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In 2015 Volkswagen took its brands Scania, MAN, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, and created TRATON SE, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. Shortly thereafter they purchased a share in Navistar. In November of 2020 they completed the purchase giving them a foothold of the North and Central American markets. To be sure Scania, a global power in the commercial truck business, is the driving force in the group. Their quality standards and engineering prowess is leading the group forward. A little over five years ago Traton assembled a team of exceptionally talented engineers from Scania, MAN, Navistar and Volkswagen Commercial. The engineers were given a goal to design the most efficient and cleanest diesel drivetrain that would meet various stringent emission levels worldwide. The engine may be the first and last diesel designed and produced by Traton. It is to be the bridge to a future of zero emission motors. What they developed may very well change the industry. The drivetrain consists of three components, the S13 engine, the T14 transmission, and the aftertreatment system. For more than a decade, diesel engine manufacturers worldwide have in part met emission standards with designs using Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Selective Catalytic Reduction, and a particulate trap. These engines create lower NOX but a fair amount of soot. The soot, which is a function of incomplete combustion, is the cause for most of the problems that all diesel engine manufacturers have struggled with since 2010. If you talk to any diesel technician, they will tell you EGR and the soot it creates is the root cause of many of the breakdowns with current engines. Owners will tell you the systems are expensive and complex. The S13 is a new, innovative diesel engine design. First, the engineers concentrated on a design that would, to the greatest degree possible, completely burn the fuel. To accomplish that goal, they raised the compression ratio to 23:1, added dual overhead cams with four valves per cylinder to improve air intake and exhaust. They eliminated the EGR cooler because the design does not need it. They went with a fixed geometry turbocharger instead of the more complex variable geometry. The injection pressure was lowered from 36,000 psi to 26,000 psi. The Compacted Graphite Iron block is strong and light. The crankshaft, connecting rods and CGI cylinder head are all designed for the higher compression ratio. This process squeezes maximum power out of the fuel and leaves almost no soot in the exhaust, just a small amount of fine ash. What little ash produced is trapped in the DPF. Due to the small amounts of ash being produced, the engine does not have nor need a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst. All regens are passive. Due to the reduced amount of soot, the aftertreatment has much longer service intervals. One technician said, “they designed an engine to be an engine, what a novel approach.” The S13 internal combustion process does produce more NOX than the conventional diesel of today. To manage the NOX, the engine uses a dual injection of DEF. The first injection of DEF occurs just after the turbocharger and the second in the aftertreatment container that contains the Diesel Particulate Filter. You may wonder how much more DEF the S13 will use? Current diesels use a ratio of about 4% of DEF per one gallon of diesel fuel burned. The S13 DEF usage is estimated somewhere around 4.8% to 6%. Understand that all diesels will require a higher ratio of DEF as the NOX emission standards tighten. There are many benefits to this new engine design: Improved Fuel Economy Up to 15%! Reduced Components, no EGR Cooler, no DOC, and no Variable Geometry Turbo. Reduced Complexity. Reduced Weight, it is the lowest weight of any 13L drivetrain. Lower cost of ownership. You may be wondering why the other engine manufacturers have not moved to this type of design. The simple answer is that it requires an entirely new engine design and that costs a great deal of money and time. Reports are that Traton spent five years and north of a Billion dollars developing the S13. Managing the internal pressure created by a 23:1 compression ratio must be designed in; it is not something you could modify an engine to handle. Back in 2010 none of the manufacturers wanted to engineer and build a completely new engine. It was cheaper to just add an EGR cooler and DEF. We all know how that has worked out. The secret sauce of the combo is the T14 Transmission. This fourteen speed transmission is a single countershaft design with fewer bearings, fewer gears, and less weight than its competitors. There are also multiple reverse gears. The integrated