How Do APU’s Work?

With gas prices skyrocketing you may have noticed a significant increase in your
monthly bills both personally and in your fleet. It is no surprise that the high gas prices have put
a strain on truck drivers. Luckily, APUs act as a secondary energy source for semi-trucks. This
secondary energy source allows for the heating and cooling of the interior of the truck cab. In
fact, anti-idling laws have even made it illegal for trucks to sit idling. This would mean that a
truck driver would be forced to turn off all power to their cab and be without heat, air, or any
electricity. This would mean that truck drivers could not survive out on the road – at least not
within their own cabs. This would increase hotel stays and overall expenses for fleet
management to unmanageable levels.
APUs can be powered by a few different sources. First, an APU for sale can be powered
by electricity. These APUs work by operating through cell batteries. They can vary by the size of
the vehicle and how often they need to be changed really varies dependent upon how often
the APU is used. Electric APUs require little to no annual maintenance. Auxiliary power units
can also be powered by combustion provided that fuel is available. This type of APU does
require annual maintenance. A diesel powered APU for sale can last a significant distance but
does require fuel. However, you will get more out of the diesel powered engine than what you
put into it.
Of course the biggest advantage to consider with an APU is the environmental benefits.
APUs help to save the planet by reducing emissions into the environment. Idling for even a
short period of time releases harmful emission into the air that we all breathe.gas

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How Harmful Is Idling?

There are now 29 states with active idling law regulations in place. These laws are in
place for good reason, as idling for 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 than
restarting your engine does! Over time and with an excessive number of vehicles on the road,
these emissions can wreak havoc on the environment. Running vehicles emit significant CO2
which is a colorless and odorless gas. What happens to the environment when more and more
CO2 is emitted is that heat becomes trapped. This is called the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Over time this can dramatically alter the earth’s climate.
Vehicles also produce volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and oxides of
nitrogen. All of these gases are toxic and when produced in abundance are extremely harmful
to the environment. Something to consider when running a fleet of vehicles that may be idling
is the health of the drivers. The drivers have direct exposure to all of these harmful chemical
day after day while on the job. This can cause long-term health problems and increase costs for
your business, not to mention you want to protect your drivers at all cost.
Luckily, APU Center has an abundance of solutions that will not only save the health of
your drivers, but it will help save your bottom line as well. If you need assistance on selecting
the right APU for your fleet of vehicles we are happy to help. We have cost-saving solution tools
that will help you realize your total cost savings by making the switch. The best benefit to APU
usage is the health of the environment and the health of your drivers. It can be an initial
investment to your company upfront but will save you significantly long-term and the payback
happens quickly.idling

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Standalone Truck Mounted APU

The RigMaster APU is the ultimate stand-alone generator. There are many benefits to using a RigMaster APU for your commercial lines. You will not regret using this top of the line unit. Luckily we have a cost savings calculator on our website that will point out the specific savings that your company will receive when using a RigMaster APU. Below are a few specific benefits to the RigMaster APU Generator.

Length of Use: The RigMaster has the ability to stay running for 12+ hours in comparison to what a standard truck engine would burn in only two hours time. For this reason alone your company will save significantly on fuel and operating costs. Again, you can see the specifics for your situation using our Cost Savings Calculator.
Climate Control: The RigMaster also has the ability to automatically control the cab climate. There are also controls within the cab that make this function easy to use.
Environmentally Friendly: RigMaster is committed to providing a product that is beneficial to the environment. You can rest assured that you are not only reducing your costs but also reducing pollution and helping to protect the environment.

APU Center is skilled and trained in not only selling you the best APU for your company but repairing APU’s as they wear down over time as well. If you need help selecting the best option for your company please feel free to reach out to our team at any time to discuss what would be the best fit. If you also are curious if your current APU can be repaired and refurbished we would be happy to take a look. We’re often able to offer discounts off of our RigMaster APU’s and other models as well. Check back on our website regularly for updated products and pricing.

