not going quite as planned for the automaker as it approaches the celebration of its 100-year anniversary on June 16. With CEO Bill Ford, the first Ford family heir at the helm in more than two decades, the automaker has launched a "back to basics" campaign designed to help it regain its footing.

Learning on the road

2007-04-25T04:16:00.001-07:00

Sensory and data acquisition technology moves information information from factory to collection from factory the road.

Since the onset of massproduced automobiles, auto manufacturers have

But traditional testing techniques are time-consuming, expensive, and limited to a simulated environment that cannot replace real-world road tests.

With increasing market pressure to reduce product development time and expense, auto manufacturers have begun moving data collection from the shop to the road. And these new data collection techniques promise to improve both the quality and safety of automobiles in years to come.

They also provide permanent data recording capabilities that could have unprecedented influence on crash investigations and even crime investigations involving automobiles.

EQUIPMENT DURABILITY FAILURE
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For automobile manufacturers, the reliability of their systems is a major concern. Recent advancements such as telemetry, wireless computing and data transmission, and the ability to tap into onboard controller area network (CAN) bus systems greatly reduce and simplify sensor requirements, according to a Society of Automotive Engineers paper by Bob Davis and Jon Garner of HBM, Inc., a manufacturer of mobile automotive data acquisition systems.

In today's CAN bus networked automobiles, a data acquisition system can use inputs from permanent sensors for engine speed, oil and engine temperatures, oil pressure and consumption, and current and voltage throughout the vehicle electrical system.

Additional types of sensors, including torque and pressure transducers, provide a variety of specialized measurements to meet specific engineering requirements.

Microelectromechanical systems accelerometers are also becoming widely used, due to their small size and high level of sophistication. Custom-mounted strain gauges offer inexpensive, reliable solutions for tight areas and special applications that would preclude the use of typical packaged sensors.

A basic mobile data acquisition system offered by HBM provides a choice of singleto 8-input modules (maximum of 128 channels per housing). The system can have its own Ethernet address, just like a conventional office network.

A more advanced system reads data from a global positioning satellite receiver and enables test engineers to precisely assign the measured quantities recorded in the vehicle to the traveled route.

OBJECTIVELY IDENTIFY DRIVERS

Test engineers are not the only users of onboard data acquisition systems. Black box data recorders are becoming increasingly popular as a driver monitoring tool for fleets of commercial and emergency vehicles.

Such systems count events such as excessive speed or acceleration slamming on the brakes, and quick turns that are normally associated with accidents or near misses.

One such system manufactured by Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based Road Safety International, Inc. rates drivers on a score derived from average (miles) between counts (ABCs). The system's onboard computer transmits data via a wireless radio transceiver to the system administrator's desktop computer.

Database reports allow the administrator to look at all vehicle and driver information, including the driver's ABC performance individually or in comparison to others.

Data collected from these systems allows fleet operators to objectively identify which drivers should undergo additional safety or defensive driving training, hopefully before an accident occurs.

This preventive strategy promises to save companies money on insurance premiums, deductibles, and downtime resulting from accidents. But most importantly, it prevents injuries and loss of life.

RECORD CRASH EVENT DATA

More than 6 million traffic accidents are reported annually in the U.S., resulting in a cost of $150.5 billion. In many cases, having a permanent record of a crash event can be an invaluable asset in determining the cause of the accident.

To meet this need, some vehicle owners are installing crash cameras. San Francisco-based DriveCam Systems Inc. offers the DriveCam video event data recorder.

This palm-sized video recorder mounts behind a vehicle's rearview mirror. The device monitors driving activity by continuously recording video, audio, and four directions of g forces into a digital looping memory. The recorder saves events activated by g forces resulting from hard braking, rapid acceleration, harsh cornering, or collisions. Drivers can also manually activate the recorder.

But accessible data recorders may soon become standard equipment on most cars. According to Russell Lindsay, principal engineer at Asheville, N.C.-based PARC Engineering Associates, many newer cars actually do have something close to a black box.

Gluteus Maxima: Nissan's new flagship is a seat-of-the-pants performer wrapped in luxury sheetmetal - Product

2007-04-25T04:15:00.000-07:00

To paraphrase Mark Twain, the report of the Nissan Maxima's death has been greatly exaggerated. Maxima owners will be glad to hear that the sixth generation of Nissan's flagship carries on the tradition that has made it one of the company's best selling vehicles -- roomy interior, comfortable ride and plenty of power. But for 2004, Maxima is being pushed upscale to better fit into Nissan's overall sedan plan. The entry-level GXE has been dropped leaving just two trim levels, the luxury-equipped SL and the sports-equipped SE.

"We're striving for a very logical grade and price walk between the 4-cyl. Altima, the 6-cyl. Altima and the Maxima," says Jed Connelly, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Nissan North America.

Maxima offers all the amenities you'd expect from a car in the mid-size luxury segment. Inside, there are eight-way adjustable heated power seats, a one-touch driver memory system that will customize settings for the power-telescoping steering wheel, seat and exterior mirrors, and an optional DVD-based navigation system. The Z-influenced interior features a hoodless gauge cluster with special anti-reflective coatings to focus the light on the driver and keep it from reflecting off the windshield. Designers also created the illusion of a floating dash by running the tops of the door panels around under the windshield, hanging the dash about two inches below windshield level.
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For the electronic gizmo crowd, there is a 12-volt power point conveniently located in the passenger side foot-well (for those things that stick to the windshield, Nissan tells us) and another can be found in the bottom of the center console. A third power point is available with the four-passenger Elite package. The Elite package is one of a few unique options that Nissan hopes will set the car apart from the competition. While the standard five-passenger sedan comes with the usual 60-40 split rear bench seat, Nissan offers optional four-passenger seating designed for those who a looking for a true four-seat sports car. Heated rear buckets sit on either side of a large fixed center console with cup holders, storage compartment and that third 12-volt power point. To keep unwanted sunlight out, a power rear-window sun shade can be controlled from the back or the front. Nissan says it conservatively estimates that 10 percent of Maxima customers will opt for the Elite package.

Another unique feature is designed to let the sun shine in. Maxima comes standard with a Skyview roof, a glass panel that runs lengthwise over the front and rear seats. The glass installs from the top and sits flush with the roofline. Nissan says that Skyview doesn't have the drawbacks of a traditional sunroof like decreased headroom and wind noise. A traditional sunroof is optional. Safety is always a consideration and Maxima comes through with standard active head restraints, side air bags and side curtain air bags for both front and rear occupants.

Maxima's aluminum 3.5L 24-valve V-6 puts out 265 hp at 5,800 rpm and 255 lbs. ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. That's a 20 hp improvement over the Altima's V-6 thanks to a new intake and free-flowing dual exhaust system that boasts a 45 liter muffler volume. The engine bolts to the chassis with electronically-controlled engine mounts. The fluid-filled mounts are tied into the engine control module and, depending on engine rpm, can adjust the density of the liquid and dampening under certain conditions.

The 3.5 SL comes standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5 SE comes standard with a 5-speed automatic and offers an optional 6-speed manual.

At first glance, the Japanese-designed Maxima bears a strong resemblance to the Altima, though they share no exterior body panels. Upon closer examination you notice Maxima's taller roof line, distinctive grille, and front and rear fascias. The C-pillar design is borrowed from the Z, adding to the sporty-look. The standard car has a drag coefficient of .3 (an optional rear spoiler lowers that to .28).

High and low beam Xenon headlamps are standard on the SL and optional on the SE. Both get fascia-mounted fog lamps and cornering lamps.

The cavernous trunk has side storage nets, designed to hold things like windshield washer fluid, as well as a rear net. And designers have attached the deck lid with non-obtrusive piston-style hinges.

The 2004 Maxima is the fourth vehicle to come off of Nissan's FF-L (front-wheel-drive, front-engine - long) platform, shared with the Altima, Murano and new Quest minivan.

Maxima shares underpinnings and four-wheel independent suspension with Altima, though Maxima is lengthened by about 1-inch (10 mm) at the center of the vehicle. The suspension is upgraded with new bushings, springs and shocks and the tuning is refined for better ride and handling. Maxima also gets an upgraded steering rack to refine steering feel. Nissan says that Maxima is the only front-drive sedan to offer a (Helico) limited slip differential

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. Reports Net Income of $2.9 Million for the First Six Months of 2005

2007-04-25T04:14:00.002-07:00

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. (OTC BB: SAUP) a leading international auto parts manufacturer based in China, today announced record financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005.

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. ("SORL" or the "Company") reported net income for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005 increased by $0.2 million, or 19 percent, to $1.4 million or $0.11 per share, compared to $1.2 million, or $0.09 per share, for the same period a year ago. For the first six months of 2005, net income increased by $0.8 million, or 35 percent, to $2.9 million or $0.22 per share, compared to $2.1 million or $0.16 per share, for the first six months of 2004.

Sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005 increased by $3.6 million, or 31 percent, to $14.9 million from $11.3 million for the same period a year ago. For the first six months of 2005, sales increased by $9 million, or 44 percent, to $29.4 million compared to $20.5 million for the same period a year ago. The increase is primarily due to the increase in volume of our products shipped as a result of our aggressive expansion into new markets, especially in North America. Export sales grew by approximately 91 percent and accounted for approximately one third of total sales.

SORL reported that gross profit for the second quarter ended June 2005 increased by $0.7 million, or 26 percent, to $3.4 million from $2.7 million a year ago. For the first six months of 2005, gross profit increased by $1.7 million or 34 percent, to $6.6 million from $4.9 million for the same period a year ago. The improvement in gross profit was attributed to increased sales in both the domestic and international markets. The gross profit margin dropped 2 percent from 24 percent in the first half of 2004 to 22 percent in the first half of 2005. This decrease was due to the fact that 10 percent of the Company's gross sales were from products that were purchased from outside vendors as opposed to products manufactured internally, which carry lower costs and higher profit margins.

Selling, general, administration and related sales expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005 were $1.6 million, or 11 percent of net sales. This compares to $1.2 million, or 11 percent of net sales for the same period last year. For the first six months of 2005, selling, general, administration and related sales expenses were $3.1 million or 11 percent of net sales compared to $2.4 million or 12 percent of net sales for the first six months of 2004. The decrease in these expenses was primarily due to economies of scales resulting from the increase in sales.

Cash and cash equivalents for the second quarter totaled $0.3 million. There was surplus working capital of $8.6 million for that same period.

Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Xiaoping Zhang said, "The Company had another outstanding quarter propelled by improvements in product quality, new marketing initiatives and growing export sales. Export sales accounted for more than 30 percent of total sales in the second quarter 2005, and we see many more opportunities for expansion into international markets and continued strong growth in export sales over the next two years."

About SORL Auto Parts, Inc.

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of automotive air brake valves and hydraulic break valves primarily for the commercial vehicle market for vehicles weighting more than three tons, such as trucks, vans and buses in the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Company distributes products both in China and internationally under SORL trademarks. The Company's product range includes 36 types of brake valves with over 800 different specifications. The Company is rated as one of the top 100 auto component suppliers in China. The Company has two international sales centers in Australia and UAE, with additional new offices slated for opening in the U.S. and other locations in the near future.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. The safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 protects companies from liability for their forward looking statements if they comply with the requirements of the Act

Group 1 Automotive Reports 2005 First-Quarter Results

2007-04-25T04:14:00.001-07:00

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI), a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, today reported first-quarter income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $14.4 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, on revenues of $1.4 billion. This compares with $10.5 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, on revenues of $1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2004.

The prior-year results include an after-tax charge of $4.0 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, related to the early redemption of certain of the company's senior subordinated notes. Excluding this charge, first-quarter 2004 earnings were $0.62 per diluted share.

Summary of Results of Operations (Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
-------------------
2005 2004
--------- ---------
Revenues $1,396.7 $1,147.0
Gross Profit $224.5 $183.4
Income from Operations $36.6 $33.2
Income before Cumulative Effect of a
Change in Accounting Principle $14.4 $10.5
Diluted Earnings per Share before Cumulative
Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle $0.60 $0.45

Results for the First Quarter

During the first quarter, total revenues increased 21.8 percent, to $1.4 billion from $1.1 billion during the same period last year, due largely to acquisitions made in 2004. On a same store basis, total revenues grew 0.1 percent, highlighted by a 3.7 percent increase in parts and service. Same store new and total used vehicle revenues were down 0.1 percent and 1.0 percent, respectively, while same store finance and insurance revenues were 0.1 percent lower.

Gross profit for the quarter was $224.5 million, a 22.4 percent increase from $183.4 million in the prior-year period. On a same store basis, gross profit for the quarter grew 1.7 percent, highlighted by a 4.4 percent increase in total used vehicles and a 2.7 percent increase in parts and service. Same store gross profit for new vehicle sales was also up slightly from the prior-year period. Same store gross margin increased to 16.2 percent from 16.0 percent in the year-ago period. This increase was due largely to an increase in parts and service revenues as a percentage of total revenues, as well as a 50 basis point increase in total used vehicle gross margins.

The company reported income from operations of $36.6 million in the first quarter, a 10.1 percent increase from $33.2 million in the first quarter of 2004. Operating margin was 2.6 percent, compared with 2.9 percent in 2004. On a same store basis, operating margin declined to 2.7 percent from 2.9 percent in the prior-year period, as the above-noted increase in same store gross profit was more than offset by a 90 basis point increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of gross profit.

During September 2004, the SEC staff issued Staff Announcement D-108, "Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill" (EITF D-108), which, among other things, required that a "direct" method be used to determine the fair value of intangible assets other than goodwill in connection with impairment testing under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." As required by EITF D-108, during the first quarter, the company performed an impairment test using a direct method on all intangible assets that were previously valued using a "residual" method. Upon completion of this test, the carrying value of some of the company's intangible franchise rights exceeded the newly determined fair value of such assets. As a result, the company recorded a non-cash, after-tax charge of $16.0 million, or $0.67 per diluted share. As required per EITF D-108, the charge is reported in the company's first-quarter income statement as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

Including this charge, the company's net loss for the quarter was $1.6 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, compared with $0.45 per diluted share on net income of $10.5 million during 2004.