oil cooler keeps everything cool, and the wide ratio set allows for improved startability even with fast axle ratios (i.e., 2.15, 2.26 or 2.28). The T14, a 14 speed transmission has a total ratio of 26.7. Compare that to the 20.46 of the 18 speed Endurant. Startability measures the grade a vehicle will start up at clutch engagement. The first gear ratio in a T14 is 20.81 again, compared to the 14.32 in the Endurant. The ratios of the T14 make a dramatic difference in getting the truck moving and keeping drivers happy. Other shift strategies assisting the driver are based on load, accelerator position and other inputs. The transmission will choose the best gear necessary to start and then to keep the truck operating as efficiently as possible as it goes down the road. The electronic clutch actuator allows for precise and fast movement of the clutch. The benefit is fast, smooth shifts. It is serviceable in-chassis. This is critical to improving shift strategies between the engine and transmission. The best way to really understand how good this new engine, transmission and aftertreatment combo perform will be to drive it. We are excited to offer extended test drives for this exciting new product. Two tractors are available, a new LT Day Cab and a new LT Sky Rise Sleeper. If you would like more information or want to be one of the first to experience the drivability and fuel efficiency of the new S13 Integrated drivetrain, reach out to us now so we can get you on the schedule! © Dayton Shepard and Michael Olden 2024
Life is undeniably precious, yet it sometimes takes a sudden health scare like a heart attack or stroke to remind us of its fragility. The good news? Experts estimate that close to 80% of heart disease cases are preventable . At Lee-Smith, we understand the unique challenges faced by long-haul truckers in maintaining heart health on the road. But fear not, because there are simple changes you can start making today to keep your ticker in tip-top shape. 1. Watch What You Eat Maintaining a healthy diet on the road can feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net. The temptation to veer off course, whether by indulging in a candy bar or grabbing a cheeseburger at a truck stop, lurks around every corner. However, prioritizing heart-healthy foods is crucial, especially since truck drivers are twice as likely to be obese compared to people in other professions, according to the CDC . Obesity significantly increases your risk of heart disease. Next time you make a stop, opt for heart-healthy choices like fresh fruits, nuts, air-popped popcorn, and whole-grain peanut butter crackers. Choose grilled over fried foods whenever possible. To help you stay on track, utilize resources like the American Heart Association’s handy Heart-Check Digital Grocery List , which features over 800 foods and can be accessed on the association’s website. 2. Get Active How much exercise do you get per week? If you answered less than 2.5 hours, then it’s time to get moving. According to a CDC survey, three out of four truck drivers reported exercising less than the recommended amount. Regular exercise is an essential part of living a heart-healthy lifestyle. The CDC emphasizes that meeting the recommended weekly physical activity guidelines not only improves sleep quality and enhances alertness behind the wheel but also reduces the risk of accidents. Fortunately, there are many ways you can work exercise into your daily routine on the road. Utilize truck and rest stops to increase your step count, and consider packing dumbbells and resistance bands for long trips. Joining a national gym chain is another option, providing access to facilities and amenities like hot showers. 3. …& Breathe Before reading further in this section of our blog, we invite you to take 60 seconds to breathe deeply. Feel more relaxed? We hope so. Stress is an inevitable part of life for many. According to The American Insititute of Stress , over 50% of Americans are stressed at some point during the day. Stress wreaks havoc on your health, particularly your heart. Engaging in activities like calling loved ones, solving crossword puzzles, or exercising regularly are great coping alternatives. Seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial too. Thanks to technology, you can access counseling services from anywhere. If your employer allows it, bringing a pet on the road with you can boost your mood and reduce loneliness. Prioritize your mental health for a healthier heart. One Last Word Drivers, February marks American Heart Month – a time to show your heart some love. Take proactive steps to care for yourselves because we want you to live long, healthy lives. For more heart-healthy tips and resources, visit the American Heart Association’s website.
