Owner Operator Insurance 101 – Lease Agreement Requirements

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In today’s ultra-competitive marketplace the stakes are higher than ever. One poor decision can prove fatal to the business aspirations of the ill-prepared entrepreneur. Careful planning and meticulous attention to detail are requisite to success. Nowhere else is this more true than in the world of the independent contractor. Without the large cash reserves associated with the corporate world, the success of the individual Owner Operator is in constant jeopardy. This article is the first in a series aimed at explaining some lesser known facts that can help you make better business decisions right from the start and build a more secure foundation for your business.

For an Owner Operator looking to break into the trucking business, it is often more economically feasible to start out running under a larger motor carrier’s operating authority. Keep in mind that not all motor carriers operate the same way, and not all motor carriers may operate with your best financial interest in mind. If you allow yourself to get caught up in “just getting signed on somewhere” and forget to read the fine print, you may be setting yourself up for failure.

When negotiating your rate per mile and reviewing your lease agreement with a motor carrier there are a few things that you should take into consideration in order to better manage your exposure to financial threats and ensure your overall profitability.

What expenses are they passing on to you, and do they use an escrow?

It is not uncommon for a motor carrier to share some or even all of the deductibles on their Auto Liability and Cargo Insurance with you, the owner operator. They can do this in one of two ways. They can either pass the responsibility for the deductibles directly on to you through your lease agreement, or they can withhold money out of your settlement in an escrow account. This means that in addition to the standard $1000 deductible you already have on your Physical Damage policy, you could also be responsible for up to $2500 each, or more, on your motor carrier’s Liability and Cargo policies. They can also escrow money above and beyond the deductible amounts for a variety of other purposes including taxes, permits or even fuel advances.

You can minimize your risk of incurring the insurance related expenses by using Deductible Buyback coverage. Deductible Buyback allows you to combine all of the deductibles you are responsible for and reduce them to one smaller amount, typically $500. Otherwise, pay attention to the use of escrow accounts and be sure to monitor how much they have held. If and when you terminate your lease, you will likely have to ask for that money back or risk losing it completely.

What insurance can they actually require you to carry and what should you carry?

The simple answer here is that they can require you to carry any coverage their risk managers see fit. Although the state you live in may not specifically require you to carry certain coverages, the motor carrier can make those requirements a provision of signing a lease agreement. You are an independent contractor choosing to enter a mutual agreement with the motor carrier. By signing the lease agreement you are saying that you understand and choose to accept their requirements, whatever those may be. The most common insurance they will require will be some sort of personal injury protection.

However, any insurance coverage that they may require you to carry is most likely aimed at reducing their exposure to the risk of you passing expenses onto them. Since these expenses would initially be yours, it is in your best business interest to carry the coverage.

The more common and more affordable form of personal injury protection is called Occupational Accident or Occ Acc. Occ Acc is similar to Workers Compensation in that it covers you or your driver for medical expenses resulting from work related injuries. A typical Occ Acc plan will carry some amount of disability coverage as well. The main difference between Occ Acc and Work Comp is that an Occ Acc policy has a specific pre-determined limit of coverage ($500K, $1 million, etc). Work Comp limits are determined by individual state statutes.

What form of liability coverage are you required to carry on yourself?

When you are leased to a motor carrier and operating your truck “in the business of trucking” you are covered by their Auto Liability coverage. Also known as Primary Liability, this coverage insures you and the motor carrier for property damage and bodily injury that you cause to another party and for which you are liable. Since your truck is a commercial vehicle designed for the business of pulling freight, Primary Liability covers it most of the time. However, since you own the truck, there will be times when you may use it for things other than “the business of trucking”. Because of this, it is important to carry a secondary form of liability coverage.

Usually referred to as “bobtail” coverage, there are actually several different forms of secondary liability coverage that can be used. Your motor carrier may require a specific form, so it’s important to understand the difference.