Management's Outlook

Group 1 announced that it expects to report 2005 earnings of $2.95 to $3.05 per diluted share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. However, as a result of the SEC's recent announcement delaying the implementation of SFAS No. 123(R), "Share Based Payment," this guidance now excludes the previously estimated negative impact of $0.07 per diluted share related to the expensing of stock based compensation in the second half of 2005. The company's full-year guidance also excludes any future acquisitions. The guidance is based on average diluted shares outstanding of 24.1 million

Getting Automotive and Trucks Parts Just Got Faster; AUTOVIA Enhances Internet Service — Auto Shops to Eliminate Costly Delays That Cut into Profits

2007-04-25T04:13:00.000-07:00

In its ongoing effort to reduce the time it takes for automotive repair shops to receive parts, Sacramento-based AUTOVIA announced that it has enhanced its parts ordering service to make it even easier and faster for repair shops to order and receive parts online.

With fewer screens, quicker response times and significantly faster stock check responses from vendor systems, AUTOVIA's service enables repair shops to streamline the process of locating and ordering parts from their local distributors. In addition, AUTOVIA is a free of charge service to the automotive repair shops.

"Reducing the time it takes to find the right part quickly from their preferred local sources is the number one priority for repair shops," said AUTOVIA's Founder and CEO Rod Georgiu, who also founded ALLDATA. "AUTOVIA's service automates the ordering process and allows repair shops to increase productivity, improve profitability and save time by checking inventory and placing orders to multiple distributors all at once."

The process is simple: Technicians and Service Writers log onto AUTOVIA's service and click on the year, make and model of the vehicle they are working on. Then they choose the parts they need. The AUTOVIA service automatically displays each local vendor's stock information on the desired parts. The customers then select the parts he wants and AUTOVIA processes the order instantly.
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AUTOVIA also reduces the time it takes for repair shops to place an order by 70 percent and improves delivery time by as much as 20 minutes. These two important factors can eliminate delays in the ordering process that cut into a repair shop's profits.

"Seeing all of my distributors and their available inventory at once keeps me from having to call around town to find parts," said Lynne Cardwell of Car Care Center in Sacramento, Calif. "With AUTOVIA, we only have to spend two minutes on a stock check for all my (five) suppliers versus three to four minutes that I would normally spend on the phone with each one. This is a huge time-saver."

AUTOVIA's automated ordering process is also allowing distributors to dedicate more time to their customers as routine stock checks and orders are processed automatically. "It's a win-win for both distributors and repair shops," Georgiu said. "Distributors become more efficient when traditional time-consuming procedures such as stock checks and final orders are now processed automatically, freeing the counterman and boosting his productivity."

Distributors using AUTOVIA's services are reducing manual-order processing costs by as much as 75 percent and cutting the current manual cost of 10-12 percent down to 3 percent. Final orders print out automatically on the suppliers' existing invoice printers, which significantly reduce per order operating expenses as well as return rates for ordered parts.

"AUTOVIA has significantly improved our production and customer service," said distributor Sam Cracraft, of Sacramento Tires, Batteries and Accessories Company. "Several of our accounts have increased their monthly sales by more than 20 percent."

AUTOVIA's service is free of charge to repair shops. AUTOVIA provides free access to registered repair shops and fleets so that they can instantly compare parts availability among multiple distributors, quickly find the quality brands that they trust, provide them price information before they order, by part number, from each of their current local suppliers. Distributors pay a small transaction fee for each order they receive from registered customers. This minimal fee is significantly less than the 10-12 percent in extra costs that stem from processing orders by the traditional phone method. More importantly, the charge is only incurred when an order is actually accepted on the AUTOVIA network.

Eaton Reports First Quarter Net Income Per Share Up 40 Percent to $1.19 on Record Quarterly Revenue

2007-04-13T05:24:00.002-07:00

CLEVELAND -- Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) today announced net income per share of $1.19 for the first quarter of 2005, an increase of 40 percent over net income per share of $.85 in the first quarter of 2004. Sales in the quarter were a record $2.65 billion, 19 percent above the same period in 2004. Net income was $187 million, compared to $134 million in the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 40 percent.

Net income in both periods included charges for restructuring activities related to the integration of acquisitions. Before these restructuring charges, operating earnings per share in the first quarter of 2005 were $1.23 versus $.88 per share in 2004, an increase of 40 percent, and operating earnings for the first quarter of 2005 were $193 million compared to $138 million in 2004, an increase of 40 percent.

Alexander M. Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased with our first quarter, which came in near the top of our guidance. Sales growth in the first quarter of 19 percent consisted of 10 percent from acquisitions, 7 percent from organic growth, and 2 percent from higher exchange rates. Our end markets during the quarter grew 6 percent.
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"In the first quarter, our segment operating margin before restructuring charges was 12.6 percent, a significant increase over 11.7 percent a year ago," said Cutler.

"We continue to anticipate growth of 5 percent for our end markets in 2005," said Cutler. "The residential electrical markets are stronger than we had anticipated, but this strength is offset by weaker aerospace and automotive markets.

"Consistent with the plan announced in January, Eaton spent $250 million repurchasing shares during the quarter," said Cutler. "We repurchased 3.63 million shares, at an average price of $69 per share.

"We anticipate net income per share for the second quarter of 2005 to be between $1.20 and $1.30. Operating earnings per share, which excludes restructuring charges to integrate our recent acquisitions, are expected to be between $1.25 and $1.35 in the second quarter of 2005. We are maintaining our full-year guidance for both net income per share and operating earnings per share, at $4.90 to $5.10, and $5.10 to $5.30, respectively."

Business Segment Results

First quarter sales of Eaton's largest business segment, Electrical, were $848 million, up 39 percent over 2004. Excluding the impact of the Powerware acquisition, first quarter sales were up 5 percent compared to 2004. Operating profits in the first quarter were $71 million. Operating profits before restructuring charges were $76 million, up 52 percent from 2004.

"End markets for our electrical business grew about 5 percent during the first quarter," said Cutler. "The residential markets remained very strong during the quarter, while growth in the nonresidential markets was modest."

Fluid Power segment first quarter sales were $785 million, 2 percent above the first quarter of 2004. Fluid Power markets grew 2 percent compared to the same period in 2004, with global fluid power shipments up 10 percent, commercial aerospace up 7 percent, defense aerospace down 19 percent, and European automotive down 2 percent. Operating profits in the first quarter were $76 million. Operating profits before restructuring charges were $80 million, a decline of 2 percent compared to a year earlier.

"The mobile and industrial hydraulics markets remained strong in the first quarter," said Cutler. "We expect continued growth in these markets throughout 2005. The commercial aerospace market grew slightly less than expected in the first quarter, while defense aerospace was much weaker than we anticipated.

"Sales in our automotive fluid connector business declined further in the first quarter, reflecting weaker auto markets and the loss of certain programs," said Cutler. "We anticipate that sales should begin to recover toward the end of 2005.

"We completed the acquisition of Winner Group Holdings at the end of March," said Cutler. "Winner is the largest producer of hydraulic hose fittings and adapters for the Chinese market, and is expected to be a valuable addition to our Chinese hydraulic operations."

The Truck segment posted sales of $542 million in the first quarter, up 42 percent compared to 2004, and recorded operating profits of $109 million, up 79 percent. NAFTA heavy-duty truck production was up 46 percent compared to 2004, NAFTA medium-duty truck production was up 10 percent, European truck production was up 8 percent, and Brazilian vehicle production was up 10 percent.

Employment and unemployment developments, October 2002

2007-04-13T05:24:00.001-07:00

Both nonfarm payroll employment and the unemployment rate were about unchanged in October. Job losses in the construction, manufacturing, and help supply industries were offset by gains in a number of other industries, among them finance, real estate, and health services.

Unemployment

The number of unemployed persons (8.2 million) and the unemployment rate (5.7 percent) were essentially unchanged in October. The unemployment rate for adult women edged up to 5.2 percent while the rates for the other major worker groups--adult men (5.2 percent), teenagers (14.6 percent), whites (5.1 percent), blacks (9.8 percent), and Hispanics (7.8 percent)--showed little or no change over the month. (See tables A-3 and A-4.)

Total employment and the labor force

Total employment, as measured by the household survey, edged down in October to 134.9 million, after seasonal adjustment. This followed a large increase in September. The employment-population ratio, which had increased in September, declined to 62.9 percent. (See table A-3.)
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The civilian labor force, at 143.1 million, seasonally adjusted, was little changed from the prior month. The labor force participation rate declined to 66.7 percent. (See table A-3.)

About 7.2 million persons (not seasonally adjusted) held more than one job in October. These multiple jobholders represented 5.4 percent of the total employed. (See table A-37.)

Persons not in the labor force

About 1.4 million persons (not seasonally adjusted) were marginally attached to the labor force in October, little changed from a year earlier. These individuals reported that they wanted and were available for work and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed, however, because they had not actively searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. The number of discouraged workers was 355,000 in October, also about unchanged from the same month a year earlier. Discouraged workers, a subset of the marginally attached, were not looking for work specifically because they believed no jobs were available for them. (See table A-36.)

Industry payroll employment

Nonfarm payroll employment was virtually unchanged (-5,000) in October at 130.9 million, although there were offsetting movements among various industries. Employment also had held steady in September (-13,000 as revised). In the 4 months prior to September, payroll employment had increased by nearly a quarter of a million; this followed a loss of 1.8 million from March 2001 to April 2002. (See table B-3.)

Manufacturing employment declined by 49,000 over the month. The pace of factory job losses increased in the last 3 months, averaging 47,000 a month since July, compared with 20,000 a month from April to July. Employment in wholesale trade, an industry affected by manufacturing activity, showed a similar, though less pronounced, pattern. In manufacturing, October job losses were concentrated primarily within durable goods, including electronic and electrical equipment, primary metals, fabricated metals, and aircraft and parts manufacturing. Employment in the electronics industry has fallen by 44,000 in the past 3 months, following smaller losses in late spring and early summer. In nondurable goods manufacturing, the apparel industry lost 7,000 jobs in October, following a similar decline in September.

Employment in the construction industry decreased by 27,000 in October, following an increase of 11,000 in September (as revised). Since April, there has been no net growth in construction employment. Special trades lost 30,000 jobs in October, with electrical work accounting for a large part of the monthly decline.

Overall employment in the services industry was little changed (+ 18,000) over the month. Employment in business services fell sharply (-44,000), particularly in the help supply component (-56,000), which provides workers to other businesses on an as-needed basis. In contrast, health services continued to add jobs, with a gain of 20,000 in October, and there was an increase of 7,000 jobs in legal services. Over the month, employment also advanced in hotels and lodging places (16,000), offsetting an identical loss over the prior 2 months combined.

Finance, insurance, and real estate added 34,000 jobs in October. After little change in the first half of the year, the industry has added 70,000 jobs since June. Spurred by the lowest interest rates in decades, employment growth continued in mortgage banks and brokerages; the industry added 17,000 jobs in October. Employment also rose in real estate. Since June, that industry has added 33,000 jobs.

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors at the 97th Annual Chicago Automotive Show February 11-20, 2005

2007-04-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors announces its participation in the 97th annual Chicago Automotive Show. The Chicago Auto Show is sponsored by the Chicago Trade Association and is the largest auto show in North America.

The Chicago Auto Show is the premier venue for worldwide and North American automotive introductions. On display is a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks, sport utility vehicles and experimental and concept cars. This event will showcase over 1000 vehicles as well as numerous accessory displays and auto-related exhibits.

WHAT: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors at the 97th annual Chicago
Auto Show. See OSRAM's products and solutions in the:

-- Nissan "AZEAL"
-- Ford Syn US Concept Vehicle
-- Ford Shelby G1

WHEN: February 11 - 20, 2005

WHERE: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois

DISPLAY: OSRAM demonstrations will include:

-- OSRAM's surface-mount technology (SMT) Power TOPLED(R) and
Golden DRAGON(TM) LEDs in the AZEAL's forward styling lights,
frosted tail lights, low-profile airbrake CHMSL and various
interior accent illumination

-- OSRAM's yellow and white Power TOPLEDs, providing accent
illumination on the Ford Syn US concept vehicle

-- OSRAM's highly efficient ThinGAN(R) chip technology used in
the Ford Shelby G1 projection headlights

Trade secrets

2007-04-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

Got a real stumper sitting in one of your baysa Would you like to be able to pick the brains of some techs who've been there, solved that problem?

Kansas is his name and repairing cars is his game. Or perhaps I should say his passion. I ran into Kansas Wortham at the iATN's 2002 convention in Anaheim, California, in September. He looks like he'd be more at home at the nearby Disneyland than in an auto repair shop. He has white hair, a shiny white beard and a twinkle in his eye that makes you feel like you've known him for years, even after you've just met him for the first time.

I didn't have to ask if he was having a wonderful time at the convention. You could see it in his smile and the warmth he radiated. I asked Kansas what he thought of iATN (International Automotive Technicians' Network). He thought for a moment, then said, "iATN has changed my life." Kansas explained that he had worked at all kinds of jobs until he finally got involved in what he described as a very poorly run shop. He loved the work, but he was frustrated by the lack of information and training he felt he needed to succeed.

Kansas was thinking about a career change when he discovered iATN. From feeling all alone in a shop in the small town of Chico, California, Kansas suddenly went online and tapped into a network of over 40,000 technicians from 127 countries. Kansas describes his relationship with the other members of iATN as like having a big family. It was the feeling of fellowship that pervaded the convention that impressed me.
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September's iATN convention attracted approximately 260 automotive technicians from six countries and 34 states. I asked a young man named Ed Page, of Page's Auto Repair in Norwich, Connecticut, what it was that motivated him to leave his shop and fly across the country to attend the iATN convention. He said, "In a word, `honesty.' I really like meeting technicians from across the country who are honest professionals willing to share their expertise."

Ed said he particularly enjoyed the technical seminars, which began on Friday morning at 8 a.m. with "Injector Guru" Jim Linder of Linder Technical Services exploring the good, the bad and the ugly of fuel injection service. Other seminars were just as informative. Tom Roberts of Autonerdz explained lab scope strategy and technique, and John Peake of Peake Equipment explained the right way to go from a great idea for how to run the shop to actually getting that idea to work. I spotted Ed Page and MoToR's own Mark Warren actively participating at the iATN West Coast Diagnostic Challenge. The interactive program, hosted by Jonathan Riggle, iATN stalwart, presented and covered various diagnostic problems, then revealed the proper fixes.. but not until several techs in the audience had their say.

