It is no secret that people here in America love their pets. It is not uncommon to see dogs on leashes, dogs in strollers, and even dogs in “puppy carriers” on any outing these days. While some people may roll their eyes, those who love their 4-legged friends want to take their companions with them everywhere. This often includes on the job.

Truck driving offers unique working conditions and opportunities that other professions cannot. With long hours on the road and days away from home, having a friendly companion to keep you company is often a great choice. It is even suggested that truck drivers who have a dog along for the ride are safer and happier on the road.

Choosing a perfect companion is no simple process because you can’t force a relationship. However, there are certain guidelines that you may want to follow for finding your perfect 4-legged riding companion.

• A dog no bigger than 50 pounds is a general rule of the road. This size guideline allows you to have enough space for your companion and the food, water, bowls, and doggy bed he or she needs.
• Consider the breed of dog carefully. While you may love a greyhound, these dogs require a lot of exercise. It is important to choose a breed that is “lazier” or one that does not require constant activity.
• It is also important to think of how easy it will be to clean up after your dog. Short-haired dogs will leave less cabin clean-up than long-haired dogs that shed all over the place.
• You will also want to make sure that your dog is fully trained before hitting the road. This training includes being potty-trained and obedient. Your dog will need to know where his or her space is and where he or she is not allowed.

Bringing a dog on board with you for work and travel can benefit you in many ways. Your health can improve, your mood can improve, and you can usually make friends very easily. Many trucking companies allow drivers to bring dogs along, but it will be necessary to check their policy before you and your canine hit the road. Once you get the OK, get ready to enjoy the journey with your new co-pilot.

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There are simply some things in life that you can always count on: death and taxes. If you are a truck driver you can add one more thing to that short list: the DOT. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT or DOT) is a federal Cabinet department of the U.S. Government concerned with transportation. Its mission is to ensure that America has the safest, most efficient, and most modern transportation system in the world. Under this department, the DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that all commercial motor vehicles be inspected at least every 12 months. While some inspections are planned and known in advance, there are times when your truck may be inspected without prior warning. Being prepared for your truck inspection will help keep you on the road and making money.

The easiest thing you can do to get your truck DOT ready is to keep your truck tidy and in good working order. Here is a list of things on a Level 1 DOT commercial vehicle inspection checklist that you will want to regularly check to ensure they are operating safely:

• Seat belts
• Lights
• Brake systems
• Coupling devices
• Wheels
• Rims and hubs
• Steering mechanisms
• Exhaust systems
• Fuel systems
• Windshield wipers
• Emergency exits
• Electrical cables

You will also want to know where your fire extinguisher and triangles are, have your documents organized in a folder or binder for your inspector, and make sure your cab is clean.

One other thing to note is that how you treat the inspector will make a difference. Yes, being pulled over for an unexpected inspection can take you off guard. However, treating your inspector will respect will most likely have an impact on your inspection report. Be upfront and courteous. If a light has come on between your last stops, be upfront and honest about it. Inspectors know that a myriad of things can happen on the road. Honesty is always the best policy, and when you treat your inspector with respect, there’s a higher chance you will be treated in the same manner.

With a good attitude coupled with having your “house in order,” you can help yourself get ready, and stay ready, for any DOT inspections.

Posted on behalf of Bulldog Truck Sales

Your truck was a large investment in your financial security. Your truck not only gets you from point A to point B, but it helps you to earn a living. One of the simplest things that you can do to maintain your truck for the long haul is to keep it clean. Yes, it costs money to keep your truck clean; but it costs a whole heck of a lot more to repair or replace it.

Taking care of your truck with regular cleanings extends its road life. There are so many chemicals put on the roads today that are extremely corrosive to your truck. While it may be hard to think about in August, many truck drivers drove through treacherous weather conditions last winter. De-icing chemicals are put all over the roads throughout the country to try to prevent accidents on the highways. If you did not give your truck a thorough washing after the winter season, the chemicals that were on the road are still hanging out on the undercarriage of your truck. The longer those chemicals are there, the more damage they do.

Does washing your truck take time and cost a bit of money? Yes, it does.

Does maintaining your truck save you even more money and precious time in the long run? Most certainly.

Learning how to properly clean your truck’s engine, undercarriage, body, and wheels can help to save you thousands of dollars from your own pocket. Hiring someone else to wash your truck may cost you a bit more, but it can also save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

A clean truck also makes inspections a lot easier for you and CSA inspectors. Built-up grime can cause you or others to miss chaffing lines, cracked and damaged components, as well as electrical problems. A clean truck is an easy truck to inspect!

Bulldog Truck Sales wants you to extend the life of your investment. Our trucks are of high quality when you get them, but it’s your responsibility to keep them that way.

