ExpeditersOnline.com The Expedited Freight Information Center

As we all know, there are serious reasons to keep your truck clean and shiny. Dirt and grime trap moisture, which can lead to corrosion and damage to the finish of painted surfaces and bright metals.

A good looking truck not only speaks of the owner's professionalism, but translates to real value at trade-in/resale time.

"On my inspections, I start at the front on the driver's side then go all the way down that side, around the back and up the passenger's side to the front. I try to use that system every time."

"Also, if I'm driving at night, towards dusk I stop and clean all my windows and mirrors. Then I'll turn all my lights on and do a walk around to check them. I've been able to catch burnt-out marker lights that way."

Presently, heavy duty truck parts make up only a small fraction of counterfeit products overall, but the manufacturers of phony brake pads, batteries, fan belts, valves and a range of other truck parts are broadening their product lines and areas of distribution, including the U.S.

Some parts, while they don't fit the strict definition of counterfeit, are designed to fool the purchaser into believing they are the genuine article. Called clones or knock-offs these parts are reverse-engineered to look like the originals, to the point of even carrying the same part numbers.

The first show in 1972 featured 80 exhibitors and 4000 visitors. MATS continued to grow through the ensuing decades and now boasts of over 1,100 exhibitors with more than 1,000,000 square feet of convention floor space and more than 200,000 square feet of outdoor exhibits and events. Organizers estimate over 75,000 show-goers will attend.

According to the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB), retreads are used by small package delivery companies with guaranteed delivery times, including the U.S. Postal Service, on commercial and military jets, by most school bus operators, taxis, and many other types of vehicles.

TRIB also states that retreaded truck tires represent a savings of over $3 billion dollars annually for truckers and trucking companies in North America. Approximately 18.6 million retreaded tires were sold in North America in 2006, with sales in excess of $3 billion. The majority of these were medium truck tires.

Attendees will be able to see, feel and compare the most innovative expedited trucks on the market as well as discuss equipment needs, spec'ing and financing with expedited truck professionals. This is your opportunity to climb into the new generation of cabs and sleepers and discover the manufacturers' latest innovations in comfort and practicality.

Vendors, suppliers and support companies will be exhibiting their products and services as well.

"We've got a great lineup of real industry pros who will present the information one needs to be a success in this business. In particular, there will be information of interest for couples searching for a profitable 2nd or 3rd career opportunity as expedited owner operators."

She adds, "The Workshops are designed to strip away the mystery of expediting and to shed light on the dynamics of how to improve your business's bottom line."

Beginning in 1994, the expedited truck and sleeper manufacturer has operated a sales location in Woodhaven, Michigan; first, in a second floor office in the Detroiter Truck Stop until the year 2000, when the company opened a dedicated facility behind the truck stop.

Have you had to deal with a blue or green film on your windshield and headlights this winter? Then you're seeing just the latest evidence of today's chemical de-icers, which wreak far more havoc than dirty windows.

These liquid de-icers, primarily magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, have become a common weapon in highway agencies' battle against snow and ice. When sprayed on pavement before a storm, they prevent ice from forming on the roadways, making snow removal easier and in some cases keeping the pavement clear.

Want a Smooth ride?

Some experts say because aluminum wheels are a one-piece forging, they’re more true than steel assemblies, so vibration is kept to a minimum. They’re lighter, so there’s less unsprung weight.

Others contend that this may be true in a controlled test environment where you might see less flex with an aluminum wheel, but in the real world it won't make any difference.