Looking for Trailer Sales in Tacoma

Are you looking to purchase a tractor-trailer in the Tacoma area? There are plenty of dealers in Tacoma and more in the greater Seattle area that can assist you with this. The issue is how to make the right decision and what is the best way to decide what you need in a big rig?

Getting the Right Tractor-Trailer

The first important piece of information when looking for trailer sales in Tacoma is what will your trailer be used for? As an owner-operator, you take a tremendous amount of risk when you buy a new rig. Your success as a professional truck driver is on the line. Your career and financial situation are greatly affected by the decision you make about a new rig.

You can buy or you can lease. As an owner-operator, you probably want to own, but leasing might make more financial sense depending on your current financial situation. Your tractor-trailer is the biggest asset your business has. So, you need to build out the specs on your new truck and get what you need at the least cost.

· To do this right the first thing you should probably do is work with the best sales rep you can find. That person needs to be on your side, understanding that the best deal for you will be the best deal for him. For most owner-operators, laying out your own specs for a new truck is a daunting task.

· Try to find an ex-trucker or mechanic for your sales rep. Tell them what and how you drive. Let them suggest the specs.

· Think about ordering a new truck not buying one off the lot or buying a used one. Order new and you can be sure of what you are getting and you can get exactly what you need.

· Only choose to work with reliable dealers in the Tacoma or greater Seattle area. Know their reputation and if possible know fellow truckers who have bought from that dealership.

· Make sure you are getting a warranty and a place for honest repairs.

· Now design the Specification for your new rig.

Specs for a New Trailer

As you do your specifications, make sure you keep versatility in mind.

• When considering your engine, consider the routes you drive. Are you driving a lot of hills or is it a pretty flat shot most of the time? Get all the horsepower you need but don’t get more than you need. Remember the budget is a big factor here.
• Speaking of the budget – be careful with add ons, with tires, with color or wrap. Don’t buy things you don’t need.
• Don’t rush the process. Make sure you take the time to get what you really need. Let your sales rep be your guide. If they can’t tell you what engine and transmission you need if you run the mountains, versus what you need if you run the desert, then get another sales rep. Your rep should know by the loads you carry and where you carry them to, what you need in tire size, engine, transmission, and more.
• Don’t settle on a truck brand until you know there are shops near you that can service it and can handle your warranty.
• Consider how much fuel every mile will cost you. This is your second biggest expense. Get the right truck.
• Don’t pay for features you will never use or need.

Used or Lease?

To save money in a volatile industry many owner-operators have bought used or lease so that not as much of their finances were tied up in the trailer. Think long and hard about this. The truck you drive is the key to the success of your owner-operator business. There is nothing more important. A truck with the wrong specs and you could have 10-15 years of headaches.

Buying used – you never really know what you are getting. Most companies today are not selling until they have issues and you don’t want to buy their issues. Get a new truck.

Leasing – depending upon your cash flow, there are advantages and disadvantages to leasing. These days for the car owner it is better to lease. But for an over-the-road owner-operator, it might not be as good an option as buying.

When you buy and buy new at a reputable trailer sales dealer in Tacoma, you will get exactly what you need, what you want and what you are willing or able to pay for. So it would be our recommendation that you buy new, look to a reputable shop for any repairs or warranty work you might need and enjoy the road!

Keep in mind throughout the process that this is the biggest purchase your business is ever going to make and fuel is your second biggest expense. So this decision is critical to your success as an 0wner-operator.