Winter is making its presence known across the country. Areas that typically don’t experience winter weather, like the South, are preparing just in case a winter storm heads their way thanks to this year’s El Nino weather pattern. All of this weather unpredictability can be hard to navigate for truck and delivery drivers. One day you may encounter sunny skies with highs in the 50s. The next day, you’re trying to maintain control on a snow-covered roadway. Our Lee-Smith team wants to ensure you are ready for any winter weather that comes your way. In this blog post, we'll share some practical advice to help truck drivers stay safe and confident on the roads during these frosty months. Protecting Yourself Your most important goal when you head out on the road is to get back safely. During the winter months, truck drivers become frontline warriors against the elements. Putting your safety first is crucial. Before you ever hit the road, take time to pack a winter emergency kit to store in your truck. The items in this kit could save your life if you find yourself stuck in a snowstorm. Here is a short list of essentials to include: Flashlight with extra batteries Cell phone charger Reflective triangles Water Non-Perishable Food Jumper Cables First Aid Kit Toilet Paper Medication Blankets and winter wear (coat, gloves, hat, scarf) Communication plays a vital role too. Stay in regular contact with dispatchers or fellow drivers who can provide real-time updates on changing conditions. Keep an eye on the forecast for the areas you will be traveling through. If something concerns you along your route, see if there is an alternate route you can take. However, if you do have to travel through an area that is experiencing winter weather, take extra precautions and drive defensively. Your training and experience are invaluable assets - trust your instincts. Protecting Your Truck Now, let’s discuss your truck’s needs. Before you hit the highway, give your trusty truck a thorough winter checkup. Our Service Department can make sure your truck is in working order and ready to take on the elements. Here are six tips to keep your truck operating seamlessly. Tire Tread Matters Ensuring your tires have the appropriate tread is crucial. If you anticipate navigating through regions with frequent winter weather, contemplate swapping your regular tires for snow tires and incorporating tire chains. Driving on tires with insufficient tread poses a significant risk, as they lack the necessary friction to navigate slippery surfaces safely. Make this tire adjustment a priority to enhance traction and, ultimately, safeguard yourself against the hazards of winter driving. Don’t Gel with Gelling Avoid the inconvenience of fuel gelling by using additives when temperatures drop below freezing. These additives not only prevent gelling but also contribute to your truck’s overall winter performance. Use a Block Heater Ensure smoother operation and fuel efficiency by using a block heater to keep your engine warm overnight. Simply turn on the heater once you’ve finished your route for the day. Slow & Steady Means Safety Enhance the safety of your truck and those around you by adopting a slow and steady driving approach. Maintain a substantial distance between your truck and the vehicle ahead – double the following distance recommended on sunny days. This precaution provides crucial reaction time in the event of encountering black ice or losing control on a slippery roadway. Brake With Care Avoid the risk of a serious chain-reaction crash by practicing cautious braking. Slamming on the brakes on slippery surfaces can lead to unpredictable consequences. Allow ample time for those behind you to react by applying gradual and controlled braking. Skip the Cruise Control While cruise control is a convenience on clear days, it’s best to skip it when navigating slippery surfaces. Using cruise control in winter conditions may compromise your ability to maintain control of your truck, leading to potential hazards like hydroplaning or jackknifing. One Last Word Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's wise to stay prepared for any unexpected challenges that may arise while driving through snowy conditions. In the event you run into problems with your truck while
The holiday rush is in full swing, and we understand the immense pressure truck drivers are facing. Increased demand, tight deadlines, and unpredictable weather can create the perfect storm of stress and frustration. However, don’t let the chaos overwhelm you! At Lee-Smith, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to serve as your reliable partner, helping you not only survive but THRIVE during the busiest time of year. In this blog post, we’ll share how Lee-Smith can help you navigate through the holiday chaos. Mobile Service Division: Your Roadside Ally During the holiday rush, having a dependable ally is essential. That’s where our Mobile Service Division truly shines. Picture this: you’re gearing up for an important delivery, and your truck decides it is time for an unplanned holiday break. Our highly skilled mobile service technicians, the road’s equivalent of Santa’s dependable elves, are ready to spring into action. Each of our skilled technicians has over 15 years of hands-on experience and is committed to increasing uptime for drivers across North Georgia, Alabama, and the Tennessee Valley. Our team holds certifications in International, Isuzu, Eaton, Allison, Caterpillar, and Autocar and can perform warranty repairs on all Cummins engines, regardless of the truck's make and model. We prioritize convenience, working with both drivers and fleet owners to schedule timely repairs, ensuring you’re back on the road swiftly when unexpected issues arise. Learn more about this service and schedule an appointment by visiting our website.