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Cost Saving Specialists

Both of our top producing models of both Dynasys and Carrier APU products are designed to savie you money every time they are in use. If you have been curious exactly how much money they will save you please visit our uniquely designed cost savings calculator here, https://bestjanitorialservice.com/fleet-savings/. Here you can find the exact breakdown of how and where you will exactly save a certain dollar amount. We are proud to offer new, used as well as refurbished Dynasys and Carrier APU products. 

 

Both brands have similar benefits in that they are intelligently designed and energy efficient – saving you even more money!  If you need help selecting the right model for your team please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our skilled team of experts would be happy to help you find the perfect match. All of our models are also easy to maintain and offer fuel savings benefits in the long term. 

 

Not sure where to start? We recommend browsing the makes and models on our website that are updated daily. We are constantly reviewing and maintaining our inventory to be as up-to-date as possible for our customers both new and repeat. We are here to help you through the lifetime of owning your APU as we offer ongoing maintenance and repair services as well. If you find you need any kind of service repairs please just return to us for updates. Our technicians are experts at bringing your APU’s back to life in most any condition yspecialistou may have. 

 

Give us a call today to discuss what options and services might be the best for your unique situation. We’re always happy to help.

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Caring for your Tires

Your tires are one of the main elements of your vehicle as they are what allows you to reach each destination. When it comes to maintaining your tires, here are a few tips that will help you to stay safe on the road. 

 

Have the right tires: Although it may sound basic, with so many different tires on the market, having the right one will make all the difference. Considering the load carry capacity, size, elements that may occur along the routes, etc are all factors that should be considered. Keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections assist in keeping high performance and safety.

 

Watch your speed: When you have found the right tire for your truck, make sure to have a clear understanding of the maximum speed rating. This is the number that drivers should go by, not necessarily what the highway speed limits are. Tire related accidents and dangers to the public can be avoided by drivers watching their speed, especially when sharing the road with other drivers. 

 

Tire Inspection: Drivers need to be hands on with every part of their truck and understand as much of it as possible. Tires need to be inspected for cuts, cracks, flat spotting and more. Although it may take time, doing this routinely will help keep you and others safe on the road.

 

Cold Inflation: Maintaining an even weight distribution can be difficult during changing weather conditions. Since tires change with cold and hot weather, they need to be checked during temperature fluctuations. Without the right inflation, tires can experience heavy tread damage which can only cause further problems. Experts say that cold inflation pressure is most accurately measured when tires have been parked for a minimum of three hours which gives the tires a chance to adjust resulting in the most accurate reading. 

 

Making sure that your truck is running at peak efficiency is what we do best. We offer new and refurbished APU’s both online and at our storefront which saves you time and money while on the road. We also carry evolution parts in our extensive inventory.

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Staying Safe on the Road

 

Driving always presents risk and when you are driving a 18 wheel semi truck or other large vehicle, it becomes even more important. Here are some of our top tips for drivers of any age and experience level that will hopefully help keep you safe on the road.

 

The Buffer Zone- As truck drivers we have the advantage of being significantly higher in the air in comparison to the average vehicle. The height is an advantage in being able to see what is ahead on the road. What you want to see in front of you is absolutely nothing, you want to leave plenty of space in front of your rig which may mean that you are only going 50 mph, but being patient is what will keep you out of trouble. Having space means you have room to break and avoid joining any accidents that may occur in front of you. 

 

Delivery Check- Prior to making a delivery in an unfamiliar area, find a space to park outside of the location and walk around it first. This allows you to take in any potential obstacle that may be unexpected including fire hydrants, ditches, light posts etc. You know your truck the best and will be able to determine what is the best way to get in and out of the area. 

 

Rain, Snow, Hail, Sun-  Driving is not only about being aware of the other cars on the road, it also applies to knowing the weather. Not only does it give you an idea of what the roads might be like, but it also allows you to mentally prepare for the road ahead. Different conditions may require you to pull to the side sooner than you expected for your own safety and that of your cargo. 