Non-Trucking Liability, NTL: Covers you when you are “not in the business of trucking”. It does not specify whether you are pulling a trailer or bobtail.

Bobtail Liability: Covers you when you are bobtail. It does not specify whether or not you are in the business of trucking.

Unladen Liability: Covers you when you are not loaded. Does not specify whether you are bobtail or deadhead or if you are “in the business of trucking” or not.

Note that these are all liability coverage. This is only coverage on you to pay to other people for bodily injury and property damage that you may have caused. This coverage will never pay you for damage to your own equipment. Damage to your equipment is covered by Physical Damage coverage. Most motor carriers don’t have requirements on your Physical Damage coverage, but it is still a good business decision to have it.

Understanding these different forms of coverage is extremely important to an Owner Operator when entering a lease agreement. Before signing your name on the dotted line, ask yourself the questions presented in this article and consider which of the different forms of insurance could apply to you. Investing in the right kinds of coverage early on can help you minimize your risk of facing catastrophic financial situations down the road. As evident in today’s business economy, it is better to be financially proactive and prepared than to wait for disaster to arrive.

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Source by Jake Folger

How To Get Financing For Aftermarket Car Parts

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Many people think of financing in terms of vehicle purchasing. In a typical financing plan, buyers can spread out payments over a period spanning 24 to 36 months. Fortunately these days, buyers who wish to upgrade their vehicles can also get financing on aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts are designed to add more practicality and utility to trucks, cars, and SUVs. These parts range from performance parts, work parts such as tow hooks and shackles, off roading gear, or general protection of truck bumpers, radiators, and grille. With financing, you will not have to shell out all money at once, and the protection can help drivers save on the costs of repairs in the long run.

Bill Me Later

Bill Me Later is one of the most effective ways to get financing for aftermarket parts. Bill Me Later is a secured financing company in partnership with PayPal. When looking for financing for aftermarket parts, simply ask if the store will let you check out online with Bill Me Later. This payment program offers low financing and relatively easy credit approval. Purchasing with Bill Me Later can be completed in one of two ways.

If you do not have a PayPal account, you will need to sign up for PayPal first. Choose to checkout with PayPal when you are making your purchase. Create a PayPal account and select Bill Me Later as an option. You will be asked to fill out a short form and then wait for approval. This type of approval is usually instant and your purchase process is complete. If for whatever reason your application is not approved, you will simply be re-directed to your site and can choose other payment options.

If you already have a PayPal account, you can simply sign in to PayPal from a store checkout page and pick Bill Me Later as your checkout option. You will be asked to fill out the short form and wait for their approval. If the application is approved, then your purchase is complete. If not, then you will have to pay through PayPal the standard way.

Bill Me Later is currently a very popular option for financing due to customer choice such as offering interest free payments if the customer pays off balance in six months. Alternatively, the customer can chose to make no payments for 90 days, and then follow up with a low interest rate.

Other Financing Options

Other financing options also exist for getting the right aftermarket parts for vehicles. Many companies offer coupon codes for purchasing bulk orders. It is advisable to call companies ahead to arrange discount for bulk orders. Other financing options that are available include student discounts, military discounts, and layaway plans. These typically vary by company and shoppers can normally obtain these rates by contacting a representative.

Conclusion

While most people use financing plans to pay off their vehicles, few people realize that they can get financing on aftermarket parts to improve their vehicles over time. Whether a car owner needs performance parts, work parts, or protection from damage, getting financing for these parts can be simple with today’s fast and efficient options.

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Source by Hank Phillips

Installing A Regulated Return Fixes The 99 To 03 Ford Powerstroke Dead-Head Fuel Rail Issue

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Ford produced some award-winning diesel truck designs between 1999 and 2003 that for the most part boasted overall improvements for the Powerstrokes. However, in Ford’s attempt to lower fuel tank emissions by preventing fuel heated in the fuel rails from being returned to the fuel tank, they had created an entirely new problem. This is a common problem in Ford Powerstrokes, referred to as “dead-heading”, by diesel enthusiasts which gets it’s name from the process feeding fuel into the fuel rail head.