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If you’ve been considering a career in truck driving, Bulldog Truck Sales can help. We are a truck leasing company providing you with late-model, quality brand name trucks at affordable prices. Our leasing program is designed to help those independent owner-operators who have experienced credit issues in the past but are now stable and ready to get back on the road again.

If you’re one of the many drivers who are getting ready to get back on the road, Bulldog Truck Sales can help. Have you heard the recent good news for drivers as well? According to the American Trucking Associations, new data has been released in a Driver Compensation Study showing an increase in driver pay. The gains come as a result of a combination of scarce drivers and a rising demand for freight transportation services.

“The latest survey, which includes data from more than 100,000 drivers, shows that fleets are reacting to an increasingly tight market for drivers by boosting pay, improving benefit packages and offering other enticements to recruit and retain safe and experienced drivers.” –ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello

2019 Top 100 For-Hire Carriers Are In North America

If you’re looking for a helpful tool to see the top 100 for-hire carriers by regions you can use this map to view the carrier name and region, the interactive map can help you determine which region and company works best for you.

Bulldog Truck Sales – Helping You Get On The Road Again

If you’re ready to get back on the road again after having credit issues, call or visit Bulldog Truck Sales today. Our lease plan includes a short term lease-purchase agreement, low fixed monthly payments, a two-year warranty, DOT inspection, and credit scores as low as 500 accepted.

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Summer and fall host a variety of holidays that spark an increase in traffic and travel. July 4th and Labor Day are hosted in July and September. With July 4th being on a Thursday this year and Labor Day on a Monday, the chances of substantial weekend traffic increases. Did you sit in July 4th weekend traffic this year? As a truck driver, and sharing the road with holiday drivers, there are steps you can take to make you and the roads a safer place.

Be Aware Of High Travel Times

Summer and fall weekends are filled with people coming and from their vacations as well. The Wednesday before July 4th was be a big day of travel, and the Labor Day will be a massive day of travel as well. When you’re aware of these high travel times at any time of the year, you can plan your routes ahead of time. Morning and evening travel are also busy times on the road for holiday travelers. Christopher Elliot from Fortune explains, “Here’s the best way to beat Labor Day traffic the weekend,” as you consider travel plans for Labor Day Weekend this year.

Take It Slow, Steady, And Safe

As you plan your time on the road, be sure to leave yourself enough time, so you’re not tempted to speed or to exceed your driver hours of service. When your speed increases and exceeds the speed limit the chances of a crash triples. Keep focused on the road by not using your technology while driving and buckle up every time you sit in the driver’s seat. Did you know most drivers are not aware of your blind spots? Keep an eye on your blind spots in case other drivers are not. Lastly, dial 911 if you ever suspect or notice an impaired driver on the road.

Bulldog Truck Sales wants to get you on the road safely and at an affordable rate. We offer high quality, late model semi-trucks for lease at affordable prices with attractive terms. Come in and see us today.

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“The higher the truck, the closer to God.” – Earl Dibbles Jr.

Truck driving is a fulfilling and complex job. You cover hundreds of miles in a machine made for covering those miles and hauling big loads. Staying on the road means you have the ability to continue earning money for you and your family. In order to keep you and your truck on the road, it’s crucial to maintain your commercial truck to prevent breakdowns.

When your commercial truck breaks down, it can lead to a significant loss of income for you. Waiting on the proper maintenance and repairs can keep you off the road. The cost of repairs can be overwhelming, and the downtime related to the breakdowns all add up and dig negatively into your profits. Avoiding setbacks is vital to every trucker’s job. You can do this by properly maintaining your truck for optimal use.

Accidents and unexpected things can happen with your truck, but there are steps you can take to help avoid them. You can do this by ensuring that your pre-inspection checks are complete. Also, keep your truck up-to-date on maintenance requirements for your particular truck. Every time you get back on the road perform your pre-trip inspections and get anything checked out and repaired before heading out on the road.

Bulldog Truck Sales wants to get you on the road safely and at an affordable rate. We offer high quality, late model semi trucks for lease at affordable prices with attractive terms. All our trucks are DOT ready and come with a one-year engine warranty included in the price.

Posted on behalf of Bulldog Truck Sales

Bulldog Truck Sales in Atlanta, Georgia is a truck leasing company. Our truck leasing program is designed to help you get back to work and on the road. Part of our leasing plan includes a DOT inspection and a two-year warranty on all our leases.

In addition to DOT Inspection And Two Year Warranty, Bulldog Lease Plan Includes:

1. Short term (36-42 month) lease purchase agreement
2. Low fixed monthly payments of $1,750 to $2,250 depending on vehicle type and mileage.
3. Credit scores as low as 500 accepted.

DOT Inspections

Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections ensure all your CMV parts and accessories are safe for use and in good condition and functioning properly. A DOT inspection involves six primary levels.