Being safe on the road is the number one goal for truck drivers. When it comes to saving money, there is no better way to cut down on fuel costs than through using an APU. Stop on by our shop and have your APU installed or serviced by one of our experienced technicians. We have a large selection of Thermo King parts and can also ship parts across the country.

 

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Diesel vs Electric APUs

When it comes to choosing the right APU for your truck, there are a variety of factors to consider. You have already made the most important choice of installing an APU into your truck, which will save you time and money on the road. Determining if you are going to use a diesel or electric APU is the next step in the process. Here is a brief breakdown of both types so that you have a better understanding and can make the most informed decision depending on the type of trucking you do.

 

Diesel APUs are ideal for drivers who spend the majority of their time in either areas that are very cold or areas that are very hot. They are run by a small diesel engine that runs with the rest of your truck. They have more power than their electric counterparts and can therefore generally last longer than 10 hours, allowing for maximum rest time for drivers. More power also means that more electric parts can run while the truck is powered down without the fear of the APU running out of steam. On the downside, they require more preventative maintenance and more specific knowledge. The maintenance for a diesel APU needs to be kept up to avoid nasty consequences. They also need belt and oil changes to run at maximum efficiency.

 

On the other hand, electric APUs were designed for a different driver in mind. A driver who only spends a few nights in a row on the road may prefer an electric APU. This form was designed for moderate temperatures and for drivers who have the ability and time to recharge their APUs at home. While they may not require much additional maintenance, they still need batteries and an understanding of energy efficiency to make the most out of each charge.

 

Regardless of which type of APU you choose, just having one will make your job easier. Less idle time is not only better on fuel costs, but also on taking care of the truck in the long run. We carry parts for Thermo King APUs as part of our commitment to keeping you safe on the road.

 

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What to Look for in Truck Driver Training Programs

There are many different programs out there that teach you how to drive a semi truck. They often assist you with learning the written materials as well so that you can pass both tests in order to get your Class A CDL. It is important to look into the qualifications of such truck driver training programs though. You want a quality program that is going to teach you valuable skills. It can be very dangerous to place new trainees into the workforce with a CDL when they don’t have sufficient training. You also want one that is affordable. Many of the accredited truck driver training programs offer financial aid to help assist with the cost of attendance. They will also work out payment plans to assist you with paying for the remainder or if you don’t qualify for any type of financial assistance.

 

There are many instances where you can get your truck driver training paid for by an employer. Still, you have to look closely at what they require in return. Most of them will require you to sign a contract that you will work for their company for a specified amount of time. If you are fired or voluntarily leave the company before that span of time you will be responsible for repaying the company for the cost of your training.

 

The length of the truck driver training program is very important too. Some of them claim that they can get you in and out in a couple of weeks. While this may seem appealing, keep in mind that there is plenty to learn about driving a semi truck. You don’t want to be rushed and you don’t want to be on the road on your own before you are ready. Find a program that is full time and is at least four weeks long.

 

Ask about the curriculum of the program so that you can see for yourself what information will be covered. You should also ask about class sizes so you can find out if you will be able to have your specific needs met by the program. Don’t be shy about asking about the qualifications of their instructors either. The more experience they have in the classroom and driving a semi truck, the more firsthand information they will be able to share with you.

 

It can be very exciting to learn how to drive a semi truck, and having your Class A CDL can open up many wonderful job opportunities for you. Selecting the right training program is essential for you to establish a solid foundation upon which to build. Knowing the basics of how to operate a semi truck, the rules of the road, hours of operation, and being safe should all be a part of any quality truck driving training program. Don’t settle for anything less since it may result in you not having the skills you need to succeed in this career.