Each injector gets its fuel from the fuel rail head, unfortunately, this “rail” has no outlet and ultimately starves the injectors of fuel. The lack of fuel to the injectors causes them to run inefficiently while increasing noise. Fuel held in the rail can also become heated because it is no longer flowing which causes additional injector noise and wear. Ford attempted several fixes but the problem persisted until the 6.0 Powerstroke Diesel Engine was introduced in 2004.

The 1999 to 2003 Ford Diesels were and still remain tremendously popular trucks. This means that there are many people suffering from “dead-head” fuel system problems. These problems can cause poor mileage, loss of power, and noisy operation. Many of the effected trucks can also exhibit a noticeable knock at idle. Engines that exhibit a knocking sound also usually experience a loss of power combined with poor fuel economy. These symptoms are caused by air being drawn into the fuel system and getting trapped there.

Attempting to convert this type of engine to VO in order to solve dead-heading is not really a suitable solution. Because the fuel is dead-headed in the fuel rails, any fuel that remains in the rails must be consumed in order to make room for the incoming fuel that displaces it. So, if you are running on Diesel and wish to switch the engine to VO you must run the engine long enough to consume the fuel in the rails before any VO can be burned. This is actually more of an issue when switching from VO to Diesel because the engine will need to run for 15 minutes or more on Diesel before it can be shut down safely.

The Fuel Rail Crossover or regulated return is a much more suitable solution and was made specifically to solve the ‘deadhead’ fuel rail issue found in the 99-03 Powerstroke engines. The Fuel Rail Crossover, (FRx), connects the two heads and allows the air to return by another path rather than forcing it through the injectors preventing them to do their job efficiently. This product was designed as a true bolt on system which eliminates hack fixes that require the need to cut the return line and use compression fittings. The FRx is also machined to provide from 72 psi depending on the type of spring used in installation which is perfect for stock parts or upgraded performance parts. This fuel rail crossover system completely eliminates air in the fuel system which in turn provides a smoother ride, quieter idle, less cackle, better throttle response and increased fuel injector life. It also comes in at a fraction of the price when compared to other regulated return systems that do the same thing, making it a no-brainer.

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Source by Clay Note

What it Takes to Be a Pilot Car Driver

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You’ve seen them – pickup trucks or cars driving in front of a tractor trailer pulling a very wide load. These are called pilot cars, and the people who drive them are professionals who specialize in that form of driving. You may have thought that those cars and trucks were part of a team, but in fact the pilot car driver is usually someone contracted to get the load through a particular state. So what does it take to be a pilot driver? Read on and find out.

There is a certain amount of equipment your vehicle will require. For instance, you will need a fire extinguisher, a CB radio, flags, and an oversize load sign. It goes without saying that you need a highly reliable vehicle capable of handling long drives. Equipment requirements can vary from state to state, so it is important to have the equipment required by the states in which you work.

Gathering together the equipment you need is the easy part. The hard part is living the lifestyle necessary to be successful in the industry. The life of a pilot car is very similar to a truck driver in that it requires many hours of driving with limited interruptions. Just like truck drivers, they are paid by the mile. So the more miles you can drive in a day, the more you can earn.

There is one area where these drivers are at a disadvantage relative to their companion truck drivers – the pilot car driver has nowhere to sleep! When the day is done, a pilot car driver must find a hotel. This adds to his time on the road and is an additional expense to consider.

There is also a certain level of danger associated with driving a pilot car. There may be times when quick lane changes or other repositioning is required to accommodate the needs of the wide load vehicle. Sometimes aggressive driving is required, so timidity is not a trait that will lead to success in this field.