On Saturday morning, Randy Bernklau of B.C. Automotive Services spoke on how to choose a diagnostic direction like when to use the scanner, lab scope or 4-gas analyzer, and Mac VandenBrink of Dynamic Auto Test Enineering gave the lowdown on exploring scope pattern interpretations. In other tech sessions, Paul Baltusis of Ford covered multiplexing, George Witt of Witt Service outlined survival skills for the service advisor, Mike McCarthy of the California Air Resources Board talked about OBD II system certifications and Toyota's Mario Jaime got into hybrids.

One seminar I found to be very exciting was given by Bob Schrader, president of Bridge Analyzers. It delved into the formula which has become one of the intemational standard methods for calculating Lambda from exhaust gas values.

After an intensive two days of hightech information, the convention was topped off by the annual iATN dinner. I had some thoughts to share and, as usual, Mark Warren had them rolling in the aisles.

You really could feel the fellowship in the room as technicians and their spouses who have attended in past years renewed relationships and exchanged war stories. At my table was a couple who have really embraced iATN. Brad Petersen, of Petersen Automotive in Escondido, California, told me that he is what he is today because of iATN. Brad and his wife Dawn, also an automotive technician, run a state-of-the-art repair shop and are active in iATN, ASE, STS and ASA. Their devotion to what Brad describes as his iATN family is truly remarkable.

Every year iATN presents awards and door prizes at the convention dinner. A few years ago, Brad hid an engagement ring in a sensor tester box and secretly arranged for Dawn's name to be picked as the winner of the tester. When she opened what she thought was her prize, she was thrilled to discover that Brad had substituted a ring. He proposed right there on the iATN stage in front of over 200 members!

Group 1 Automotive Acquires New California Platform; On Track for 2004 Acquisition Target

2007-04-05T23:40:00.002-07:00

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI), a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Peterson Automotive Group, which consists of two dealerships in the Sacramento area and another two in San Diego with total annual revenues of approximately $320 million.

"This acquisition gives Group 1 outstanding operations in three of the most desirable markets in California, including our existing Los Angeles platform, the Miller Automotive Group," said B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., Group 1's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We are pleased that Chuck Peterson has agreed to join Group 1 as president of our new platform. He is highly respected in the industry, and his 35 years of automotive experience will bring valuable insight to our company."

The Sacramento-area dealerships, located in Folsom, are comprised of Toyota/Scion and Kia franchises. The San Diego dealerships consist of Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Kia, Subaru, Hyundai and Isuzu franchises, for a total of nine franchises under the platform.

Group 1 also announced that it recently acquired Pontiac and GMC franchises to augment the Maxwell Automotive Group platform in Central Texas. The franchises will operate from a newly developed dealership in Austin, Texas, and are expected to generate approximately $55 million in annualized revenues. "This is a natural addition to one of our outstanding platforms and gives the Maxwell Group 11 franchises," stated Hollingsworth.

Total consideration paid for completing both transactions was approximately $51.1 million in cash, net of cash received, and 306,321 shares of Group 1 common stock.

Acquisition Update

The company continues to seek strategic acquisition candidates to expand its geographic and brand diversity with a target of acquiring franchises with $1 billion of expected aggregate annual revenues in 2004. Year to date, Group 1 has added 16 franchises with annual revenues of approximately $690 million. The aggregate consideration paid in completing these acquisitions was approximately $94.5 million in cash, net of cash received, and 360,693 shares of Group 1 common stock.

"We have acquired more than two-thirds of this year's $1 billion target while maintaining our disciplined approach to acquisitions and focus on returns," stated Hollingsworth.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Group 1 currently owns 88 automotive dealerships comprised of 134 franchises, 30 brands, and 31 collision service centers located in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Through its dealerships and Internet sites, the company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts; provides maintenance and repair services; and sells replacement parts.

Eaton Reports Third Quarter Net Income Per Share up 58 Percent to $1.09 on Record Quarterly Revenue

2007-04-05T23:40:00.001-07:00

CLEVELAND -- Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) today announced net income per share of $1.09 for the third quarter of 2004, an increase of 58 percent over net income per share of $.69 in the third quarter of 2003. Sales in the quarter were a record $2.54 billion, 26 percent above the same period in 2003. Net income was $170 million compared to $107 million in 2003, an increase of 59 percent.

Net income in both periods included charges for restructuring activities related to the integration of acquisitions. Before these restructuring charges, operating earnings per share in the third quarter of 2004 were $1.13 versus $.72 per share in 2003, an increase of 57 percent, and operating earnings for the third quarter of 2004 were $177 million compared to $112 million in 2003, an increase of 58 percent.

Alexander M. Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer, said, "We are very pleased with our third quarter. Sales growth of 26 percent in the quarter consisted of 13 percent from organic growth, 11 percent from acquisitions, and 2 percent from exchange rates. Our organic growth was comprised of 9 percent in our end markets and 4 percent from outgrowing our end markets.We continue to expect our markets to grow between 7 and 8 percent for full year 2004," said Cutler. "Mobile hydraulics and truck markets have continued their strong performance, while electrical markets have posted modest growth and automotive markets are likely to post a small decline for the year.

"We are pleased with our third quarter margins, which were strong despite the normal seasonal weakness in our automotive business, higher metals costs, and the addition of the Powerware business, whose margins are currently lower than the rest of our electrical business," said Cutler.

"We anticipate that net income per share for 2004 will be between $3.95 and $4.05, and accordingly we anticipate that net income per share for the fourth quarter of 2004 will be between $.98 and $1.08. Operating earnings per share, which exclude restructuring charges to integrate our recent acquisitions, are anticipated for 2004 to be between $4.10 and $4.20, with operating earnings per share for the fourth quarter of between $1.03 and $1.13."

Business Segment Results

Third quarter sales of the Fluid Power segment were $759 million, 11 percent above the third quarter of 2003. Fluid Power markets grew 9 percent compared to the same period in 2003, with global hydraulics shipments up an estimated 16 percent, commercial aerospace markets up 7 percent, defense aerospace markets up 2 percent, and European automotive production up 1 percent. Operating profits in the third quarter were $81 million. Operating profits before restructuring charges were $84 million, up 25 percent compared to a year earlier.

"The strong growth in the mobile and industrial hydraulics markets seen in the first half continued into the third quarter," said Cutler. "We anticipate that the growth in mobile and industrial hydraulics is likely to continue well into 2005, although the rate of growth is likely to moderate from the levels seen in 2004. The commercial aerospace market showed the strongest quarterly growth since 2001, driven by strong growth in passenger air miles flown plus higher new plane deliveries. We now anticipate stronger commercial aerospace growth in 2005 than we had foreseen earlier this year.

"We closed the acquisition of the Walterscheid European connector business of GKN plc in early September," said Cutler. "This acquisition expands our product range and sales channels in Europe while also strengthening our position as a systems provider."

Superior Industries Reports Third Quarter Results; Net Income Was $0.20 Per Share

2007-04-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

VAN NUYS, Calif. -- Superior Industries International, Inc. (NYSE:SUP) today announced operating results for the third quarter of 2004 and first nine months of 2004 in line with the company's revised estimates.

Third Quarter Results

For the three months ended September 30, 2004, revenue increased 6.4% to $199,328,000 from $187,365,000 for the third quarter of 2003. Unit wheel shipments declined 4.7%. Net income was $5,475,000, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to $10,726,000, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Third quarter results included an operating loss from Superior's aluminum suspension components business of $2,548,000 compared to $2,153,000 for the same period last year.

The company's share of profits from its joint venture aluminum wheel manufacturing operation in Hungary was $1.7 million for this year's third quarter compared to $1.9 million a year ago.
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At September 30, 2004, working capital was $299,100,000, including cash and cash equivalents of $140,600,000.

Nine Month Results

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, revenue increased 9.4% to $667,254,000 from $609,644,000 for the first nine months of 2003. Unit wheel shipments increased 3.2%. Net income was $32,726,000, or $1.22 per diluted share. This compares to net income of $50,669,000, or $1.88 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2003.

Operations Review

"As we previously announced, Superior's third quarter results reflected production cuts announced by certain OEM customers following weak summer sales of cars and light trucks, as well as operating difficulties that delayed the ramp-up of production in certain of our factories following this year's extended seasonal shutdowns. However, global competitive pricing pressure is the most significant factor that has constricted Superior's earnings to levels below our historical norms," said President and Chief Operating Officer Steven Borick.

"In the short run, we are focused on managing our pricing mix. We have adjusted prices on some of our products, particularly our high volume core programs, to protect market share. In other cases, we have turned down business that does not offer a fair economic return. We are also investing in automation, training, and new manufacturing facilities that will reduce our wheel making costs in the longer term. We have recently broken ground on a third plant in Mexico.

"One thing remains constant and certain: Superior will continue to ship the highest quality, safest aluminum wheels and components at the most competitive prices. With our strong balance sheet and stellar reputation, we have the resources, the know-how, and the commitment to adjust to this new pricing environment and emerge stronger and more profitable in the future," Borick said.

Conference Call

Superior will host a conference call beginning at 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) today that will be broadcast on the company's website, www.supind.com. Investors, analysts, stockholders, news media, and the general public are invited to listen to the webcast. The webcast replay will be available at this same internet address shortly after the conclusion of the conference call.

In addition to reviewing the company's third quarter and first nine month results, during the conference call the company also plans to discuss the outlook for the fourth quarter of 2004, as well as other financial and operating matters. Additionally, the answers to questions posed to management during the call might disclose additional material information.

About Superior Industries

Superior supplies aluminum wheels and other aluminum automotive components to Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Audi, BMW, Isuzu, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, MG Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen. For additional information, visit www.supind.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors and risks discussed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Group 1 Automotive Revises 2004 Outlook; Reaches Acquisition Revenue Target of $1 Billion; Acquisitions Partially Offset Operating Weakness

2007-04-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI), a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, today revised its outlook for 2004 and announced that it recently completed the acquisition of three dealerships in Houston and Beverly Hills, Calif., with total annual revenues of approximately $315 million.

The company expects full-year earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.95 to $3.15, or about 8 percent below the previous range of $3.20 to $3.40 provided by the company in April. This revised outlook excludes the $0.17 per diluted share charge from the March 2004 notes redemption but includes the accretive impact of all completed acquisitions, including those noted above. It also includes the results of what the company expects to be a relatively weak second quarter, as described below, as well as slightly improved performance for the balance of the year versus the first half.

The company expects to report earnings per diluted share of $0.65 to $0.69 for the second quarter ended June 30, 2004. These results include a charge of approximately $0.08 per diluted share related to a recent hailstorm that damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 vehicles, or about 95 percent of the inventory, at the company's Gene Messer dealerships in Amarillo, Texas. The charge reflects not only the company's required deductibles, but also the amount of financial risk retained by the company on its property and casualty insurance. The second-quarter results also reflect what the company considers to be a challenging market for new vehicle sales. This has resulted in less-than-expected performance at certain of its dealerships, particularly its Ford and Toyota dealerships, that together comprise about 40 percent of the company's new vehicle sales.While we are disappointed by these results, our luxury and certain other dealership franchises are performing well, and we remain committed to our strategy of acquiring well-managed, accretive operations," said B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., Group 1's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Although we have funded a portion of our recent acquisitions with debt, we continue to maintain one of the strongest balance sheets in our industry, which keeps us poised for solid, profitable growth."

Group 1 Completes Acquisitions in Texas and California

The dealerships acquired by Group 1 in Texas and California are comprised of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Maybach franchises with total annual revenues of approximately $315 million. Total consideration paid for both transactions was approximately $77.5 million in cash, net of cash received.

Group 1 has expanded its brand offerings in the Houston market by acquiring Advantage BMW Downtown and its satellite store, Advantage BMW Clear Lake. These dealerships will operate under the company's existing Houston-area platform, the Sterling McCall Automotive Group, that also includes Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Honda and Acura franchises.

In a separate transaction, Group 1 also acquired Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, an award-winning dealership that offers both Mercedes-Benz and its ultra-luxury Maybach brand. The dealership augments the company's existing Los Angeles-area platform, the Miller Automotive Group. Including the Beverly Hills dealership, Miller Automotive now operates eight dealerships consisting of nine import franchises in the Los Angeles area.

"These tuck-in acquisitions will be immediately accretive to earnings and will further expand Group 1's offerings of luxury brands in markets with strong demand for these vehicles," said Hollingsworth. "With the addition of the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach franchises in Beverly Hills, the company is gaining a significant presence in one of the largest luxury automobile markets in the United States."

Year to date, Group 1 has added 19 franchises with expected annual revenues of approximately $1.0 billion. The aggregate consideration paid in completing these acquisitions was approximately $172.0 million in cash, net of cash received, and 360,693 shares of Group 1 common stock. The brand mix of these franchises, based on expected revenues, consists of 24 percent domestics and 76 percent imports, including 39 percent luxury brands. The cash portion of these transactions was funded with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the company's revolving credit facility.

"We have now reached our full-year acquisition target of $1 billion of expected aggregate annual revenues," stated Hollingsworth. "We continue to find qualified candidates that meet our stringent criteria and will continue our disciplined approach to acquisitions during the second half of the year, although at a slower pace than in the first half of the year."

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. Announces Intent to Account for Revenues Net of Cores and to Delay Filing September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q

2007-04-05T23:34:00.000-07:00

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. ("MPA") (OTC:MPAA), a leading provider of remanufactured starters and alternators for the automotive aftermarket, announced today that it intends to account for revenues and cost of sales net of core values. Accordingly, as MPA intends to reissue its annual report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 and its quarterly report for the three-month period ended June 30, 2004, those statements should no longer be relied upon.

Selwyn Joffe, MPA's President and Chief Executive Officer, noted "Net accounting for cores is not expected to have any impact on MPA's previously reported gross profit, operating profit, net income or cash flow from operations. This change will result in a material decrease in our previously reported net revenues and a corresponding decrease in cost of sales."

MPA also announced that it did not file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004 by the November 15, 2004 filing deadline. Accordingly, MPA will file a notification of late filing on Form 12b-25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to this Form 10-Q. MPA expects to file the Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004, reflecting net accounting for cores, no later than November 22, 2004.

