Heavy-Duty Trucks

Coast Distribution System

Guide to Heavy-Duty Trucks

Shop intelligently among the array of heavy duty trucks for sale online
By Christine Margiotta

You provide the load, and heavy-duty trucks will provide the muscle. But there's more to consider here besides truck capacity. It's important to balance heavy-duty truck value with performance and reliability. What's more, as the prices of gas and diesel continue on their upward climb, it's wise to consider offsetting the rising cost of gas by looking into pre-owned heavy-duty trucks.

But where to begin shopping? A wide variety of manufacturers and dealers showcase heavy-duty trucks for sale, heavy-duty truck prices and heavy-duty truck value right on their websites. Whether you're looking for cheap heavy-duty trucks or a price comparison of commercial heavy-duty trucks for sale, a number of reputable companies can get you what you need directly online. Whether you're focused on comparing heavy-duty truck prices or simply need to make side-by-side comparisons, consider the following:

1. The size and history of the maker of heavy-duty trucks.

2. The availability of heavy-duty truck parts for your selected model, either directly from the manufacturer or from a parts-specific website.

3. Whether you're getting the best values and prices from providers of heavy-duty trucks for sale.

4. Whether your selection meets or exceeds environmental emission standards for heavy-duty trucks.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find reputable makers of heavy-duty trucks Search online for heavy-duty trucks manufacturers that deliver quality trucks at reasonable prices, new or used.

I recommend:  Freightliner Trucks, a division of the largest North American manufacturer of heavy-duty autos, Daimler Trucks North America, lists nearly a dozen truck models on its site. The Construction Equipment website offers a list of heavy-duty truck dealers country-wide. Gibbs Truck Centers lists numerous truck makes and models.

Back up your purchase with the support of parts for heavy-duty trucks Your heavy-duty truck dealer or manufacturer should provide you the support of quality replacement parts. But you can also get what you need from reputable truck parts dealers online.

I recommend:  PartSeek, an online dealer of used heavy-duty truck body parts, allows you to create a profile that enables you to quickly make parts requests without filling out the same information more than once. T.H. Evans Enterprises, which specializes in rebuilding heavy-duty truck engines and other components, lists its parts online as well.

Heavy-duty truck value is important Whether you're looking to sell an existing fleet or want an idea of how different truck makes compare, find a reputable truck valuation source online and get the best deal on used heavy duty truck pricing.

I recommend:  Truck Market lists heavy-duty truck price and mileage, while the Truck Blue Book is to heavy-duty trucks what the Kelly Blue Book is to automobiles.

Find out if your new truck meets emission standards for heavy-duty trucks It's important to ensure your truck runs efficiently and meets national standards for emissions and fuel efficiency.

I recommend:  DieselNet lists emissions standards based on truck model year. The Environmental Protection Agency's website can give you the latest national standards for diesel efficiency.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• While heavy duty truck price is often the most important factor in your decision, sometimes it pays to spend a little more up-front. Newer trucks are most often designed to the latest fuel efficiency standards and will help you save more money in the long run.