This type of driving is not something that you should just decide to do with no training. Your best bet to get into the field is to find an experienced driver who will allow you to ride along, and later maybe even drive the vehicle yourself. The wider the load, and the more difficult the situation, the higher the level of training that will be required to drive safely and effectively.

Pilot car driving is not an easy life, and it definitely requires a high level of concentration and determination. But if driving is what you love, and you are willing to live a lifestyle similar to a trucker, then it is a profession that you might find very satisfying.

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Source by Jerry L Work

What Exactly Does B50 Life Mean?

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In the Towing Equipment industry many tow truck dealers use B50 calculations to estimate the expected life before an engine requires overhaul, replacement or other rotating equipment. In the car carrier and wrecker world it is usually described in terms of “miles of operation” in the trucking community.

B50 is the calculated estimate of when 50% of the engines of a certain type will require major repair (repairs requiring dropping of the oil pan or removal of cylinder heads – it does not refer to rotating components attached to the engine) and is often referred to as “average life to overhaul”. These values are indicators of the strength of a design. They are good comparison figures when evaluating the purchase of several different power units.

It is of the utmost importance to just use these numbers as guidelines based on the generalization of the machine at hand. Many factors may disrupt the accuracy of these numbers. As calculated figures, you need to be careful not to require too much of these figures – they are estimates generated using a set of assumptions about operating conditions. As such, B50 values should be seen as indicators rather than guarantees or actual test results.

B50 estimates are typically rounded figures like 400,000 and 500,000 miles — that makes sense when you consider that these estimates are comprised of half a dozen assumptions.

These vehicles typically travel 30,000 to 35,000 miles per year. The B50 rating of 400,000 miles, therefore, suggests that 50% of the specified units would run at least 11 to 13 years before requiring major engine work. The B50 rating is 100,000 miles higher, which suggests a 10 to 14+ year life to overhaul.

Although many start up tow truck companies are unsure how to read into buying older vehicles. The B50 life is a great place to start in addition to bringing a trusted towing equipment mechanic with you to pick up your first used tow truck. A regular mechanic would be able to verify everything under the hood, but a tow truck mechanic will be able to see what needs to be addressed aside from the cab and chassis. This may include hose lines; wear pads, Jerr-Dan cylinders, headboards or placards.

So what are the advantages of making sure to use the right B life when comparing apples to oranges. Four years of customer experience and production with the existing continuing design of engine and fuel system, 24% more displacement for better response and low speed performance. The HEUI fuel system is the most modern advanced electronic control system in the diesel engine field; which has electronic engine control system tailored to work with new tow trucks

Hopefully this information allows the purchase of towing equipment to a pleasant experience that produces the anticipated results that are needed to be a successful operator. It is important to do due diligence when it comes to researching an investment in an industry such as this to prevent possible shortfalls.

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Source by Zack Daniels

Engine Rebuilds – Rebuilding a Lotus Twin Cam

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The Ford Lotus Twin cam, the legendary high performance engine of the sixties era. The Mk1 Twin Cam was introduced as a test bed engine in the Mk1 Cortina in 1963 & followed by the Mk II which powered the

Mk II Lotus Cortina – the same engine that was also fitted to the 1968 Escort Twin Cam.

The lotus Cortina & the Twin Cam Escort were instant winners both on the track and in many, many rallies held throughout the world. It is often said that the sixties were the golden years of motor sport, and the firm of lotus and their highly competitive cars were held in high esteem. But the Lotus elan which was publicly released at the1962 Earls Court motor show was the sports car that set the motoring world alight, the elan established a reputation for rapid point to point motoring, as well racking up success after success on race circuits around the world. Lotus was quick to build on those success with the release of the lotus elan 26R, the racing version, which was based on the elan S2 model, only about one hundred 26Rs elans were produced by the factory.