At the same time, MPA announced that its net income for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $2,001,000 , or $.23 per fully diluted share, as compared to $1,898,000, or $.23 per fully diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2003. MPA also announced that its net income for the six months ended September 30, 2004, was $2,092,000, or $.24 per fully diluted share, as compared to $2,578,000, or $.32 per fully diluted share, for the six months ended September 30, 2003. The change to net accounting for cores did not have an impact on net income for any of these periods.

Basis for Change

MPA's review of its accounting policies was precipitated in part by comments that MPA received from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Corporation Finance in connection with the SEC's review of financial information contained in prior periodic report filings. MPA's intention to adopt net accounting for cores is its interpretation of the better conclusion in the application of generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Core charges typically account for approximately 40% of the amount MPA charges its customers upon the sale of a remanufactured alternator or starter.

MPA also stated that it is possible it may make additional changes as management completes its review of MPA's previously filed periodic reports and the SEC continues its review of these periodic reports.

Expected Timing of Form 10-K/A and Form 10-Q/A

The Company expects to make the required Form 10-K/A and Forms 10-Q/A filings on or before December 15, 2004. However, no assurance can be given that these filings will be made at those times.

About MPA

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. (MPA), is a leading manufacturer of replacement alternators and starters for imported and domestic cars and light trucks in the United States and Canada. MPA has facilities in the United States in Torrance, California, Nashville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as overseas in Singapore and Malaysia. The company websites are located at www.motorcarparts.com and www.quality-built.com.

Disclosure Regarding Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the future performance of the Company that involve risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements. The financial results for the second quarter of Fiscal 2005 contained above and the impact of the anticipated restatement on prior periods' financial results are based upon preliminary information and are subject to change. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to timely finalize its interim financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, as anticipated, the concentration of sales to certain customers, changes in the Company's relationship with any of its customers, including the increasing customer pressure for lower prices and more favorable payment terms, our failure to meet the financial covenants or the other obligations set forth in our bank credit agreement and the bank's refusal to waive any such defaults, the potential for changes in consumer spending, increases in interest rates, changes in the financial condition of any of our major customers, consumer preferences and general economic conditions, increased competition in the automotive parts remanufacturing industry, unforeseen increases in operating costs and other factors discussed herein and in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Analog Signal Switches feature 130 MHz bandwidth

2007-04-04T01:40:00.001-07:00

Designed for high-speed switching of audio, video, and data signals in portable devices, SPST Models AS1741, AS1742, and AS1743 feature 1.6-3.6 V supply voltage, switching current up to 250 mA, and on-resistance of 0.8 Ohms. All digital logic inputs are 1.8 V CMOS compatible. Housed in 8-pin MSOP package, switches are suited for mobile phones, digital cameras, and PDAs, as well as MP3, CD/DVD, and video players.

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The AS1741, AS1742 and AS1743 analog switches are ideal for high-speed switching of audio, video and data signals in portable devices like mobile phones, MP3, CD/DVD and video players, digital cameras, PDAs and handhelds

RALEIGH, N.C. (September 13, 2005) - austriamicrosystems announced today the availability of its first family of high performance analog switches. These high-speed, low-voltage, dual, single-pole/single-throw (SPST) analog switches offer significant performance improvements over existing products. Switching time has been improved by over 40% while maintaining superior low on-resistance (Ron) flatness and channel matching. Through the improved bandwidth of 130MHz the devices are ideal for video and high-speed data signals. The wide supply voltage range from 1.6V to 3.6V supports a broad range of designs. All digital logic inputs are 1.8V CMOS compatible.

The combination of very low power consumption, Ron and fast switching speed makes these devices ideal for portable battery powered applications and allows for switching of currents up to 250mA. The excellent power routing performance enabled by the low Ron of only 0.8 Ohms makes these high performance switches a perfect match for low-Ohm speakers and headsets.

MEMS Accelerometers address different system needs

2007-04-04T01:38:00.000-07:00

Featuring SPI/I2C digital interface, 3-axis, low-g Model LIS3LV02DQ includes adjustable bandwidth to eliminate interference from irrelevant frequency areas, and direction detection, which signals threshold crossing along any of 3 axes. Housed in 5 x 5 x 1.5 mm[sup.3] LGA package, analog-output Models LIS3L02AL/LIS3L06AL meet space constraints of small-form-factor applications. Model LIS3L02AL offers acceleration range of [+ or -]2g, while Model LIS3L06AL offers choice of [+ or -]2 g and [+ or -]6 g.

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Geneva, October 12, 2005 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) devices, today announced that it has expanded its portfolio of three-axis accelerometers with three new models, embedding world-class performance in ever smaller packages. From ultra-compact analog devices to 'smart sensors' with two digital output formats (SPI/I2C), ST's low-power, high-resolution MEMS accelerometers address different system needs and hardware characteristics in a wide range of low-g applications, from hard-disk drive protection to motion user interfaces.

ST's LIS3LV02DQ is the market's most advanced 3-axis low-g accelerometer with a standard SPI/I2C digital interface. Its novel features, including adjustable bandwidth and direction detection, mark the transition towards the concept of "smart sensors."

Adjustable bandwidth provides optimized performance for different frequencies, raising the resolution by eliminating interference from irrelevant frequency areas. In ST's LIS3LV02DQ, the bandwidth can be flexibly changed with a software command, allowing designers to effectively combine measurements of slow and fast motions, such as tilts and vibrations, in one application.

The embedded feature of direction detection immediately signals threshold crossing along any of the three axes. This information helps quickly understand in which direction the sensor is moving before any data calculations are made. Areas of application include intuitive user interfaces in various computer and consumer applications, such as 3D mice or gaming consoles.

ST's new analog-output LIS3L02AL/LIS3L06AL sensors are the market's first devices in slim-and-small plastic LGA (Land Grid Array) packages. Their 5x5x1.5 mm3 dimensions meet the space constraints of the booming small-form-factor applications, including mini disc drives, mobile phones, and other portable electronic devices.

ST's leadership in MEMS miniaturization goes hand in hand with superior performance parameters. The new accelerometers can measure both tilt and acceleration along all three (x, y, z) axes at a very low noise level and minimized power consumption, which is especially critical in battery-operated portable systems.

The LIS3L0xAL devices also offer high temperature stability and tight offset tolerances, and their robust design provides very high immunity to vibration and a shock resistance up to 10,000g.

ST's new three-axis analog sensor is available in two acceleration ranges, the standard +/- 2g LIS3L02AL for tilt applications, and a dynamically selectable choice of +/-2g and +/-6g in the LIS3L06AL, suited for measuring both static and dynamic accelerations, such as vibrations or rollover motions.

"Shrinking dimensions, coupled with increasing performance, and embedded flexibility, open up a fascinating range of computer and consumer applications for our MEMS-based sensors," said Hubert Geitner, Marketing and Business Development Manager at the MEMS Business Unit of ST. "ST's silicon expertise and leadership in micro-machining technologies translate into the highest levels of sensitivity and robustness at very competitive prices. Furthermore, full ownership of the device manufacturing flow enables us to guarantee our customers long-term availability and roadmap continuity."

Available now in production volumes, unit pricing is $4.25 for the LIS3L02AL, $4.65 for the LIS3L06AL, and $5.35 for the LIS3LV02DQ, all for quantities of 10,000 pieces.

About ST's MEMS Portfolio

ST[acute accent]s MEMS inertial sensors target a wide array of applications in computer peripherals, consumer, telecommunications, and automotive markets. ST accelerometers initiate the deployment of car alarm systems and detect excessive vibrations in electronic home appliances. ST's MEMS devices also open up new possibilities for intuitive man-machine interaction in gaming and mobile applications, enabling users to interact with the system by simply tilting the device in the desired direction. Market analysts predict that by 2010, there will be one accelerometer in each portable hard-disk-based device (laptops, audio/video players) and every mobile phone

Asset Tracking Device provides trailer and freight tracking

2007-03-24T02:41:00.000-07:00

Pre-configured, self-powered Fleet-Link(TM) remotely monitors and manages truck trailers, freight containers, and other mobile assets from central command center. Offering solar-powered option, device communicates using MicroBurst[R] cellular network, which provides seamless coverage throughout North America. Fleet-Link can monitor and report on cargo that has been opened during transit, excess vehicle speeds, door alarms that have been activated, and distance traveled.

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Pre-configured, self-powered unit ideal for truck trailer and container applications

Las Vegas, Nevada - Oct. 4, 2004 - (TSX:CSY): CSI Wireless Inc., a designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless and GPS products used in more than 50 countries, today announced that its Fleet-Link(tm) asset-tracking product is now being shipped to application service providers, OEMs and other customers. Fleet-Link is a self-powered asset-tracking product to remotely monitor and manage truck trailers, freight containers and other mobile assets from a central command centre.

Fleet-Link cost-effectively addresses shippers' growing need to constantly track the locations of their goods. The first model of Fleet-Link - including a solar-powered option that is generating substantial interest from potential purchasers - is ideal for trucking companies and other overland shippers in the Americas. It communicates using the low-cost MicroBurst[R] cellular network, developed by Aeris.net, which provides seamless coverage throughout North America.

CSI Wireless will soon introduce a second model of Fleet-Link for the global marketplace - to serve trucking companies and other overland shippers, plus container ships and other ocean-traveling vessels. This version will communicate using the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) cellular technology that is employed by almost three quarters of the world's wireless subscribers and networks.

More than 90 per cent of all goods transported internationally are carried in freight containers. In the wake of increasing terrorism activity worldwide, there is growing public concern that freight containers could be used to smuggle terrorists and/or their weapons. Fleet-Link is designed to improve logistics and security - benefiting both the shipper and security personnel. It features sufficient battery life to continue operating at the conclusion of ocean transits, which average 20 days.

Fleet-Link's competitive advantages include:

Installation in 15 minutes or less

Self-powered - featuring its own battery that can be recharged from the truck's battery or from an optional solar panel when the trailer is not connected to the truck

Efficiently powered - featuring a sophisticated power-management system and motion-sensing to maximize battery life; plus essentially unlimited power using the optional solar panel

Affordable, rugged and self-contained

Pre-configured to accommodate a wide variety of telematics and fleet or freight-tracking applications, but also well-suited to customized applications

"Fleet-Link will 'future-proof' our customers because it can be easily upgraded to digital from analog, and to 3.0G from 2.5G," said Stephen Verhoeff, CSI Wireless' President and CEO. "Our initial release is designed for analog MicroBurst use, but it can be easily upgraded to digital MicroBurst or other available technologies as customer needs evolve. We also plan to offer versions incorporating IXRTT and WiFi technologies."

Examples of conditions that Fleet-Link can monitor and report on include:

Cargo that has been opened during transit

Cargo that has stopped outside of its origin or destination for a longer-than-required time

Vehicle speeds in excess of prescribed limits

Vehicles that divert from prescribed routes

Engine use or idling time is in excess of prescribed limits

Refrigerated load temperatures that are outside of prescribed limits

Door alarms that have been activated

Distance-traveled reports, including driver hour logs

Use and location of leased assets

Fleet-Link's initial customers include Robertson Group, the Nashville, Tennessee-based application service provider and long-haul trucking company whose Best Online Tracking or "BOLT" Internet-based fleet management system is designed for small and mid-sized trucking firms, with fewer than 500 trucks.

Report on quality changes for 2005 model vehicles

2007-03-24T02:40:00.000-07:00

The value of quality changes for a sample of 13 model-year 2005 domestic passenger cars included in the Producer Price Index (PPI) for October averaged $283.12, according to estimates by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor. This change represents 73.8 percent of the average $383.86 increase in manufacturers' invoice prices for this year's models compared with last year's models.

The retail equivalent value of these quality changes averaged $310.50, representing 74.3 percent of the average $417.81 over-the-year increase in manufacturers' suggested list prices.

The $310.50 estimated retail value of the quality changes includes:

* $193.11 for federally mandated and nonmandated safety improvements, such as changes to brake and airbag systems

* $117.39 for other quality changes, such as emission improvements, changes in audio systems, and changes in levels of standard or optional equipment

The value of quality changes for a sample of 18 model-year 2005 domestic light trucks included in the PPI for October averaged $306.26. This change represents 75.7 percent of the average $404.35 increase in manufacturers' invoice prices for this year's models compared with last year's models.

The retail equivalent value of quality changes for domestic light trucks averaged $345.38, representing 75.2 percent of the average $459.28 over-the-year increase in manufacturers' suggested list prices.

The $345.38 estimated retail value of the quality changes includes:

* $18.30 for federally mandated safety improvements, such as changes to head impact protection, child seat systems, and airbag systems

* $120.43 for nonmandated safety improvements, such as changes to seatbelts, brakes, and nonmandated changes to airbag systems

* $206.65 for other quality changes, such as power-train improvement, theft protection, changes in audio systems, and changes in levels of standard or optional equipment

Estimates of the value of quality changes are based on a review by BLS of data supplied by producers for similarly equipped 2004 and 2005 domestic models priced for the PPI. Most of the estimates of quality changes in this release are derived from information supplied to the PPI for October. New vehicle quality adjustments for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) also are based on these data. However, it should be noted that, effective with the release of data for January 1999, changes made solely for the purpose of meeting air pollution standards are no longer considered quality improvements for CPI calculations.

