5 Questions to Ask Yourself Upon the Purchase of A New Truck Posted by DC Cargo Mall on July 22, 2013

When buying a new truck, a host of considerations must be thought-out and complexity is at a different level in the intellectual decision than when purchasing a regular vehicle.

One might assume that as an expert in the general vehicle industry, or even simply just as one equipped with general vehicle experience, the purchase of the truck should be a cinch. But while these backgrounds may offer you a couple steps ahead, there is a lot more to learn when it comes to making an informed decision on these enormous, commercial purposed trucks.

There are several things to deliberate before setting out on the search. Composing a list of what to consider for your truck needs is essential. Instead of dwelling on the look, concentrating on practicalities can get you where you want to go.

Ask yourself these things:

• What type of weather/environment will I be putting my truck through? If it is mostly scorching hot sun, or biting cold winds, your load may benefit from a truck with an utmost in insulation properties.

• This of course, depends on another factor, which leads you to ask yourself this: What weather type does my freight require? If it is animals, temperatures must be kept at a comfortable balance.  Say it is food, and perhaps a cooling would do it well. Be it metal, and heat would make your freight so hot that it is untouchable. All loads vary and recording the best temperature for yours can help to inspire the right decision in purchasing.

• Do you know your routes? Are they filled with bumps and swerves or mostly straight planes or dirt roads? This will help you determine how much the truck's stability will need to be considered. Trucks with built-in logistic tracks or flatbeds already affixed with winches, holes, rings, or hooks, may be a fine way to start, so that secure loading can be done immediately.

• This will also help you decide upon whether a lower level truck is in danger of road skidding due to your heavy load on an extremely hilly area, and if higher tires are the way to go. Which begs the additional question: How heavy will your load be?

• Another thing to ask yourself, a question that may not be as often considered, but must rightfully be, is how crime-ridden your route is. Trucks carry many valuables and there are those eyeing past not to be trusted. In this case, multiple and specialized locks, as well as stronger doors are advised.

If the truck that strikes your fancy can check these all off the list, then a good paint job and less rust should be checked out for approval. An older truck might also be a bigger gas-guzzler and have clocked up more miles, so while you want to save on not investing in brand new prime trucks, going a bit newer then planned can help you save later down the line when filling ‘er up, and depending on a lasting performance.

Not committing on a deal before conducting a real-life tour of your new possible truck is a definite must. Even if your seller is honest and means well, pictures, lighting, and shadows off a screen can twist reality. Keep those eyes open and your mind aware. 

With this kind of planning, we hope you meet the truck that serves you best.

                                                     Good Luck Truckers!