The run of the mill four cylinder ford cast iron engine block provided the base on which the twin cam engine was built, the cylinder head was a Harry Mundy designed twin cam alloy head, which incorporated chain drive to the twin over head cams, which actuated the eight valves. The engine was normally aspirated and fed by ‘twin forty millimetre Weber carburettors, which are characterised by the distinct clucking sound they made when the throttle butterflies are opened.

But despite the high power output of this small four-cylinder engine there are two Achilles heals of this engine, the first being the reputation for water pump failure, which is mostly caused by the engine being left standing for long periods sans any coolant in the block, on the first crank of the engine the dry seal is ripped during the first turn over.

Many elan & escort owners have also upgraded from the original dynamo to a modern alternator for the electrical system, the high tension on the belt required to run the alternator places excessive side loads on the water pump which can lead to premature failure… the standard water pump replacement requires that the alloy twin cam cylinder head be first removed, this can lead to a very expensive mechanical repair for the non-practical twin cam owner

The best fix for this problem is to install the newer modular type water pump, making it far easier to remove and replace. The other problem with the twin cam lotus engine is the constant habit of the engine of losing oil pressure on tight right hand turns, many owners choose to ignore this problem at their own peril, lotus twin cam

drivers have been known to simply listen for the bearing rattles then’ back off, and wait for oil pressure to return…. if you hear bearing rattle, the engine is only a few seconds away from a potential engine blow up,

From a cold start, bearing rattle can be tolerated in an engine because it only lasts for one or two seconds while the engine is at idle., but it is an entirely different story when the engine is revving at four to seven thousand revs per minute where even a short oil starvation period can have a devastating effect on the engine bearings, bearing failure is not an if, but a matter of when the engine bearings seize on the crankshaft.

But You’ll Be Pleased to know there is A Fix – But there are really only two options;

1: If you are into circuit racing, then dry sump lubrication is a given, it can be expensive and time consuming to set up and to get it right, but most racers swear by dry sump lubrication.

2: Install A Gated Wet Sump Oil Control system.

It sounds technical but it is not, the gated sump system consists of designing and building a unique apparatus which is installed in the standard twin cam sump or oil pan, it is not expensive to build or difficult to fabricate, it is not complex, and most home mechanics would be capable of building the baffle if they enjoy fabricating with sheet metal, and they also understand how to do a small amount of brazing.

No one but you will ever know that there is a special anti surge oil control system installed in the sump of your twin cam lotus engine. But the difference is that with the gated baffle installed, you will be able take any given corner at high speed in your Ford escort, Lotus Cortina or lotus elan and not have the slightest worry about oil surge, the oil gauge will tell you that the correct oil pressure is being delivered to your legendary twin cam lotus engine, it’s about piece of mind and confidence with high performance motoring. Build it once, build it right, and you’ll have no problems.

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Source by Colin Croucher

6G Welding: What Is It? It Is The Highest Paying Of All Welding Positions – Make $100K A Year!

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What Kind of welding job pays that kind of money? About 5% of welders are certified 6G code welders. 6G is pipe welding – in fact it is the test for: “All-position pipe welding.” The skill test is to weld two pieces of pipe together which are mounted in a fixed position, at 45 degrees. Because you are welding a round object set at 45 degrees, you are proving your ability in every conceivable position. The weld quality must be very high, because replacing poorly welded pipe joints in a power plant (for example) is very expensive.

How much CAN a 6G Pipe Welder make?

Wages have gone down during the slow down. Not that long ago a “rig welder” (a welder with a welding machine on a truck) in Alberta, Canada would average $330,000 a year, but times are hard, so it is roughly half that much now. Off-shore oil rigs employing 6G welders are paying about $100k a year right now.