Tools of the Trade

2007-03-24T02:39:00.000-07:00

Customer Education Tools

Part of a suite of Internet-based tools, UnderCarInfo.NET offers access to hundreds of online videos, digital photos, animations and illustrations, which can be used to illustrate vehicle operation and service procedures to vehicle owners. The online Vehicle Suspension Adjustment Information shows owners the factoiy or aftermarket adjustments required for their vehicles. UnderCarInfo.NET also includes an online Tools & Kits feature, which lists specific hand tools, special tools and kits needed to align any vehicle in the database before the job is started. Under Carlnfo.NET is a standard feature on the company's 811P-Plus Alignment Systems. Hunter Engineering

The RPAT2 Rear Parking Assist Tester quickly checks the sensors for rear parking assist (RPA) systems without your having to remove the bumper or jack up the vehicle. The handheld tester visually and audibly indicates whether a particular sensor is working or not working. No cables, cable wire or connectors are required to use the tester, which is compatible with all ultrasonic factory systems, including models manufactured for GM, Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles, as well as all after-market systems for commercial trucks and trailers. Snap-on Tools

The PermaDryPlus replacement intake manifold gasket is designed to solve chronic coolant leakage problems on domestic engines that rely on extended-life organic acid technology (OAT) coolant and were factory-equipped with rigid nylon and molded rubber-type intake manifold gaskets. The new gasket features a high-strength aluminized steel carrier that is edge-molded and encapsulated with a proprietary fluoroelastomer material. Three separate sealing beads around coolant ports are said to ensure a long-lasting seal. Immediate coverage is offered for General Motors 5.0 and 5.7L engines manufactured from 1996 through 2002. Additional coverage-for select Ford (3.8, 4.0 and 4.2L) and GM (3.1, 3.4 and 4.3L) applications-will be introduced in early 2005. Fel-Pro

The complete line of DieselPower! performance additives includes Complete Fuel System Treatment, Fuel Injector Cleaner, Performance Improver & Cetane Booster, Anti-Gel & Fuel Treatment and Engine Oil Treatment & Life Extender. These products are specially engineered to meet the needs of all diesel-powered light trucks and cars. They're packaged in 20-oz. bottles that will treat up to 100 gals, of diesel fuel. The engine oil treatment takes care of up to 15 qts. of oil. Gold Eagle

These booster cables offer a tangle-free way to jump-start a battery. They're very flexible, and the 100% pure copper, Easy Reach low-profile cable clamps allow you to connect in tight spaces, according to the maker. They're also color-coded for easy polarity identification and vinyl-coated for rust and corrosion resistance. Cables are available in 12-, 16-, 20- and 25-ft. lengths. Standard gauge sizes and amperages include 4 gauge/400 amps, 4 gauge/500 amps and 2

This intake manifold (Part No. 106001) is designed to address the cracking and corroding problems of the original manifold, which can lead to coolant leaks. The new manifold features beefed-up internal and external ribs within the plenum, heat-stabilized nylon material and improved carrier and throttle body gaskets. A single part number covers 1995-2004 GM 3.8 engines (except supercharged). ATP-Inc.

The Model 2840 front-load automatic parts washer is large enough for engine blocks and other automotive components. It features a wash cabinet that's 40 in. high, a 28-in.-wide rotating turntable and a load capacity of 750 lbs. A removable 20-mesh debris screen prevents loose parts and heavy particles from entering the wash solution. The 3-hp sealless vertical pump delivers cleaning power at a rate of 50 GPM (gals. per minute) and 45 psi. Like all of the manufacturers parts washers, the Model 2840 is ETL safety certified to UL and CSA specifications and backed by a one-year parts and labor warranty when Cuda detergents are used. Cuda Cleaning Systems

BEA current and historical data: national, international, and regional data

2007-03-24T02:38:00.002-07:00

This section presents an extensive selection of economic statistics prepared by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and a brief selection of collateral statistics prepared by other Government agencies and private organizations. Series that originate in Government agencies are not copyrighted and may be reprinted freely. Series from private sources are provided through the courtesy of the compilers and are subject to their copyrights.

BEA's economic statistics are available on BEA's Web site at . The site contains data, articles, news releases, and other information from BEA's national, industry, international, and regional programs.

The tables in this section include the most recent estimates of gross domestic product and its components. These estimates were released on November 30, 2004, and they include the "preliminary" estimates for the third quarter of 2004 and revised estimates of wages and salaries and affected income-side series for the second quarter of 2004.

The selected set of NIPA tables shown in this section presents quarterly estimates, which are updated monthly. In most of these tables, annual estimates are also shown.

New Producer Price Index for the Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers Industry—NAICS 524114

2007-03-24T02:38:00.001-07:00

n July 2004, in its ongoing effort to expand coverage of the service sector in the Producer Price Index (PPI), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) introduced a new price index for the direct health and medical insurance carriers industry. This index, NAICS 524114--Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, appears in table 5 of this publication and is available online via the BLS homepage: www.bls.gov. Data are available for December 2002 to present; prior to December 2003, the index is published as discontinued series SIC 6325.

The primary output of this industry is the contractual transfer of the risk for payment of medical costs and financial intermediation. The policy underwritten by the insurer represents a unique output. The policy lists the conditions for which restitution would be made to the policyholder to cover medical costs. The amount of risk being transferred to the insurer is clearly stated in terms of covered benefits (and benefits not covered), and it obligates the insurer to pay claims for all such occurrences. The indexes for this industry measure the change in the total premium (employee and employer contribution) paid to the insurer plus the return on the invested portion of the premium.

To track price movement for the selected policy, insurance companies participating in the survey are presented with two options. With the first option, companies are asked to estimate a premium for a "frozen" policy. An actual policy is selected, and the price-determining characteristics are held constant when the policy is priced each year on its anniversary or renewal date. The companies estimate the premium using current charges applied to the characteristics of this policy.

With the second option, the insurance companies follow the selected policy over time. They are asked to provide the actual premium charged to the policyholder and to identify any modifications to the policy each year on the anniversary or renewal date. Any changes in benefits over time must be factored out so that index movements reflect only changes in price and not any additional benefits. To maintain constant quality, the companies must be able to provide the value of the risk change associated with any change to the policy characteristics.

Road worthy: auto recyclers remain competitive as suppliers of components harvested from salvaged vehicles

2007-03-24T02:36:00.000-07:00

Auto dismantlers operate in an environment where many of their competitors as well as some of their customers are among the largest and most powerful companies in the world. The salvage and dismantling experts offer components that can compete with OEM parts made directly by the world's automakers, many of which can be found in the upper tier of the annual Fortune 500 survey.

At the same time, many of the salvaged components are purchased by auto insurance companies, several of which make appearances of their own on any "who's who" roster of corporate America.

In this land of giants, these family businesses are finding new ways to stay viable, often by sharing information, cooperating on joint marketing efforts or through the more traditional merger and acquisition route.

A tepid consumer economy combined with vehicles that are lasting longer can both help and hurt auto recyclers, according to Bob Hoffmann of Quality Replacement Parts (QRP), Schofield, Wis., a co-op with several dozen member companies.

Much as in the scrap industry, auto recyclers need generated material (in their case, scrapped or totaled cars) before they can have a product to sell.

Galvanized steel and greater attention to the quality of mechanical systems are giving cars longer life, Hoffmann notes. "Cars are staying on the road longer, with some 150,000- and 200,000-mile cars out there," he remarks. "It used to be that no one wanted to drive, or certainly buy, a car with 75,000 miles on it, especially if rust was starting to set in."

A new form of competition for totaled automobiles is coming from exporters, who are having success selling the cars to buyers in nations such as Mexico and Russia, where dealers can repair and re-sell them without having to meet the stringent safety and emissions requirements of the United States, according to Hoffmann.

On the other hand, motorists who wish to keep their current models running rather than enter the new car market can provide a portion of the overall market for recycled automobile components.

Cutthroat competition among auto insurers is another wider economic factor that is affecting auto recyclers. "They are competing hard in terms of keeping premiums down and looking to hold repair costs down," notes Hoffmann. "The term they use is 'claim severity.' If they can keep severity down, perhaps by sourcing more affordable recycled parts, then they are in a better position to keep premiums down and remain competitive."

Joe Holsten, CEO of LKQ Corp., Chicago, agrees. "Every major insurance company is focused on increasing their use of alternative parts. They're keenly focused on managing the cost side of their business, even more than in the past."

On the competitive front, auto recyclers continue to face competition from the makers of new OEM parts, who would rather have 100 percent of the market. Hoffmann says that in some markets, these efforts are getting help from auto dealership owners who are establishing delivery fleets and parts warehouses in different parts of a metropolitan market to blanket a wider geographic zone.

The variety of factors has still provided auto dismantlers with a market that is good for the resale of their parts--if they can procure enough totaled automobiles to harvest usable components for late model vehicles.

Interestingly, air bags are playing a role in the supply equation. "Air bag deployment means a car is more likely to be declared totaled because of the high cost to replace them," notes Holsten. Two air bags deploying will almost certainly tilt an adjuster toward declaring a car as totaled.

"Five years ago, the number of cars on the road with two air bags was far less; now most have two," says Holsten. This may be why statistics show the percentage of crashed cars declared as totaled rising from 8 percent to 9 percent in the late 1990s to 12 percent to 13 percent this year.

STICKING TOGETHER. Although the David-vs.-Goliath aspect of family businesses competing among corporate giants might be fun from a distance, in the trenches many auto recyclers are taking steps to make it a fairer fight.

QRP has offered a remedy through its co-op arrangement, according to Hoffmann. The co-op arrangement can provide smaller companies with access to a wider network of parts and access to other helpful information, while still allowing company owners to remain independent.

In 2004, QRP has added new member companies and also introduced a service called QRT, a towing program that can allow the small member companies in bring in vehicles from a farther distance than they may otherwise be able to reach. Hoffmann says part of the way QRT works is by arranging "backhauls" so that network member tow truck drivers will have a vehicle to tow in both directions. "It opens up the buying of salvaged vehicles to a wider geographic range," he notes. The towing companies bid to haul the cars to QRP members."

Twists and turns: how automotive companies can travel the complexity highway

2007-03-06T01:00:00.001-08:00

If one could only select a single adjective to describe the automotive industry, the most apt descriptor would likely be: complex. Here in automotive, market segments are large and diverse--from passenger and light vehicles to heavy trucks and equipment. Industry value nets are comprised of an intricate web of suppliers, automakers and retail dealerships. Not to mention that automotive is a global game--with design, manufacturing and distribution occurring on virtually every continent.

And doing business in automotive has only become more complicated over time. Intense competition for market share generated a frenzy of mergers and acquisitions that frequently left larger companies with complex--if not unwieldy--organizations and infrastructures. Outdated forecasting practices coupled with inflexible manufacturing facilities and fast-changing business dynamics have resulted in substantial overcapacity and complicated inventory management practices that have sliced margins. To top things off, the innovation race has multiplied the technological complexity of vehicles and the processes used to produce and service them, thereby increasing time-to-market, lifecycle costs and the potential for quality problems. This can lead to safety issues and contribute to rising governmental regulation, which adds yet more time, cost and (no surprise here) complexity

To keep business opportunities from getting mired in all of this complexity, auto companies need a different approach--one that allows them to cost-effectively produce the innovation demanded by customers, team with partners to drive down development time and costs and enter new markets when and where appropriate.

Counteracting increased complexity requires business processes that are fully integrated--end-to-end across the company and with key partners, suppliers and customers--so that auto companies can respond with flexibility and speed to any customer demand, market opportunity or external threat.

Bumper Supplier Intends To Go Public - Meridian Automotive Systems Inc. initial public offering - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

2007-03-06T00:57:00.000-08:00

Meridian Automotive Systems Inc., which supplies bumpers and other parts to Ford Motor, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler, said it wants to go public. The Dearborn, Michigan-based company filed a prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission saying it wants to raise up to $173 million through the sale of common stock. The preliminary document did not indicate the number of shares, the price range or even the exchange it wants to be listed on. All of that information is expected in later filings.

Meridian is also offering $250 million in senior subordinated notes due 2012 and replacing an existing senior credit facility with a $150 million term loan and a $125 million revolving facility. It plans to use the money from the IPO, the notes offering and the new credit facility to primarily repay outstanding debt.

Meridian said it supplies parts for 15 of the 20 best selling vehicles in North America as well as a large number of popular lights trucks, sport utility vehicles and passenger cars, according to the SEC filing.
The company has posted significant net losses in 2000 and 2001 as well as the first six months ended June 30, 2002. After posting net income of $10.4 million in 1999, Meridian reported net losses of $12 million in 2000 and $57 million the year after that. It also recorded a net loss of $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002 before the cumulative effect of an accounting change. The net losses resulted primarily from debt-related interest costs, the company said. As of the end of June, consolidated total debt was nearly $500 million, according to the filing.

The six-hour car: how IT can help make it happen; Although there are certainly a number of information technology systems available, right now, the au

2007-03-06T00:55:00.000-08:00

Pamela Lopker bought a Ford Expedition recently. The dealership said she would get it in six weeks. It took seven. Lopker has a problem with that. "It only takes 72 hours to build a car," she points out. So, where's the delay? It's in the supply chain.

Lopker is the founder, chairman, and president of QAD Inc. (Carpinteria, CA), an enterprise resource planning (ERP) supplier. Needless to say, she's been studying these sorts of supply chain issues for a while. Here are some of her thoughts on why there are problems in communicating from one company to another, and what she thinks needs to be done to help accelerate order to delivery of cars and trucks.

AD & P: Why does it take six weeks to get automotive parts to automakers?

Lopker: Automotive production starts when you order a car from the car dealer. The dealership periodically places those orders to the automaker. The automaker plays around with these actual orders to create "wish-to-be" orders, which the automakers call their "marketing forecast." Then they decide what they're going to tell the next layer down, the Tier 1 suppliers, to make in terms of seats, carpets, big-buy parts, and so on.

Each link typically adds a week for receiving and processing orders, developing requirements, and placing orders to the next supplier down. The delays in information flow are all from internal processes, usually because suppliers tend to batch things up. That's how you get to a minimum of six weeks to make your part. We need to adjust the batches to lots of one. We need to have information flowing continuously through the supply chain so we can be reactive to actual customer demand.

AD & P: I though EDI was supposed to speed the flow of communications?

Lopker: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a point-to-point distributed model. It's more of a rigid technology. EDI works well from the OEMs to the Tier 1 suppliers, but that's because there are only a dozen OEMs and only a hundred Tier 1 suppliers. When you go from the hundred Tier 1s to the thousands of Tier 2s, the cost of having tight EDI links for every partner combination becomes prohibitive. EDI works very well for very tight relationships, where you have few partners doing 80% of the business. The new XML standards are much more flexible, but still fairly expensive to set up between two partners. XML is good for faster, lightweight connections, between trusted trading partners.

AD & P: Is data transmission the only problem?