 

Driving a semi requires a great deal of knowledge and experience. It also requires you to have a vehicle that is performing at peak efficiency so that you can handle unavoidable emergencies that can surprise even the most skilled driver. You can improve the efficiency of your truck with an auxiliary power unit (APU). An APU can help increase gas efficiency and reduce idling time. We sell APUs at a reasonable price and can even perform auxiliary power maintenance on your existing unit.

 

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What are the Tax Deductions for Owner Operator Truck Drivers?

Filing taxes is never a pleasant event, but it is necessary. Most owner operators have a variety of expenses they incur during the course of their business that they can deduct. Taking these deductions means that you as an owner/operator could end up paying less income tax. Let’s look at some common deductions for truck drivers

 

First, you will be able to depreciate the value of your truck over the course of several years. The amount you can take depends on the purchase price of the equipment. If you sell a truck or trailer during the year you should know that you will have to count that as income because you have already taken some of the depreciation on the equipment. You should also be able to deduct the interest you pay on your truck payments and trailer payments. However, you aren’t allowed to deduct the actual payments.

 

Next, there are the tolls and fees for scales that truck drivers have to pay along their routes. These fees can be deducted as well. Make sure you keep track of what you pay for showers, truck parts, maintenance, and repairs. All of these items are deductible. You don’t need to keep your receipts for meals because the government gives you a per diem rate that you can claim. However, you do need to make sure you keep track of the number of days you are out on the road so that you can figure the deduction.

 

Clothing can’t be deducted unless it is specifically for work related services. For example, you can claim a bright orange vest and a hard hat that are required to be in a construction zone for which you may be delivering materials. However, you can’t claim your jeans, tennis shoes, and shirts because they aren’t considered to be a required uniform for work. You also can’t claim any traffic tickets or attorney fees you have to pay. Often, truck drivers try to deduct these expenses on their tax return. The result is they end up getting a bill from the IRS telling them they owe more money. Fuel is the most common expense that truck drivers incur. Make sure you keep a close eye on those receipts because each one will likely be worth $100 or more. Losing these different receipts can really add up during the course of a year, and that means you will have to pay more income tax.

 

Just be careful that you understand that there is a line between what is necessary vs. what is a luxury. Also, consult a tax professional if you have any doubts as to what you can deduct. If you are seeking a way to make your trips more fuel efficient, consider an auxiliary power unit. We sell these fuel saving devices and specialize in auxiliary power unit maintenance.

 

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Hybrid Semi Trucks

As the cost of fuel often fluctuates, things can become difficult for most drivers. If you own a trucking company or you are an owner operator, you feel the hit at the pumps more than anyone due to the amount of fuel that semi trucks need to operate. Therefore the idea of hybrid semi trucks has been in the works for quite some time as one way to offset high fuel prices for truck drivers and to reduce their impact on the environment.
Some of the first tests with hybrid trucks were done using vehicles from the United States military. Peterbilt is considered to be a quality brand of semi truck, and was the first to introduce hybrid semi truck models. They were first available for viewing in 2008 at various truck shows. Kenworth is another very reputable brand of semi truck, and they have also developed hybrid semi truck models of their own. They presented some of their models at truck shows as early as 2007.
It is estimated that over-the-road hybrid semi trucks can save the driver or the company at least $10,000 annually. This is quite a significant amount of additional profit for any owner operator. For those trucking companies with thousands of trucks, these savings can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars on annual fuel costs.
Some people remain skeptical about the use of hybrid semi trucks, but for the most part the trucking industry is excited about these vehicles. This particular type of semi truck significantly impacts the trucking industry as we know it today. While these hybrid semi trucks cost more than regular trucks, the amount of money that can be saved on fuel costs make them a great investment.
With so many semi trucks on the road, the positive impact that hybrid semi trucks will have on the environment are very encouraging as well. If you are interested in learning more about the future of hybrid semi trucks, you can visit the Peterbilt or the Kenworth websites. In the meantime, another way to increase fuel efficiency if you do not own a hybrid semi is by using an auxiliary power unit.

We sell APUs and specialize in auxiliary power maintenance.

 

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