There are very few trades in life which are purely “skill based. In other words, the possessor of the skill is highly paid simply because they can perform the skill (think of a tight-rope walker in a circus). Most high paying trades or skills require specific schooling, plus proof that you can actually “do the skill”, and rarely will the skill require hand-eye-brain coordination to the degree of a tight-rope walker. 6G pipe welding IS a skill like tight rope walking – it requires dedicated, correct practice. Like tight-rope walking, 6G pipe welding also does not require any specific education or graduation certificate in the USA. No one cares where you went to school, or IF you went to school, as long as you show up and you really can weld that pipe joint like walking a tight rope! If you are good at this ONE position, you’ll be put to work. No one CARES where or how you learned the skill and no one cares if you don’t know another thing in this world!

Can imagine this? Imagine a room of 100 of the most highly skilled structural welders (typically union iron workers, working on large building frames) and 100 CWI Welding Inspectors (the best of the welding inspectors, with vast welding book knowledge) and ONE uneducated, illiterate but certified and very capable 6G pipe welder… And there is an urgent need for someone to weld a high pressure pipe joint on a 6″ schedule 40 carbon steel pipe – guess who would be the ONLY person in a room of 201 people who could do it? That’s right, the pipe welder, even though the pipe welder can’t READ!

Anything worth having requires focused work. What do you think a heart surgeon concentrated on learning while in school? That’s right, heart surgery. Focus on the one thing that will make you money and burn it up like a laser beam! OTS! “Own The Skill!” Be careful NOT to waste time, money and effort on things which will not ever make you money, or which will make you very little money! DO what others are unwilling to put out the effort to master.

Is getting really good at 6G pipe welding as hard as walking a tight-rope in the circus? Most people who fail to learn 6G fail because they think they can do it with very little practice. Intense, concentrated and coordinated practice is the biggest secret, just like with learning to walk a tight-rope. There are a few other secrets.

Welding school may be fun, but here’s what happens to 95% of welding school graduates: They learn all the basics in a year or two of school. They NEVER get to where “The Powers That Be” will allow them to learn to weld pipe. They run out of money and time. They end up running a MIG machine in a trailer factory for very little money, or at BEST, they end up as an iron worker on big-building construction. However, not many big building are being built these days, are they?

What IS happening? Shale gas and oil has been discovered and is being developed all over the USA. The first of 40 new Nuclear Power Plants is under construction. What will soon be in super high demand? 6G pipe welders, that’s what! You can find schools for 6G Welding. You may be able to government help to get your training. Get started! Just Google “6G pipe welding schools.”

What should you do next?

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Source by Scott R. Linden

Benefits of LED Light Bars

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The most critical car accessories for outdoor enthusiasts are LED light bars. This lighting apparatus makes driving in dark places more enjoyable and safer as it produces an enhanced light output, in contrast with the light being produced by your car’s headlights. However, if you want to purchase one for your truck, ATV, or boat then you may want to ensure you are buying from a reliable sight. Here are some of the benefits of using these light bars:

Curved Models are Available

For those you want more than simple light bars for trucks, there are some great curved LED versions available that you can use on your car. Curved LEDs usually have an enhanced structural design compared to regular light bars. With an ergonomic design, this kind of light device offers a seamless and perfect fitting for your car. Irrespective of whether you’re going to install in on the bumper or the roof of your 4WD, it will definitely enhance the exterior look of your car.

Improve Night Vision

Put one on your truck is not only for showing off as many people think. They also have some important practical benefits. They can illuminate the road better so that you always see what is ahead of you. In effect, they can offer better general night vision due to their wider coverage. Furthermore, the fact that you can place them in a higher position than the regular headlights on your car makes it easy to see very clearly even under some dark conditions, such as riding in the outdoors.

Some have 3D Reflectors

There are specific models that have 3D reflectors to further improve the capability of the lighting device to generate high-quality output. Compared to the general light reflectors, the 3D reflectors improve the efficiency of extracting light from the LED bulbs. This means this means that such light bars for trucks have a much wider irradiation, besides producing more intense and brighter light.