As Thanksgiving approaches, families nationwide are eagerly anticipating the warmth of shared meals and laughter. Yet, many of the nation’s unsung heroes – truckers – will be spending the holiday on the road. Being away from loved ones can be challenging, but you can still celebrate with fellow truck drivers at stops along your route and family via technology. At Lee-Smith, we understand the importance of navigating gratitude on the road. In this blog, we present “A Trucker’s Guide to Thanksgiving,” offering tips to help you embrace the spirit of the season. From handling holiday traffic to savoring a Thanksgiving feast on the go and staying vigilant against cargo thieves, we’ve got you covered. Surviving Holiday Traffic: Keep on Truckin’ with Ease The Thanksgiving travel season kicks off on Wednesday, November 22nd according to AAA . When the workday ends, holiday travel begins! AAA expects a whopping 49.1 million people to travel by vehicle this Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.7% from 2022. With so many people on the road, traffic jams are a given. With a little strategic planning, truckers may be able to find less crowded routes. Today’s GPS apps will often offer you a shorter alternate route when one is available. AAA also put together a list of the best and worst times to travel. Keep these times in mind to help you plan:
As 2023 winds down, it’s time to gear up your business or fleet for a successful year ahead. If this involves purchasing a new or used commercial vehicle to empower your team and enhance customer service, then you need to know about the Section 179 deduction within the Internal Revenue Code. Keep reading to learn how you can save big on a new or used commercial vehicle. Disclaimer: We are truck experts, but in order to learn how to take full advantage of the Section 179 deduction, please contact your tax professional. Unpacking the Section 179 Deduction Breaking down the tax code can be a daunting task, so we’re going to start by explaining what the Section 179 deduction is and how it can help you. The Section 179 deduction allows eligible business owners to write off up to $1,160,000 for any new or used trucks and trailers purchased, financed, or leased AND put into service in 2023. Each business also has a limit on the total amount of equipment purchased that caps out at $2,890,000. Once this threshold is reached, the deduction will begin to phase out on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Once $4,050,000 is spent, the deduction will go away according to Section179.org . In comparison to 2022, this year’s deduction is $80,000 higher. For 2023, the government is also offering a bonus depreciation of 80% for both new and used equipment. Large businesses planning to go over the spending cap will find this depreciation helpful. However, it is important that interested business owners act quickly because this deduction is only available through December 31, 2023. Waiting until January 1, 2024, would mean missing out on these savings. Section179.org does a great job of breaking down the specifics of this deduction. One thing they want to make sure people understand is that there are variables that impact deduction amounts. These include: Vehicle type Vehicle weight Build and intent of vehicle Percentage of time used for business purposes The site also has a calculator you can use to estimate your deduction. Keep in mind that this is an estimate. Section179.org recommends contacting a tax expert or accountant with any questions you may have. Selecting Your Ideal Vehicle Now that you’ve gained a grasp of Section 179, the next step is choosing your new or used vehicle for your business. At Lee-Smith, we offer a variety of options, including semi-trucks, pickup trucks, reefers, and transit vans. We are the Southeast’s largest locally owned commercial truck dealer for International®, Ford, and Isuzu Trucks. Currently, we have a great selection of used vehicles on our lot ready for purchase. We also have both diesel and electric models available. Our knowledgeable sales team can help you find the right vehicle to meet your business’ needs and budget. Explore our current inventory by clicking here. You can also call us at 423-622-4161 or swing by our dealership at 2600 8th Avenue in Chattanooga to speak with a member of our team. We’re Here to Serve You Building relationships with our customers is very important to us. Our commitment to you extends far beyond the sale of your vehicle. We have an inventory of over $4,000,000 in parts at your disposal. With our Internet Parts Sales service, you can shop for the parts you need from anywhere in the world! Recently, we also opened a Fleetrite Parts Store within our Chattanooga dealership. This exciting new specialty store allows us to expand our Fleetrite offerings. When it comes to service, our team is here to provide you with more than just repairs – we’re here to minimize your downtime. Earlier this year, we introduced our Mobile Service Division. This team of highly skilled service professionals will come to you to make repairs. This service saves you time and the hassle of having to bring your vehicle to us for service. One Last Word We don’t want you to miss out on the 2023 Section 179 deduction. Please give us a call at 423-622-4161 if you have any questions or for more information. We can’t wait to help you choose the right vehicle for your business. Thank you for trusting us!
