The trucking industry is growing exponentially in the US. If you want to get in on the action, most trucking companies will require you to have your own truck before they assign you any jobs. A used freightliner truck that has been properly maintained and cared for will be a lot cheaper than a new one. This article will look at 3 tips that you can implement in order to choose and buy a reliable and suitable vehicle that will last.

Check the Axle Configuration, Horsepower, and Capacity First

Before you even head out to take a look at a used freightliner truck that has been listed for sale, you should first ask to see the paperwork for the truck to determine what its axle configurations, horsepower, and capacity are. Transportation regulations differ by state and city, and you must confirm that the configurations meet the requirements set out by your local area and the areas that you will be driving through in your route. These configurations will also need to be taken into consideration depending on the type of cargo that you will be transporting and the type of terrain you expect on your route. The company you work for might also have set requirements that need to be met before they'll assign you any jobs.

For example, if the truck will need to climb a constant slope at a constant speed, it might require more horsepower than usual. While this might not be a requirement set out by your company, purchasing a used freightliner with a higher horsepower and configuration might make your drive a lot smoother and easier to handle.

Take a Quick Drive in the Truck to Determine Condition

Never buy a used freightliner truck if the owner won't let you take the truck out for a trial run. You'll be able to get a good idea on how well the truck runs and its condition during a quick drive. Determine how smoothly the truck maneuvers to determine whether its mechanical parts are still functioning, and you also want to take this opportunity to see whether you can hear any knocking sounds coming from the engine. Knocking sounds are an indicator that the engine needs to be inspected more closely.

You also want to take this opportunity to determine whether there are any unusual smells and odors coming from the truck when it is running. For example, if you smell maple syrup after the engine has warmed or after the engine has been shut down, it might be an indication that there is a leak in the radiator or heater hose.

Inspect the Maintenance Logs

All truck owners are required to keep maintenance logs for their freightliner trucks. These maintenance logs can tell you a lot about the truck before you buy it. You can tell how many issues have come up with the truck and the type of repairs that were needed. You can also tell whether the previous truck owner was diligent in getting their truck serviced. Proper maintenance can ensure that the truck will be in relatively good condition and will continue to run smoothly with little to no trouble in the future. You should also see whether any work has been done to the engine. If you see that a lot of repairs and work has been done to the engine, it might be a good idea to pass on the sale.

In addition, most mechanics and operators will mark down the last mileage date of an oil change or an air filter in the logs. You want to check to make sure that all of these numbers and dates add up.

Conclusion

A well-maintained freightliner truck will still have a lot of mileage left on it, even if it is used. The fact that the truck is used won't compromise its performance or its capacity. Buying a used truck is a good option for those who are low on capital and for those who would like to break into the trucking industry. In fact, you might even end up driving the used truck for the entire length of your career if you maintain it properly. For more information on purchasing used trucks, contact a company like Arrow Truck Sales.