Made Using Solid Housing

Having great light bars for trucks is worthless if they do not come with a sturdy, reliable housing to safeguard the many internal components. Luckily, LED lights are known for having some very solid housing ratings with dust proof and waterproof abilities. They make excellent additions for off road vehicles and cars since they are very tough and can, therefore, stay exposed for a long time without developing any issues.

LED light bars for trucks are clearly some cool and practical car accessories that your car must have. Check out some of the best deals at http://www.backcountryledlights.com.

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Source by Ryan H. Larsen

What to Expect From Your Trailer Mechanic Training and Certification

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If you want to work on diesel engines, which are considered to be the workhorses that power our nation’s trucks, trailers and buses because they deliver more power and are more durable than its gasoline counterpart, then be prepared for some heavy training. In order to become a diesel tractor trailer mechanic you will need plenty of school and hands-on experience working on heavy equipment vehicles, such as a dump truck trailer, truck engines and buses.

You will also be required to study and learn automotive engines, diesel fuel and ignition systems, brakes, transmissions, emissions, diesel power trains, electronic technology fundamentals and advanced diagnostic systems. Truck trailer repair on a semi trailer tractor is definitely more involved than any other type of vehicle maintenance.

Once you have completed your schooling and have passed your tests, you will have to decide what to do with your skills as a tractor trailer mechanic. Most decide to work for an organization that repairs and maintains their own vehicles and equipment. If you choose this path, then you will more than likely spend most of your time working on their semi trailer tractor fleet, performing preventative maintenance so that the equipment will be safe to operate and to eliminate unnecessary wear and tear on parts that may end up breaking down.

It is common for mechanics to handle many different repairs and they may go from working on major engine repairs one day to a simple turn signal problem the next, but they are all equally important to the safe operation of a commercial truck trailer. Of course engine maintenance is becoming increasingly complex, as more electronic components are being used to control the engine operation. Most of the new shops have hand held computers to help diagnose problems and adjust engine functions, which of course means that the mechanics who repair truck trailer machinery and other equipment must be continually learning new techniques.

In the larger shops the trailer mechanic will get their assignments from a service manager or shop supervisor, who have many years under their belts as experienced technicians. They will also normally still assist with repairs on new or used truck trailers, assist in diagnosing problems and will maintain a high level of quality standards. Your role may be varied, as you may be asked to take on an apprentice, you may work as a team with another mechanic or you may assist someone with heavy work, such as removing a transmission or engine. Many technicians may have qualified through years of hands on-work, yet most employers are looking for those mechanics who have completed school training and obtained their certificate.

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Source by Mike Ramidden

Plastic, Composite, Wood Skateboards and Skateboard Trucks

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Plastic skateboards are made of several different types of plastics and are relatively easy to make in large quantities by using injection molding manufacturing processes. Most plastic skateboards are considered cheap compared to the wooden skateboards.

Still not all plastic skateboards are flimsy or to be considered lesser. It really depends on the type of plastic used. Most riders like a fairly firm board for tricks with only a little give in the center for hard landings and spring action. All Carbon boards and composite construction boards can hold up to the scrutiny of comparison and some riders prefer them.

Skateboard Trucks that hold the wheels are one of the most important components of modern day skateboards. Generally they consist of an axle, triangular shaped hanger and a king-pin bolt. The trucks are bolted to the face-plate, which is bolted to the skateboard.

The king-pin can be loosened slightly to allow for more or less rigidity making the skateboard able to turn easier or ride stiffer for steering. The rubber grommet helps take up the space when a loser setting is chosen. The trucks on both wooden boards and plastic use the same basic principles and strategies however generally speaking the best trucks will be found attached to the more quality wooden boards.

In the future skateboards will be made of carbon nano-tube construction and they will most likely fly; Hover Boards. Indeed, a hover board will not need to have need wheels or trucks and this will save weight and make them much more aerodynamic for flight. Currently the hover boards are large and cumbersome but that too is changing and many new radical designs are in the pipeline.

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Source by Lance Winslow