Happy fall, y’all! The changing of seasons means we will finally get some relief after what NASA says was the hottest summer on record. Now that the temperatures are beginning to fall along with the leaves, it’s time to focus on fall maintenance and preparing your semi-truck for the busy holiday season that lies ahead. Our team of experts at Lee-Smith has crafted a list of tips to help you keep your fleet operating in prime condition during these cooler months. Keep reading to learn more, and please share this vital information with your fellow truck drivers. Check Your Headlights One of the only downsides of fall is that we lose daylight hours. Less sunlight means more headlight use. Check to make sure your head and tail lights are working. Signs of malfunctioning headlights include dimming and flickering. We carry LED and Halogen bulb replacements in our Lee-Smith Parts Department. LED lights are brighter and more cost-effective, but they can blind other drivers on the road. Halogen lights are easier on the eyes of other drivers. The debate between LED and Halogen will require you to consider whether you prefer only head-on views (LED) or complete side-to-side views (Halogen). Don’t let headlight issues go unresolved as you could end up in trouble with the law. Fallen Leaves Ahead In the South, we are privileged to have some of the most gorgeous trees in the fall. As these trees shed their leaves, however, they create dangerous situations for drivers. Piled-up leaves can make roadways slick when wet. They can also cover potholes and hazards in the road. We suggest treating leaf-covered roadways like ice. Drive slow and leave plenty of space between your truck and other motorists. Remember that jumping in leaf piles is one of the highlights of childhood. Kids could be playing around in leaves near the road, so please use extra caution. Prep Your Tires Lower temperatures outside make lower tire pressure a seasonal concern. Underinflated tires can lead to expensive repair bills over time. Plus, it can lower your fuel economy making trips to the pump more frequent. Follow the truck manufacturer’s guidance for psi levels. With winter already arriving in some parts of the country, it’s not a bad idea to go ahead and pull those tire chains back out as well. Many states require chains. In Colorado, for example, chains are required between September 1st and May 31st. For more information on chain laws by state, click here . Foggy Mornings Ahead Nothing says fall like fog. The National Weather Service wants to remind drivers to take extra precautions in foggy conditions. Start by slowing down and creating extra space between your truck and any other vehicles around you. Turn on your low-beam headlights instead of your high-beam lights. Brighter lights make it harder to see. If you cannot see where you are going, then it’s time to pull off to a safe place. We know not every driver can pull over in a parking lot. For those who must stop on the interstate, turn on your hazards and set your emergency brake. To avoid being rear-ended, turn off your tail lights by removing your foot from the brake. Oh…Deer Seeing a deer out in the woods is one thing. Having a deer run in front of your truck is another. Over 1.5 million accidents involving deer occur annually according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety . An uptick in deer-related crashes is seen regularly during the fall hunting season. Deer are also migrating and breeding this time of year, so they are out and about. Rural roads with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher are likely areas for deer-related collisions. To protect yourself and other drivers, scan the sides of the roadway every 6 to 8 seconds to look for any deer that may bolt into traffic. Deer are unpredictable, so stay vigilant when driving in areas where they tend to congregate. One Last Word Drivers, safety is always our number one goal in every season. Please take these fall maintenance and safety tips to heart and do all you can to make sure that you get to and from your destination safely. Remember that our team of experts is here to serve you no matter the season. To contact us, visit our website or call 423-622-4161.
Summer break passed in the blink of an eye, and students in many states have already returned to school or will very soon. This means it’s time for all drivers to head back to “class” for a refresher on school zone safety. Over summer break, you may have gotten used to not seeing yellow school buses on the roadways and having to stop for them to load and unload, but they are back. As responsible drivers, we should do our due diligence to protect our nation’s future leaders as they go to and from school. For this blog, we're sharing eight ways drivers of all kinds can help keep students safe. Don't Pass Go... or the Stop-Arm Since 1939, yellow school buses have been making the rounds, taking children to and from school. Over the years, stop-arm violation laws have been put in place in all 50 states to prevent drivers from illegally passing stopped school buses. If a school bus’s lights are flashing and the STOP arm is extended, all vehicles traveling in both directions must stop. The only exception to this is if you are traveling on a divided highway. However, laws on this may differ by state. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that despite the number of crashes caused by stop-arm violations being relatively low, the risk of a child being harmed or losing their life in a crash of this type is high. What’s even more concerning are the findings from a survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDTPS) that show that the number of drivers illegally passing school busses is rising. Each year, a large number of states participate in a one-day study to see how many drivers break the stop-arm law. The group uses those numbers to estimate the number of illegal passings over the course of the 180-day school year. During the 2021-2022 school year, the NASDTPS estimates that 41.8 million drivers violated the stop-arm law. That estimate increased to 43.5 million violations during the 2022-2023 school year. How You Can Help Now that we’ve addressed the data, let’s talk about ways you as a driver can help keep kids safe. When traveling through a school zone or near a bus stop, always assume that a child may run in front of your vehicle at any moment. Kids don’t always look before crossing the street. Even kids who check both ways may struggle to know how much time they have to cross before an approaching vehicle reaches them. Follow school zone speed limits. In Tennessee, the speed limit in school zones ranges between 15-25 miles per hour. Use your headlights. The school bell often rings before the sun rises. Students may not be wearing reflective clothing that is easy to see. Go completely cell phone-free when traveling through a school zone. Even using a hands-free device can take your focus off the road. Use extra caution if you drive the same route every day. Research shows that your risk of being in a crash increases the closer you are to home. Honking is a no-go when driving near school zones or school bus stops. Not only can honking cause confusion, but it can scare kids. When driving behind a school bus, leave a large amount of space between your vehicle and the bus. Truck drivers should leave more room between themselves and a school bus than the average driver to give themselves plenty of time to stop. School buses typically turn on their warning lights 100 feet before stopping. Patience is key. Give yourself extra time to make it to your destination when driving during the early morning or mid-afternoon hours when school buses are on the roads. One Last Word You may have noticed that this blog is a bit different than normal. We typically focus on topics relating solely to commercial vehicles. However, school zone safety is something that all of us need to take seriously. Whether you drive a small sedan or an 18-wheeler, we ask that you do your part to protect our kids as they go to and from school. Together, we can make sure everyone gets home safely.