Lopker: The real issue is in processing production information into orders. The state-of-the-art today is to run material requirements planning (MRP) nightly or weekly, planning production orders, and then using that production plan. We need to go to more of a rate-based manufacturing model rather than a work order-based manufacturing model. We need to be able to reschedule manufacturing on the fly, resequence production according to actual demand coming through the supply chain. If I have three blues and five reds coming down a production line and a couple of the blues are not in demand yet, but my next order is for a purple, I need to be able to put in that purple and move the blues back.

AD & P: But wasn't that the purpose of ERP?

Lopker: Yes. But did ERP fulfill that vision? No. ERP's initial focus was on internal operations, not the connectivity of demand between enterprises. That is the next evolution in manufacturing management. We currently spend a lot of time developing processes for accounting, manufacturing, and distribution--once you get the order into the enterprise. But what value is there to saying you need 1,000 items when you already have 999 of those already sitting on the shelf somewhere in the pipeline? We need to change that to a system based on the continuous pull of what is actually required by the car dealerships. It is the pull signal that goes through the series of tier suppliers that support the dealership.

AD & P: Isn't there supply chain management (SCM) software supporting those sorts of inter-enterprise communications you're talking about?

Lopker: Up to now, the supply chain model promoted by enterprise and supply chain software vendors has been what I call "Communist command-and-control." Each of the vendor's software basically has to be the center of the universe and everybody has to hook up to it. Supply chain partners aren't buying into that model.

Information management in the supply chain has to follow a distributed model that lets everybody maintain their own systems and their own connections to their customers and suppliers. Yet, the model must also pass information through the supply chain. Future distributed information chains won't be just EDI; they will be a mix of things: EDI, Internet, XML, some sort of comma delimited files, and periodic batch file transmissions.

Styles Of Truck Tool Boxes

2006-12-30T02:01:00.001-08:00

Truck tool boxes are great for carrying tools for work. They are also beneficial for carrying sports or fishing equipment. Pick up trucks have limited space in the cab for hauling tools and other items. Tool boxes allow items to be carried safely in the bed. There are a variety of different styles made for every type of truck.

Top mount tool boxes are mounted in the bed behind the cab of the truck. They may have single or dual lids; one compartment or several smaller compartments are used. The style you choose depends on what you will be carrying in the box. For several smaller items, you may want something with multiple compartments. If you carry larger tools, you will probably want one large compartment.

Side mount boxes mount on the side rail of the bed. Most of the box sits inside the bed. These come in a variety of sizes to fit every size truck, from a compact to a full size bed. The box opens from the top. Look for a model that locks into the bed to prevent theft. The lid should also have a lock. These features are good for any type of box.

The crossover box is the most popular type of tool box for a pick up truck. These fit behind the cab of any size truck. A variety of models and styles of box are available to fit every need. Most of these tool boxes can be bolted to the bed of the truck to discourage theft. Most major manufacturers make crossover boxes.

Materials Used in Truck Tool Boxes

Plastic tool boxes are the least expensive type. These are cheaper than other materials and not as durable. They are a good basic box, if cost is an issue. Plastic is great for recreational use, but may not stand up to heavy duty professional use.

Aluminium is another common material used in tool boxes for pick up trucks. It is light weight, yet more durable than plastic. The cost is slightly higher, but the box will last much longer. The finish is durable and easy to clean. These come in either aluminium color or black.

Steel is the most durable and strongest of all materials. Steel boxes are great for professional use and will stand up to regular, heavy use. They are also the most expensive type of all boxes. Look for powder coated steel, which increases the durability of the finish. This coating allows the box to stand up to the weather.

Manufacturers of Truck Tool Boxes

Delta tool boxes are one of the most preferred brands by professionals and recreational truck owners. A variety of styles are available in both steel and plastic. The plastic models are good quality, but not as durable as the metal. These are good for carrying fishing equipment, camping gear or any other recreational equipment.

The delta champion series is a good collection of crossover tool boxes. A variety of sizes and styles are made to fit full size, mid size and compact beds. These boxes have a rigid insulated lid, with three layer laminate. This design increases durability and security. A lock system helps prevent theft. Weather stripping on the lid helps seal out water.

The pro series delta tool box is made of steel and aluminium. The crossover has a double jaw latching system and reinforced front rail to help prevent theft. There are storage areas for small tools, or other small items. This model is the sturdiest of all tool boxes made by delta.

Truck Bed Covers - Save Gas And Transform Your Truck

2006-12-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

Truck bed covers are attachments to a pickup truck’s bed that protect against weather and provide security from theft. This allows you to store items in the bed away from the weather, from damage, and from the prying eyes of thieves. Unlike truck attachments like camper shells, bed covers do not provide additional vertical cargo space. Bed covers are best when you desire your truck to maintain a low profile or when you wish for your truck to have an easy on, easy off cover for its beds.

1. Save Gas!

As air flows over the front end of your vehicle, it careens into the hollow bowl of your bed and produces opposite force to your truck. This could easily eat several miles from your gas mileage every time you use your truck. These types of covers also provide extra gas mileage by reducing air drag that is exacerbated by the truck bed - an aerodynamic nightmare. You could even save about 10% on your gas with a good truck cover!

2. About Bed Covers

- Strong, rigid canopy covers
- Protect your transport items
- Some are detachable
- Easy to install
- Do not restrict the use of your tailgate

3. History Of Truck Covers

Truck covers are also known as truck bed covers. They have evolved from a number of versions that have been designed for a different uses. Because of this, no one person can claim to have invented the truck cover. Soft covers gained became popular on major speedways. Sport truck racers used soft truck covers to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. Hard top truck covers rose in prominence as an alternative to camper shells. These highly-customized truck bed lids evolved to suit the various needs of truck drivers.

4. Truck Cover Storage Basics

When you need to transport items ranging from groceries, to heavy furniture, the truck cover does the trick. The cover shields your items from view, from the weather and from damage. Even simple covers can sufficiently protect your stuff. In some instances, truck covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that channel the moisture away from the covers. With such equipment, truck owners have a greater peace of mind when transporting items sensitive to such. With most models, installation requires no drilling into the truck bed.

Black is the standard color offered by most manufacturers, but many do offer a variety of other colors. When purchasing a truck bed cover, you need to decide between a hard cover (solid fiberglass) and a soft cover (vinyl). The differences between the two are highlighted below:

5. Hard Covers

Firmly attached, they do not blow off even at highway speeds. They are available with hinge systems to allow an easier lifting of cover to put or get cargo. It also is secure and lockable. These hard covers weigh about 100 lbs. Hard covers are also more expensive than vinyl covers. They are more durable and are also weatherproof.

6. Soft Covers

These, on the other hand, are easy to remove and install. They often just snap on to the truck rails and are ready to go. Although they may not be as tough as hard covers, they are still strong enough to provide protection for 1 to 2 people. If you are hauling large cargo, these covers come off easily to accommodate the extra space.

Truck Seat Covers For Monster Protection

2006-12-30T01:59:00.000-08:00

If you want some hard action when driving, trucks are the most appropriate vehicles. Of course, if you want to protect your truck’s car seats, you will need more than just ordinary seat covers. What you need is a seat cover that is equally strong and reliable like its user - truck seat covers. Truck seat covers provide optimum protection to your upholsteries and renders advantages in many ways.

1. Creativity

Truck seat covers give your truck a distinctive display or design. This can either illuminate your truck’s interior design or amplify its contents!

2. Protection

What could be more important in driving your monster truck but to protect it so as to keep it in top shape? Truck seat covers are ergonomically designed to render utmost protection against harmful elements that may trigger your upholsteries deterioration. Plus, if your seats are already destroyed or have holes in them, a seat cover can effectively hide those unsightly aspects of your seats and at the same time provide optimal comfort.

3. Normal Wear And Tear

Trucks are like SUVs or Family Sedans - the whole family can be accommodated, trucks are most often used in camping, picnics, and other vigorous activities because they can carry more load compared with what SUVs and cars can do. And so, because of increased exposure to a lot of elements brought about by different activities, trucks are vulnerable to a lot of harmful elements that mat destroy the seats like:

Moisture.

Whether your family went swimming, surfing, or even mountain climbing or strolling, the moisture left in your clothes can have great effects on your truck’s upholstery. Generally, most truck’s upholstery is made up of leather. And we all know for a fact that leathers hate waters. It is their number one enemy. And so, protecting them with truck seat covers against moisture will provide a longer life span for your truck upholstery.

Friction

No one would ever think that the actual activity of getting in and out of the truck can put more pressure upon the seats. And the friction that is initiated by merely rubbing against your truck’s upholstery is enough to damage your seats. You will only see the effects as time wears it out. And so, the most feasible way to avoid such spoilage is to cover up them up with truck seat covers. It will provide enough barriers against you and your upholstery.

Ultraviolet destruction

What you thought is only harmful to the skin is equally damaging to your truck’s upholstery. Because upholsteries are made up of leather, they are vulnerable to sun damage because the ultraviolet rays of the suns dries out the oils present in the leather seats. Without these lubricants, the upholstery may dry out and eventually will crack. So, to avoid this kind of problem, it is best to cover your truck’s upholstery with truck seat covers.

Unavoidable accidents.

We all know for a fact that accidents do happen and they are really unavoidable. Such case applies to your truck’s upholstery. Without the protection that truck seat covers can bring, your upholstery is doomed to accidents like spills, oily stuffs from potato chips, pet’s dung, and other dirty elements. But if you have your upholstery covered up with nice sets of truck seat covers, you can be assured of stain-free truck seats ahead.

4. Different Kinds of Truck Seat Covers

Truck seat covers vary with different colors and designs. But what makes it more appropriate protection for your truck seats is that it is available in three different fittings, individually capable of providing you the kinds of fitting that you want.

Semi-custom fittings

Among the three truck seat covers, semi-custom fit is the most common among truck owners. This is because most trucks have different huge seats that typical fittings cannot be accommodated. And so, with a combination of custom-made and a little patterned design, semi-custom fit is the ideal truck seat covers for every truck users.

2. Custom seat

These are exclusively tailor-made just for your truck’s seats. In making these seat covers, careful considerations where given to every details of your seats. That is why custom fittings are more expensive than the other two.

3. Ultimate fit covers.

The last type of fittings in trucks is the Ultimate Seat covers. It is made up of original automotive grade fabric that is specially designed to give the truck’s upholstery utmost protection.

Honda Ridgeline: The Truck That Works

2006-12-29T00:56:00.001-08:00

Of course, most vehicles that are produced and manufactured around the globe work well. However, upon meeting the Honda Ridgeline, the views have changed and people have started proclaiming this vehicle as the truck that actually works. This is based on the premise that most of the trucks that roam the streets and country roads are built to perform. However, these trucks are not very much capable of doing all types of work and have not been specifically built to take in various types of cargo without much hassle. This missing link has already been created and it comes in the form of the Honda Ridgeline.

What the new Honda Ridgeline has are the essentials that a truck must have. It could do rough road duties that just shows off just how durable this vehicle could be. It is constructed with a certain rigidity so as to withstand the various pressures of being a truck. Its cargo room is quite plentiful and it is entirely versatile so much so that any kind of cargo could be loaded and transported using the Honda Ridgeline. Honda prides itself for the Honda Ridgeline for they have been able to create and design a truck that is the very first and at present the only pick up truck that has received the government crash rating test of five stars for frontal impact tests as well as for side impact tests. This mainly proves that the truck is not only excellent in its duties and responsibilities but it also is outstanding when it comes to providing safety for its passengers which is very important. The chances of this truck doing a rollover are also minute as tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

5000 pounds is the Honda Ridgeline’s towing capacity. Its payload capacity reaches some 1550 pounds. The power comes from a very efficient V6 engine that produces 247 units of horsepower. Agile, efficient, and durable are just a few of the adjectives that describes this remarkable truck.

Truck Accessories

2006-12-29T00:55:00.001-08:00

If you own a pickup truck you might have the desire to change it up a little. Doesn’t matter what kind of change or look you are going for you can get the right parts that will transform the look of your car.

You can get accessories at the dealer you bought your car from, but buying the accessories online will give you a wider rang of selections. Not only will shopping online give you a wider selection but you can save quite a bit of money. You will more likely encounter deals and bargains on the internet.

Let’s talk about exterior accessories first. There are many different exterior accessories available to change the outside of your truck. Some of the accessories are air dams, bug shields, bumpers, bras and masks, fender flares, graphics and emblems, grille guards, hoods and scoops, mirrors, roll pans, truck steps, rack and cargo accessories, wings and spoilers and the list goes on. However you should select items that will complement your truck, make sure it doesn’t look all cluttered.

Changing the interior of your car is more the comfort then anything else. Some example of accessories you can get are seat covers, door accessories, floor mats, horns, cargo trays and liner, 12 volt accessories, instrumental panel covers, pet accessories and much more.

Another way to change you interior is by adding electronic features. Such as GPS and navigation systems, CD or satellite radio, radar and laser detector, security systems and antennas, remote starters and many other things.

It is hard t list all the different types of accessories that you can add to your truck in one article. You will be able to see and find out more accessories available on the internet. You might just find what you are looking for. Whatever you have in mind you will be able to get the truck you’ve always wanted.

Benefits of using a Tonneau Truck Cover

2006-12-29T00:54:00.000-08:00

Tonneau truck covers are best suited for trucks that haul cargo that is heavy. These covers provide the ultimate protection as typically, they are made of aluminum and steel that is of superior quality.

Some Tonneau Truck Covers are made of fiberglass, whatever the case all the covers are light in weight and can be used easily. This also makes for easy assembly of the covers and they can set up in a short span of time. Many of the Tonneau covers come with an easy railing snap mechanism, which makes drilling holes into the truck railing redundant.

Tonneau covers come with numerous advantages; and have emerged as one of the most valuable assets for people who own pickup trucks. One of the biggest benefits of using Tonneau covers is that they are configured to provide able security to the valuable cargo that a truck will carry. They are made in a way such that they can lock the cargo, thus preventing many a robbery. They also protect the cargo from the elements and can withstand the toughest of road conditions. Moreover, these covers can be used in any weather condition and you can be assured that the objects underneath these covers are not damaged in any way.

If you are one of those who appreciate a sense of color in your covers, then Tonneau covers cater to this requirement as well. They are available in a range of colors that can blend in with the color of any truck. A potential customer can choose from a wide variety of colors that add that extra something to the overall look of the truck.

