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”Truck” is a vague term that’s commonly applied to every type of truck, whether it’s a smaller pickup truck or a large 18 wheeler truck. But we all know that a city garbage truck and the Chevy truck you use for weekend fishing are not the same truck. You can’t compare a Freightliner Cascadia to a Toyota Tacoma, which is why there are truck classes to more easily categorize all “trucks” you see on a daily basis.

There are eight (technically nine, but we’ll get to that later) classes of trucks that range from weight to duty classifications. These classes do matter, not only because they determine what parts you’ll need for your vehicle, but also because they can also affect part warranties, what you’re allowed to drive as a truck driver, and more.

Air Brakes On Commercial Vehicles

Most of today’s commercial fleet drivers choose to drive heavy-duty vehicles with air brake systems; and it is no wonder why: air brakes are cost-effective; environmentally friendly and more reliable than traditional braking systems. These drivers rely on clean air filters in their system to protect their vehicles avoid brake failure; and to ensure that the system works properly, drivers trust air dryers to rid harmful pollutants, such as oil and moisture, that can potentially reach the supply tank and damage air valves; air brakes and even the engine. Keep reading to learn when it is time to replace the air dryer in vehicles with air brake systems plus the warning signs of a failing air dryer.

Winter is Coming…Again

It’s already that time of the year – the leaves are changing, temperatures are falling, and Halloween decorations are going up. While visions of falling snow, freezing temperatures and ice may excite some winter enthusiasts, it’s a very different story for owner/operators and fleets – time to winterize the trucks.

Before the first snowflakes fall, get a jump on your big rig winterization with these 12 tips on winterizing wheel ends, air systems, electronics, and controls from Bendix.

Best Lighting For Heavy-Duty Trucks

Lighting equipment on vehicles is used by drivers daily; and as the days get shorter during the cooler months of the year, the need for highly visible lighting becomes increasingly more important. Truck drivers will find several different types of lighting when shopping for quality OEM headlights for their large trucks; but the most common types are halogen and LED. This leads to the debate that we are going to settle once and for all: Which is better for fleet vehicles: LED or halogen headlights? Keep reading to compare these common headlights.

Why is Air Brake Testing Important for Truckers?

To look at a big rig, you’d never guess that a vehicle with that size and weight can merge, turn, and maintain smooth driving control at highway speeds, but the unique skills that truckers have make all of that possible so America can keep running.

Part of acquiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) means getting tested on air brakes so every new driver gets on the road knowing exactly how a heavy-duty vehicle’s complicated air brake system works. But even after you get your CDL, you should still brush up on your air brake knowledge and skills because you never know where you’ll end up during delivery and in what weather conditions. Whether you’re reviewing the necessary skills for CDL air brake testing or just wanting to brush up, here’s a nine-step air brake test to keep you confident on the road.

Starters VS. Alternators

Ask someone the difference between a starter and alternator, and he/she may look at you like you are crazy. After all, they are the same component, right? Wrong. While they are both integral parts of a vehicle’s electrical system, they perform different tasks. The job of the starter is to do just that: start the engine; while the alternator is the electrical force used to charge the battery – like your cell phone charger – and provide power when the engine is running.

Even though they are different parts, there remains confusion over these two electrical components. What is even more confusing is how you know when your starter is failing as opposed to your alternator. Keep reading to learn the signs of failing starters and alternators in heavy-duty trucks and how to test each one.

The Importance of the Semi Trailer Truck

Whether you call them semis, semi trucks, big rigs, tractor trailers, or just “the office,” semi trailer trucks have been key in shaping the American economy. Semis are named for the semi-trailers that are attached to tractors using a fifth wheel coupling hitch, giving these unique vehicles a distinct design from standard trucks and traiilers.

But while it’s not uncommon to drive or share the road with semi trailer trucks these days, have you ever wondered where the semi trailer truck comes from and how it came into existence? We wondered, too, and did a deep dive into the rich history of this specialty vehicle.

Must-Haves for Truckers on the Road

When you put your rig on the road, there’s no telling how long you’ll be gone – a few days, a few weeks, or sometimes even a month at a time depending on the job. The life of a trucker has always meant extended time away from friends and family, and this year with the Coronavirus pandemic has been no exception as truckers from all over the country have stepped up to keep the medical, food, and paper supply chains moving.

Regardless of how long you’re going to be on the job, you have to be prepared with everything you’ll need to take care of yourself and your vehicle on the road. But what exactly should that entail? Some of these may be no-brainers, but there may also be some surprises or things you notoriously forget before you leave.

Where are Truck Driver Applications Coming From?

It’s no surprise that one of the industries with the largest need for new applicants this year is trucking. From 2008 to 2015, multiple outlets reported receiving about 11,000 truck driver applications a month, or 132,000 a year. These applications come from job websites, social media platforms, and other outlets, and are often sorted based on experience, certification level, and other factors.

It takes a huge commitment to become a truck driver, especially during a global pandemic and also during a time when the nation’s supply chain is in a chokehold. With all 50 states having trucking needs and needing truck drivers, which states typically produce the most applicants?

Why You Need to Know the Difference Between Brake Lights and Taillights

For a seasoned trucker or fleet owner, talking about what makes a brake light different from a taillight may seem like going back to kindergarten, but there’s a good reason to have awareness of both types of lighting — it’s easy to assume they’re always working and also easy to miss if they’re not.

Even though your brake and taillights may live together under the same globe or cover, and U.S. law dictates that they both must be red to be compliant with Department of Transportation standards, these are two different lights with two different jobs. And knowing what they are and what to keep in mind when you need a replacement can help save you some uptime and money.