At Lee-Smith, we are always looking for innovative ways to serve our customers better. That is why we are excited to introduce our new Mobile Service Division! The goal of our Mobile Service Team is to increase Uptime for our customers by performing a variety of repairs at their locations. Our Lee-Smith Team understands that time is money. The amount of revenue lost increases with every passing minute that a commercial vehicle is out-of-service. By using our Mobile Service options, fleets can return to the road quickly while receiving feedback directly from our technicians in the field. This service reduces the need to tow a vehicle or utilize time and resources to move a unit to our repair facility in downtown Chattanooga. This service is also available at no additional cost compared to our in-shop rates! What Services Does the Mobile Service Division Provide? Each member of Lee-Smith's Mobile Service team has over 15 years of experience. Our highly-skilled technicians can perform a multitude of onsite repairs ranging from heavy-duty overhauls to light-duty repairs. We can travel to rural locations in North Georgia and Alabama, or operate locally at a fleet's headquarters in the Tennessee Valley. Our team is certified in International, Isuzu, Eaton, Allison, Caterpillar and Autocar. Additionally, each technician can perform warranty repairs on all Cummins engines, regardless of the make and model of the truck. We currently have four fully operational mobile service units and are in the process of adding more. Our technicians can schedule a time to work on a truck that is convenient for both the driver and fleet owner. Introducing Lee-Smith's Mobile Service Division Team Meet Mary
At Lee-Smith, we're always looking for ways to better serve businesses. That's why we're excited to highlight our sister company Idealease. Idealease was designed to meet the needs of businesses that may not own their own trucks. Keep reading to learn more about how Idealease works and the benefits of renting or leasing. WHAT IS RENTING? For businesses that need a commercial truck but do not want to purchase one upfront, renting is usually the right solution. A commercial truck rental allows you to utilize the vehicle for a short period in exchange for paying a higher daily cost or monthly cost. Keep in mind that the total cost will vary drastically based on the type of truck you are renting and the use of the truck. Ultimately, a truck rental is a short-term agreement between you and Idealease allowing you limited use of their vehicle. Renting can be a beneficial option for businesses that need access to a commercial truck for an upcoming short-term job. The following are all benefits of a commercial truck rental rather than a lease: Flexible Options : Rentals are best for short-term or project-based use with common rental contracts ranging from six to twelve months, however, some may be one to two days. No Major Upfront Investment : While rentals do require a deposit upfront, renting a truck does not require the renter to make a long-term investment decision. This makes it a good choice when capital is tight. While renting is a great fit in certain situations, there are some points to consider when choosing a commercial truck rental. The following are all things to keep in mind when deciding between a lease or a rental agreement: Expensive over the Long Term : While a commercial truck rental is a good short-term choice, it is not ideal for long-term use (3 years). The monthly rental costs can add up quickly, making a lease or purchase a better choice for ongoing use. No Equity Built : When you rent a truck, you will not receive back any of the money you put into the truck. Limited Use : In some cases when renting you may run into availability issues, since the vehicles are first come first serve, if you have a last-minute job, the situation could arise that a vehicle isn’t ready immediately. Idealease Short & Long Term Rental Our Differentiators Idealease offers a wide variety of industry-leading international trucks and truck specs that are dependable and well-maintained. In order to adhere to current FMCSA regulations, Idealease rental trucks may feature electronic logging devices. With nearly 50,000 trucks running nationwide, Idealease helps you meet your customers’ expectations. We can provide the appropriate rental truck for the job and offer daily, weekly or monthly rentals. Our rental fleet includes: Day cab, sleeper tractors, dry straight trucks, refrigerated straight trucks, light duty, stake body trucks, and specialized equipment (yard spotters, wet line kits, and more) You also have access to Idealnets 24/7 breakdown service when using our rental. Ease of Doing Business The Idealease North American Rental Program is our seamless and cost-effective solution for larger