Some Tonneau covers are so light that children can easily set them up. As aforementioned this lightweight quality makes them very popular as they can be handled easily. Furthermore, all Tonneau covers are easily foldable and can be tucked away in a small corner of your garage.

Some Tonneau covers are available in the aerodynamic variety. They enable a truck owner to increase mileage of the truck. We have said earlier that they can be put up easily but we forget to mention that all Tonneau covers can be taken down as easily. Once they are down some covers can also be hung well out of the way. Such covers look like a mounted hardware and thus do not stand out.

Some Tonneau covers are retractable in nature. However, bear in mind that a hard cover retracts only in parts. Soft covers retract completely. Aerodynamic retractable covers can retract automatically by the simple pulling of a strap. For those who want a cover for their toolbox, well do not fret. Tonneau toolbox covers are tailor-made to suit this demand as well.

Top five trucks for gas mileage

2006-12-28T00:54:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, people would scoff at you if you told them that you were looking for trucks with the best gas mileage. But, as truck sales began to slip downwards, manufacturers started giving due importance to this factor. Today, there has been a dramatic change in the scenario.

The rising costs of gas, has propelled potential truck buyers to go for trucks that can meet their gas mileage demands. Truck makers have now taken firm steps to improve the fuel economy of their makes at all levels.

Usually the ranking of the top five trucks based on gas mileage is founded on a combination factors. The prime parameters are the fuel economy rating given by EPA, the transmission of the vehicle, and its inherent popularity amongst car buyers. The formula for calculation for most gas mileage rankings is a combination of the city mpg rating, which forms 55 percent of criterion, and the highway mpg rating that completes the remaining criteria.

It is really very difficult to bring forth a list that enumerates the top 5 trucks on the basis of fuel efficiency. Not one, not two, but three trucks hold the first rank. This spot is shared by the 2006 Ford Ranger one of the premier trucks that are out in the market today. Ford has made it a point to come out with trucks that offer the best gas mileage. This is why most of their newer models find a place on the best gas mileage list year after year.

However, all the trucks, which feature in the list, have the same engine; the 2006 Ford Ranger is a supremely refined version of its older model that came out in 2005. It has the better off-road capability then other trucks in the rankings and is one of the best alternatives in your search for a truck giving you the best gas mileage.

The completely redesigned 2006 Toyota Tacoma comes next in the list. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the roomier trucks available in the market and its looks are an epitome of sophistication. The only disadvantage of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma is its price tag. It is more expensive then the others.

If you are looking for something on the cheaper side then the 2006 Mazda B-series is the truck that you must go for. A fuel-efficient truck delivers on its promise. It is called in some circles as the bargain pickup truck. Don’t expect styling and comfort but you do get an unashamed practicality with this vehicle.

The Toyota Tundra is the next in line of your picks. It comes with 4.0 liter V6 engine that is geared to give you competitive gas mileage. The truck gives you a mileage of 20 /mpg on the highway and a 16/mpg when you drive in the city.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes a close fifth in the rankings. It comes with a mild hybrid engine that enables the electric motor to keep the vehicles running when idle so the gas engine can be shut off.

Description: When looking for trucks with great gas mileage, the list can be pretty large. You will have a wide variety to choose from. Select the one that best suits your requirement. This article lists out the top five!

Truck Tires

2006-12-28T00:52:00.000-08:00

Selection of proper truck tire gives a comfortable ride and reduces the wear and tear on the tire drive mechanism, brakes and suspension parts. Many factors determine the selection of suitable type of tire. These include the terrain where the truck is mostly driven, the climatic conditions, normal driving speed and the full load that is expected to be carried in the truck. Three major tire companies who design and manufacture truck tire for wide range of applications on different and difficult terrains are Mickey Thomson, Super Swamper and Pro com.

Mickey Thomson Truck tire
Mickey Thomson truck tire manufactured by Mickey Thomson Tire Company was founded in the year 1963. Design, development production and distribution of tire and wheel for all applications are the main business of the company. Main focus of the company is to design and produce innovative tread patterns and tire compounds to build the best performance tires in the world, both for on-road and off-road applications. The company has two locations in the United States, one in Ohio and the other in California. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company which is also in tire business having the head quarters at Ohio, USA acquired Mickey Thomson in the year 2003. The combined strength has further helped to consolidate the position of Mickey Thomson in the tire industry as a significant global player.
The company’s major brand name is “Baja” and the specific products under this brand are named on the basis of the type of the tire, such as Baja claw non radial, radial Baja claw, Baja belted and Baja radial MTZ.

Super Swamper truck tire
Interco Tire Corporation located at Louisiana is the manufacturer of Super Swamper Truck Tires. Over three generations, the Interco Tire Company through its sustained focus on design and development has evolved as a leader in developing and manufacturing high performance tires for four wheel drive trucks and all terrain vehicle applications. The company’s patented Thee Stage Lug (TSL) tread design offers effective traction under tough running conditions. The products are branded as Super Swamper and the individual products are classified under this brand name on the basis of the tire type as well as its applications. Super Swamper TSL Bogger, Super Swamper TSL/SX, Super Swamper radial TSL are some of the popular tires manufactured by this company.

PRO Com truck tire
Pro com tire are manufactured by Pro Competition Tire Company located at Ohio, USA. This Company is owned by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, which also owns the Mickey Thomson tires. Cooper tire is a global Company with manufacturing facilities in three continents and the sales and distribution network all around the world.
Pro com tire are molded with the superior quality rubber compounds, steel and polyester cords in state of the art production facilities. These reliable and long lasting truck tires are supported by warranty. The pro com tire brand carry the general name pro com and the specific products under this name are branded based on the application of the tire. The specific brands are ProComp All Terrain, ProComp Mud Terrain, ProComp X-Terrain and Procomp Xtreme A/T.

Security Release: Important Tips For Your Vehicle

2006-12-27T02:36:00.000-08:00

You car is probably one of the most expensive items you have ever purchased. Therefore you must protect it well to help you keep your car and belongings from being stolen or vandalized.

Here are some important tips for the security of your vehicle:

Tip 1: Park in a Well Lit Area Places which are well lit and have a lot of traffic are the best place to park your car. No sensible thief will steal a vehicle where there are a lot of people around.

Tip 2: Don’t Attract Attention Attracting attention tells people that you have something valuable in your car. Don’t attract attention by placing high valued items in full view. Hide them away or risk losing the whole vehicle!

Tip 3: Take your Belongings with You Take everything out of your car. Anything that can call attention probably will, and thieves love to hotwire cars that have expensive things inside. Don't leave in plain view any money, electronic items or expensive items.

Tip 4: Thieves Love Audio Equipment as Much as You do A good snatch-and-grab man can get a stereo out of a car in seconds, often before passers-by even notice. So to make sure that your equipment is safe, you should make it difficult for the thief. Some companies make accessory frames that bolt your head unit securely to the car's body.

Tip 5: Get an Alarm System Although an alarm system will not get the police rushing to your vehicle or get passer-bys restraining the thief, it will however lessen the time a thief can work your vehicle. Furthermore, many theirs will not even attempt your vehicle if they see that you have a security system installed.

Tip 6: If You can Help it, Don’t Customize Tinted windows, custom wheels, fog lights, all these accessories attract thieves. You car will of course look like a powerful vehicle, but that means more thieves would want your car as well. If you really want to add performance accessories to your vehicle, don't tell the whole world about it. Install them where no one can see them. Have your car look like something fresh out of the factory.

Tip 7: Lock at All Times Last but not least, no matter how long (or how short) you are going to be away from your vehicle, lock your vehicle. Make sure there is no way for anybody to get in, be it passenger doors, the boot or even the sun-roof. That short 2 minutes you don’t lock your vehicle can be costly.

An Informational Guide To The Benefits Of Truck Tonneau Covers

2006-12-27T02:35:00.000-08:00

Putting a tonneau cover on your vehicle is one of the best upgrades you can add to your pickup. This informational guide explains the benefits that tonneau covers provide.

If you've got a truck, adding a tonneau cover to your bed is an absolute must. Not only are tonneaus useful in any situation, they provide loads of essential benefits, including:

• Organized storage for whatever you're hauling in your truck bed, plus the bonus of keeping a lid on loose items

• Coverage from potentially damaging weather conditions, like rain, snow and extreme sun

• Complete coverage of your payload that keeps your cargo out of sight from potential theft

• An immediate improvement in gas mileage with tight, aerodynamic materials covering your otherwise drag-prone open bed

• Sleek looks that range from smooth leather grain patterns to ultra-custom color matched style

Tonneau Cover Storage Basics

You haul everything from hardware to the occasional load of groceries in the back of your truck. A tonneau cover helps keep a lid on all of it, shielding your cargo from the blowing winds of freeway driving and all kinds of pounding wet weather. It's an easy way to make sure nothing disappears from your bed while you're driving or parked.

A guide to protecting your gear from the weather with a tonneau cover

Even simple cover over your gear can help prevent weather damage. Tonneau covers take protection a few steps further though, with some ingenious design features. For instance, most tonneau covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that channel water away from your cargo. And, many models use raised and arched support bows to encourage moisture runoff. While no bed cover is completely water-tight, most will do an outstanding job of keeping your gear high and dry in nasty weather.

Tonneau Security: A Quick Reference

When your cargo is out of sight, it's out of a would-be thief's mind. Tonneau covers make the contents of your truck bed a mystery, giving you confidence that your belongings will be right where you left them.

Beyond simple coverage, tonneau covers offer higher levels of security, depending on the model. Most hinged (lift-up) tonneau covers can be fully-secured using a locking tailgate. Hard top and retractable tonneaus generally have secure key locking systems that latch closed at the tailgate.

With a variety of security measures, a good tonneau cover makes your truck bed far more versatile than ever before — ideal for use as a hauler or hiding spot.

Gas Mileage and Tonneau Covers: The Basics

Trucks are getting taller, engines are bigger, payloads are getting deeper and the traffic is thicker than ever. You can probably hear big oil companies laughing with their fistfuls of cash every time the pump takes a big bite from your spending money. A tonneau cover helps you even the score in one of the only ways you can - by prolonging your next trip to the service station.

Lift Kits - The Raised Truck Craze Gone Wild

2006-12-27T02:34:00.000-08:00

There was a day when trucks were a working man’s vehicle and scratches were expected. Shells protected valuables and tonneau covers protected tools. Those days are over and truck enthusiasts are souping up their rides more than ever before. With the addition of popular movies featuring fancy cars and popular television shows that glorify plasma screens and ground shaking stereo systems, the custom truck rage is here to stay.

As a sign of manhood or personal taste, many truck owners decide to lift their rides for a performance altered appearance. Lift kits can actually be found online and can be installed on your truck in a do-it-yourself fashion. Some lift systems can be somewhat difficult to install, but after all, challenges are what get us men going and when we are determined, who knows what will happen.

The following bullet points are the benefits to installing a suspension system on your truck:

Style

Performance

Increase in ground clearance

Looks that could make a grown man cry!

The sky’s the limit when you go high-profile with your truck or SUV! Lift Kits push ground clearance and aggressive looks to new heights, letting you conquer on or off-road obstacles with confidence. Lift Kit Manufacturers make custom parts that will fit your specific truck to a “T” to give you the look that you’ve been wanting. My lift kit was recently tested at an off road rally down near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and let me tell you - I didn’t get stuck in the dirt. Ground clearance was needed on the off road trails that we were on and the drool on my buddies faces proved that the style could easily make a grown man cry.

Truck Tonneau Covers for your own unique style

2006-12-26T01:25:00.001-08:00

The following are the top reasons that most customers purchase tonneau covers:

• Organized storage for whatever you're hauling in your truck bed, plus the bonus of keeping a lid on loose items

• Coverage from potentially damaging weather conditions, like rain, snow and extreme sun

• Complete coverage of your payload that keeps your cargo out of sight from potential theft

• An immediate improvement in gas mileage with tight, aerodynamic materials covering your otherwise drag-prone open bed

• Sleek looks that range from smooth leather grain patterns to ultra-custom color matched style

Tonneau cover basics for storage

You haul everything from hardware to the occasional load of groceries in the back of your truck. A tonneau cover helps keep a lid on all of it, shielding your cargo from the blowing winds of freeway driving and all kinds of pounding wet weather. It's an easy way to make sure nothing disappears from your bed while you're driving or parked.

A guide to protecting your gear from the weather with a tonneau cover

Even simple cover over your gear can help prevent weather damage. Tonneau covers take protection a few steps further though, with some ingenious design features. For instance, most tonneau covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that channel water away from your cargo. And, many models use raised and arched support bows to encourage moisture runoff. While no bed cover is completely water-tight, most will do an outstanding job of keeping your gear high and dry in nasty weather.

Security with a tonneau cover

When your cargo is out of sight, it's out of a would-be thief's mind. Tonneau covers make the contents of your truck bed a mystery, giving you confidence that your belongings will be right where you left them.

Beyond simple coverage, tonneau covers offer higher levels of security, depending on the model. Most hinged (lift-up) tonneau covers can be fully-secured using a locking tailgate. Hard top and retractable tonneaus generally have secure key locking systems that latch closed at the tailgate.

Gas mileage with tonneau covers

Open truck beds can be a huge drag on your gas mileage. As air flows over the aerodynamic front end of your vehicle, it can swirl into your bed and catch on your tailgate — stealing several miles off your latest tank.

Covering your truck bed with a tight tonneau cover — even a soft model — stops the tailgate drag. Air hits the taut surface of a hard or soft tonneau cover and continues past your vehicle with nothing to catch. And, it saves you mileage without crazy tailgate removal or potentially damaging open-gate driving.

How much savings? A 5% improvement in fuel economy is the industry-wide accepted number, though up to 10% is possible. Your vehicle could see bigger or smaller effects. Still, the idea is simple: a tonneau cover will save gas and eventually pay for itself.

Truck and SUV Exhaust Systems

2006-12-26T01:24:00.001-08:00

Let’s assume that you have decided to purchase a performance exhaust system. Let’s also assume that you already know the benefits of putting a high-performance exhaust system on your truck or SUV: better gas mileage, more horsepower and torque, and a louder, high-performance sound. These high-performance exhaust systems give you all of those benefits by providing less restriction and making it easier for your motor to send it’s exhaust gases through the exhaust system.