Levels of Inspection

Level 1 – North American Standard Inspection – This level of inspection involves a meticulous review of your documents. They also will inspect for drugs, alcohol or other hazardous materials you may be transporting.

Level 2 – Walk Around Driver/Inspection of Vehicle – This level mirrors level 1. However, your inspector will not check any parts that require getting under your CMV.

Level 3 – Driver-Only Inspection – This level focuses on an in-depth look at you. Items such as your driver’s license, medical card, driver’s log, seatbelt, inspection report, driver incident history, and Hazmat requirements are all inspected.

Level 4 – Special Inspection – This is a special inspection and a one-time examination to look at a specific feature of your vehicle. It is usually conducted in response to a previous claim about your vehicle.

Level 5 – Vehicle-Only Inspection – This level is conducted without your presence and includes everything in a level one inspection.

Level 6 – Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments – This inspection includes inspecting for radiological shipments and requirements, procedures, and enhanced out of service criteria and level 1 inspection.

Bulldog Truck Leasing Professionals

Even if you have bad credit, you may still qualify for one of our affordable truck leasing programs and financing options. Contact our truck leasing professionals today or call our office to speak with one of our knowledgeable and professional staff members.

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It’s no secret that truck drivers spend many hours on the road. When driving you have a lot to consider and navigate. However, there are also hours when you’re able to both listen and drive at the same time. Listening to something can be an effective way to keep your mind engaged and alert while covering many miles as well.

Suggestions For Your Road Trip Listening Pleasure

Playlists – Why not consider making a playlist of your favorite tunes or genre of music? Consider mixing up the songs and variety of music to keep it interesting. If you’re not so tech savvy and you’re not sure how to make a playlist on your phone, you can go here for “How To Create A Playlist On Your Phone.”

Podcasts – If you need a change from listening to music, why not consider listening to a podcast? Podcasts are informative and entertaining ways to pass your time on the road. They offer a wide variety of topics, and you can learn something along the way. All Truck Jobs lists the “Best Trucking Podcasts of 2018” here.

Audiobooks – Trucking and reading books are not a good combination for many, obvious reasons. However, you can have books read to you on audiobooks. Almost all books are available for your listening pleasure. Take the time to download them before you hit the road.

Bulldog Truck Sales has high quality, late model commercial trucks at affordable prices, attractive terms with creative financing and lease programs available. Come see us today!

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If you’re a trucker, you know what it takes to get your truck from Point A to Point B. Keeping your eyes on the wheel, navigating the roads, maintaining a safe truck and following the rules of the road are all a big part of your job. However, another big part of your job is to keep a much broader eye on industries and laws that could make a significant impact on your bottom line and your career.

NAFTA is one thing you probably are keeping your eye on these days. Since Trump was elected into office speculation has been going around that we may soon pull out of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). This agreement was initially signed in 1994 as a free trade agreement among the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This agreement reduced or eliminated tariffs and other restrictions on trade among the three countries. The trucking industry has gained significant benefits from this free movement of goods. It’s important to keep an eye on this to stay clear about how trucking companies can operate under the new trade pact.

The ELD mandate is something else you have probably been watching as truckers. April 1, 2018, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) started penalizing fleets, and drivers found to be noncompliant by putting them out of service.

The trucking industry is ever changing. However, Bulldog Truck Sales’ commitment to serving clients has never wavered. Come see how we can get you in a truck that you buy or lease. We have high quality, late model commercial trucks at affordable prices. We have attractive terms with creative financing and lease programs available. Come see us today.

Posted on behalf of Bulldog Truck Sales

Bulldog Truck Sales is pleased to see all of the recent good news that is surrounding the truck driving industry.

According to the Department of Labor’s monthly Employment Situation Report, the for-hire trucking industry added jobs on a month-to-month basis in December 2018.

According to TruckersNews, “Trucking’s addition of 2,900 jobs came amid strong employment growth in the U.S. economy, which added 312,000 jobs in December – one of the largest gains of 2018.” In addition, “On a year-over-year basis, industry employment was up 36,000 jobs from December 2017.”

In another article in TruckersNews they explain, “Pay increases help drive down the 2018 third quarter.” They explain that the drop in turnover can be potentially explained in a few ways,” Costello (The American Trucking Associations’ Chief Economist) said.

1. Large pay increases fleets have been offering.
2. Drivers are remaining with their current carrier.
3. A softening of freight markets in the third quarter.

Bulldog Truck Sales is pleased to celebrate the good news surrounding the trucking industry. If you want to enter into this exciting industry, we can help. We offer big rig trucks for lease and even offer bad credit leasing programs.

If you had credit issues in the past, but are currently stable and ready to work, we offer you various truck financing and loan options.

For more good news, call our truck leasing professionals today or call our office and speak to one of our knowledgeable and professional staff members. We look forward to serving you with more good news related to the trucking industry.

Posted on behalf of Bulldog Truck Sales