fleets. All insurance documentation, credit approval, and service requirements are issued with your rental account from our corporate headquarters so you get a consistent, guaranteed rate structure and coordinated rental services at Idealease locations throughout America. COMMERCIAL TRUCK LEASING WHAT IS LEASING? A hybrid between purchasing a commercial truck and renting it, leasing is a great option for those who need the vehicle for long-term use, but do not have the means to purchase the truck outright. According to CDL.com , the average commercial truck lease payment is anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per month. Compare this to the daily cost of a rental over a month, and you are saving a lot of money that can be used elsewhere in your business. Remember, the cost of a lease will be highly dependent on the type of vehicle buildout and equipment being leased, as well as your credit score, the lease terms, and current interest rates. A major difference between leasing and renting a commercial truck is that many lease agreements come with the option of a lease to own. Lease to own allows you to build equity in the truck over time, with the option to purchase the remainder of the truck at the end of the lease agreement. In contrast, a rental will never allow you to build any equity in the vehicle. Idealease Full Service Lease Includes Improved cash flow No down payment required. Fixed and Guaranteed maintenance costs Lowest life cycle costs on a consistent monthly basis All predictable maintenance parts and labor Comprehensive preventive maintenance program. All predictable tire repair and replacement. No Disposal Concerns Return the vehicle at the end of the term, and replace it with a new truck or tractor. Idealnet 24/7 Roadside Assistance Trained Idealease staff answer calls ’live’ 24/7 1-800-ID LEASE helps drivers deal with vehicle breakdowns, lock-outs, emergency permits requirements, fuel or hazmat cleanups. Idealease service network has more than 430 locations and 34,000 truck stops, tire repair centers, and service stations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico Priority Service Receive priority service at more than 430 locations. Your vehicle will receive immediate service in priority service bays where expert technicians are ready to diagnose and repair issues if a mechanical failure occurs. Idealease customers have experienced over 98% vehicle uptime since 2005. Fuel Tax Reporting and Fuel Purchasing Programs Idealease fleet services provide efficient vehicle licensing, legalization, and U.S. fuel tax reporting. Our Idealease Fleet services fuel card eliminates most of the paperwork for tracking, trip reports, and fuel tax receipts. The card is accepted at more than 43,000 fueling locations in North America, and it has no transaction fee. For some businesses, a truck lease is the best solution. The following are all benefits of the option for a commercial truck equity lease: Lease to Own : Many leasing options offer the opportunity to lease to own. This allows you to slowly build equity in the vehicle, with an option to purchase the truck at the end of the agreement. Less Money Down : Unlike buying a commercial truck, leasing often requires little to no money down, making it a great choice when capital is tight but you need a longer-term solution than renting. Better Pricing for Long-Term Use : Compared to renting, leasing is usually a more affordable option when needing long-term or regular use. Access the Newest Fleet : Leasing allows you to access the latest models of commercial trucks on the market. Unlike purchasing a truck outright, which often limits what inventory you can afford, leasing makes newer makes and models accessible. While leasing a truck has its benefits, there are also a couple of questions to consider before signing on the dotted line: How long your company has been in business: Idealease requires at least 2 years of business history to enter a leasing agreement, renting may be the best option to build credit if you haven’t been in service two years. Credit Requirements : Leasing does require a credit check. This can be a limiting factor for those with poor credit scores. However, it is worth noting that, in the case of commercial trucks, Idealease rental agreements also require a credit check. Long-Term Commitment : A lease is a longer-term commitment than a rental. For people doing occasional jobs or one-time jobs, this may not be ideal. Waiting Period : A leased truck often requires time to be designed and delivered, this can take quite a bit of time, the timeline can be 6-18 months currently. One Last Word For more information about Idealease, visit https://idealeaseofchattanooga.com/www . Our team is also here to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at 423-622-2141.