And just a side note, the following phrases all mean the same thing: cat-back exhaust, high-performance exhaust, high-flow exhaust system, performance exhaust, free-flowing exhaust, aftermarket exhaust, and custom exhaust.

So, now that you already know the benefits of a high-flowing exhaust system, let’s talk about the different styles or the different configurations for cat-back exhaust systems.

Single Side Exit This type of aftermarket exhaust system uses one pipe to vent the exhaust gases from your motor and away from your truck or SUV. Typically, these have an exit location (where the end of the pipe is) just behind the rear, passenger-side wheel. These also generally cost less than a system with two exhaust pipes. Surprisingly, these single pipe systems tend to produce more power than most dual systems.

Dual Side Exit This style of custom exhaust system is quite similar to the Single Side Exit, but uses two pipes to exit the exhaust gases from your truck or SUV instead of one. This means that your engine has less restriction and generally has quicker throttle response. It also lends itself to producing a louder, more aggressive exhaust tone.

Dual Rear Exit This configuration of high-flow exhaust system uses two pipes to vent the exhaust gases from your motor. This unique design differs from the previous two because the pipes exit out the rear of the vehicle, just under the bumper or roll pan. This free-flowing style of exhaust system has all of the benefits of the Dual Side Exit exhaust but can be perceived as louder because the sound is directed out the rear of your vehicle, directly at the traffic behind you. Depending on how aggressive your driving habits are, this can either be a good thing, or a bad thing. One side note: you may not be interested in this exhaust system if you are towing any kind of trailer because the exhaust gases can leave soot on whatever you’re towing.

Extreme Dual Exit or Opposite Side Dual This style of cat-back exhaust uses two pipes to exit the exhaust gases from your motor but differs from the Dual Rear Exit. The Extreme Dual Exit has one pipe exiting behind each rear tire. This free-flowing exhaust system has all of the same benefits of the other dual systems, but unlike the Dual Rear Exit, it won’t leave soot on your trailer.

Freight Trucking

2006-12-26T01:23:00.001-08:00

Freight generally means shipping of goods through a slower process of shipping than “express.” So when you speak of shipping goods freight, you are talking of a transport process that will take time (at least over a day to cross the country or an ocean).

Freight is the term commonly used for the transport packages. These goods are usually transported via a ship, as well as in air cargo or over land on trucks and trailers. Several companies offer freight services for residential (such as moving furniture) and industrial use. A freight company can also forward your goods to wherever you need them. Different sizes of containers and boxes are available for freight in various specialties and sizes, such as refrigerated containers.

Many freight companies, especially online, have services available to move your belongings or goods for you. To pick the correct one, you need to search for the best rate you can get. It is simple to get rates and quotes for freight online. Numerous companies work through online forms, which require you to fill in descriptions of what you need to have shipped in order to get a quote back.

After getting an estimate and selecting a particular company, make sure you get the quote in writing. If you would ever need to file a complaint against the company, you must have a paper trail ready. You should thus ensure that you get a binding contract, with the amount quoted to you mentioned in the contract. All charges and a guarantee of how long it will take should be included.

You should ask what their on-time record is, as well as check to see if there are any outstanding complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau in your state. Additionally, check your homeowner’s policy to see what is covered during moving, for moving companies sometimes do not offer full coverage on breakage. Finally, examine everything before signing the receipt, watch the loading and unloading, and take an inventory before shipping.

A Look at Truck Tire Chains

2006-12-25T01:22:00.000-08:00

Truck tire chains can be purchased for everything from a pickup truck to an 18-wheeler. Drivers can find a chain to fit just about any need, spanning every size and style, and desired performance.

Single highway truck chains are recommended for highway use on trucks, buses, and RVs. For trucks that see more off road action than highway time, single V-Bar reinforced traction chains are recommended. This type of chain is available for light trucks, heavy trucks, busses, and RVs.

Of course, studded truck tire chains are always a good choice for off-roading. Drivers should first make sure that studs are legal in their state. If they are, studded cross chains provide one of the best options for off-road traction. Single studded truck tire chains can be purchased in 6, 7, or 8 mm. Dual triple studded tire chains are also available in 6, 7, or 8 mm.

For dual tires that are more accustomed to highway driving, dual triple truck, bus, and RV chains are recommended. The V-Bar is also available for dual tires. For vehicles with minimal clearance between dual wheels, dual mount chains are built without a center chain.

Finally, wide base chains are available for vehicles that have minimal clearance between wide base tires. Whether driving a light truck, heavy duty truck, bus, or RV, truck tire chains are available for every condition.

A Look at Truck Tonneau Covers

2006-12-24T01:21:00.000-08:00

Trucking Safety: “I” Is for the Interactive Driver

2006-12-23T02:04:00.000-08:00

Safety research shows drivers' behavioral styles and attitudes are a better predictor of safe driving practices than their level of safety training. A 1993 study conducted by Behavioral-Values Research Associates showed significant behavior and attitude differences between injured and non-injured workers.

Trucking companies that obtain this information to pre-screen driver applicants have significantly reduced their accident rates, costs, workers' comp claims, and have increased driver retention.

A behavioral assessment measures a driver's normal behavior in four areas: D (Dominant), I (Influencing), S (Steadiness), and C (Cautious, Compliant to Standards).

The D factor determines how drivers tend to handle problems and challenges, the I factor looks at their interactions and influence with others, the S at how they respond to the pace of the environment, and the C at how they respond to rules and regulations set by others.

A DISC behavioral assessment shows how the applicant ranks in each of the four factors from 0% to 100%. Above 50% is considered high, below 50% is low. The higher or lower the ranking, the more intense the behavior will be. In this article, we'll look at the highs and lows of the Core I driver.

The BVRA study showed significant differences in the D, S, and C styles of the injured versus non-injured safety workers. But there wasn't a marked difference in the I factor between the two groups. However, I recommend trucking companies hire drivers who are low in the I style. Here's the reason why.

Drivers who score highest in the Influencing factor tend to be talkative, sociable, friendly, and outgoing. They get distracted easily especially when other people are involved. They'll get bored on long hauls with no one to talk to. They may take extended breaks if they get into a lively conversation with someone.

Drivers with a low I factor are the opposite. They're introverted and shy away from others. They'll be content on a long driver where they don't have to interact with people. They're able to pay more focused attention to their driving.

However, one of our trucking company clients wants its drivers to be somewhat, but not extremely, high in the I factor because they're required to interact frequently with their customers. The company want drivers who are friendly and can relate well with others.

If you feel being lively and likable is important for your drivers, then hire applicants with an I ranking above the mid line. Otherwise, select those low in the I behavioral style.

Watch for upcoming articles in which we'll discuss the drivers you most want to hire: those high in the S and C factors. If you missed it, look for our previous article on the Core D driver. Contact us if you can't find it and we'll send it to you.

Used Truck Buying Guide

2006-12-23T02:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the most important questions I think a potential buyer should ask his sales person before they buy their truck. By asking these questions to me, or someone else you will save yourself time and possibly a lot of money. I would welcome these questions , and I will answer them accurately and sincerely.

1. Does the truck have any type of warranty?

2. What kind of inspection process do you have on the trucks coming in to your inventory? Comments: The company normally will have an inspection procedure they do when the truck first arrives. Inquire about this.

3. Who owned the truck before you acquired it?

4. Can I take the truck and have it inspected before I purchase it? Comments: It is always a good idea to have another pair of eyes look at the trucks before you purchase the truck.

5. What are the exact specifications of the truck? Comments: We are all human and we all make mistakes. The salesman should double check the trucks and make sure the specifications are correct to meet your needs. Double check the horse power rating, rear end ratios, and transmission models. They will have a great affect on the performance of the truck and your fuel economy.

6. Does the truck have any wreck damage? Comments: Have the salesman look for items like non factory rivets, frame straightness, and other body shop repairs. A salesman with a lot of experience will have a good eye for these type of problems.

7. How many miles are on the truck? Comments: Odometers break unfortunately, but a nice thing about the newer electronic engines is that we can read the internal computers if it is a Detroit engine or a Cummins engine. Have the salesman double check this for you if possible.

8. What should I look for before test driving the truck? Comments: Do a walk around the truck looking at brakes, tires, wreck damage, engine leaks, analyze if the wheel base is correct, look for suspension wear, and overall appearance, take a look at the oil and water for contamination.

9 . What should I look for during a test drive? Comments: Use all of your senses the best you can. Are there any vibrations? Does the engine sound right? What does the exhaust smoke look like, and is it the correct color after the engine has warmed up.? How does the transmission and clutch feel?

10. What do I look for after the test drive? Comments: Check the truck for leaks, check the engine for having too much compression, do another walk around to see if you see any other problems that you missed the first time. Comments: It is always good to know if the truck has belonged to a company that took good care of it.

Used Trucks Central USA's premier Free Used Trucks For Sale website with trucks for sale every week, most with colour photos. We need your help to stock our truck classifieds store! Please list your truck here with us...it's FREE and it will stay online until it sells! Or feel free to browse hundreds of listings and find you the perfect truck.

3 Tips About Bed Caps And Bed Rails For Your Truck

2006-12-23T02:02:00.001-08:00

Loading and unloading your truck bed can do some serious damage if you're not protected. Dents, dings, gouges and scratches wreck the look (not to mention the value) of your truck in virtually no time at all. Protecting your bed rails only gets easier with the following 5 tips for truck bed rail and bed cap protection.

Let something besides your paint bear the brunt instead, and dress up your vehicle while you're at it! Top your truck bed (and tailgate, too) with a sturdy set of bed caps, bed rails or both, and you'll discover the following 5 tips: Sweet looks that range from burly to smooth and stylin' Premium protection for your sensitive truck bed paint Simple mounting to your vehicle in virtually no time Extreme tie-down strength for securing the heavy loads Top-shelf durability thanks to tough materials Tip #1: Improve your standard bed rail looks Stock truck beds look pretty boring as-is. And nothing says ugly like a dinged, scratched or dented bed. You might think this frightening bed condition would be confined to painting, plumbing and auto glass installer trucks, but it's an everyday problem for anybody who actually uses their truck as a truck.

Bed caps and bed rails do quite a remodel job on these uncovered stretches of paint. Bed rails top your truck bed with the wicked appearance of smooth black or mirror-polished steel. A matte finish can lend a tough edge to your vehicle. Or, some extra shine can do your truck's body good and is sure to turn heads. Bed caps can bring smooth and rugged looks with the best of them, too–not just for a fresh appearance, but also for covering old marks.

Tip #2: Premium protection for the paint on your bed rails

A key function of bed caps and bed rails is stopping damage before it hits your paint. Loading boxes, tools, bikes and more gets much less precarious with your bed top protected by a set of bed caps. And, they're custom-molded to the exact shape and size of your vehicle, leaving no space uncovered. Bed rails are also effective guardians, rejecting items that would otherwise dent your bed. They keep large cargo from bashing either at the cab or at the gate, along with safe containment of stacked loads thanks to heightened tie down points. This way, you won't have to take it so easy on your heavy-duty rig.

Tip #3: Quick and simple mounting

Bed caps are one of the easiest to install accessories for your vehicle. Most require no drilling to mount securely, instead, attaching with double-sided, heavy-duty adhesive foam tape. Bed caps go from in-the-box to mounted-in-place in a couple minutes, at most. Bed rails typically mount just as fast to the stake pockets of your vehicle. Fitting directly in the pocket, bed rails use a bolt and a backing plate for securing to the top of the bed. Vehicles without stake pockets will require minor drilling.

Moving Truck Rentals

2006-12-22T02:01:00.001-08:00

Moving to a new house or office is a challenging task, especially if you are moving to another state. Moving truck rentals, if you get a good bargain, can make the whole process easier and help you cut down on the cost of moving.

The cost of moving truck rentals depends on a number of factors, including is the size of the truck and the distance this truck will have to cover. Some well-established companies providing moving trucks may charge a little bit higher rent. The new players in the market might offer you a lower rate. But you must consider two important factors: safety and reliability.

The bookings for a moving truck can be made online also. Online resources provide detailed information about moving truck rentals by different companies. For different locations and destinations, different rates are available. The rental costs could also depend on whether you have hired a moving truck to shift household items or are looking for a quick business delivery.

Before one finally makes a decision about the company whose truck one is going to hire, it is better to compare quotes. During peak season, the costs spike upwards. They come down during certain months of the year. This movement in moving truck rentals depends on geographical locations and climate.

The moving truck rentals should also be compared with moving trailer rentals if you require a number of trucks. As the carrying capacity of an average trailer is greater than that of an average truck, a truck rental could prove to be much costlier to you. Moving truck rentals are quite high if you want to deliver a package across international borders.

Trucking Companies

2006-12-22T02:01:00.000-08:00

There are more than twenty U.S. trucking companies providing freight services to and from any point inside the U.S. Most offer no restrictions on size, location, or destination, and welcome requests for freight quotes from existing or potential clients. Knowledgeable and helpful agents will provide you with any information you may need.

There are numerous companies providing domestic and international freight services for the commercial and residential client. You need to check the reliability and cost savings based on whether you need moving services or the more economical trucking service.

Trucking services provided by companies include business-to-business trucking solutions, business-to-residential freight delivery, residential-to-residential delivery, online rate quotes forms, export documents and documentation, and relocation and moving. The shipment can consist of a parcel, heavy-weight freight, general cargo, personal effects, furniture and commercial freight.

Some companies specialize in the transportation of full-sized containers and do so with maximum efficiency. Bridge tolls and scale-weight charges are included in the price quoted to you. Two hours free time for loading or unloading without the driver’s assistance are allowed by these companies, after which time period you will be required to pay extra charges. If you need the driver’s help in loading or unloading your shipment, you will be billed an extra charge from the packing house. In case your shipment is stopped in transit to complete loading or unloading, there is an additional charge for a stop that is not off-route. You should, therefore, call beforehand to confirm rates on multiple stop pickups or deliveries.

If you cancel pickups or deliveries by phone with fax confirmation before the driver is dispatched, you are not charged. However, if the driver is already on his way, you will be required to pay the rate quoted to you. All storage and detention charges will be billed to you.