Memories are usually wonderful things.  Never having the “Chance to Wander West” on Route 66 I can’t recall a drive from Chicago to the Pacific Ocean.  However I have been on sections of the old Mother Road as it travels through Arizona and California.  My favorite stretch is from Kingman, Arizona to Needles, California.  What beautiful scenery, sharp rugged mountains and 50 mile vistas.  You have to love the desert, but you better plan on passing July and August…  110 degrees  is an everyday occurrence! 

One of our “Fleet Oil and Truck Supply” customers has been running Interstate 40 for the past ten years and he will, on occasion, get off and checkout some of the old sections.  He say’s he can’t stop for long but instead of pulling into the same old truck stop he will make an ice cream stop in Seligman AZ or take a break and watch the old trains in Williams. 

Other memories are jogged when you see an old advertisement
Tin Sign.   Car guy’s and truckers seem to get a kick out of the old gas station signs.  Here are a few that I find interesting and a couple of “Route 66” tin signs. 
The next time you find yourself traveling I 40 checkout some of the old Route 66 sections.

In today’s tough business climate I get one question over and over.  “What are you doing to get through these bad times?”  Friends and customers, sales vendors and strangers.  Everyone is asking.  Some of the answers I’ve heard are surprising, some insightful, and some scary.    We are bombarded every day with bad news, new regulations and new demands on our time and wallet.  Wouldn’t it be nice to go back a couple of years to better times?  Well we can’t! 

I have found the only way for me is “I go to work and keep a positive attitude.” 

1. I try to find the good in all things.  (and all people)
2. I keep political discussions to a minimum.
3. I remind myself how blessed I am.
4. I keep my priorities straight.  God and Family First.
5. I get up and go to work… Everyday!

At my business, Fleet Oil and Truck Supply, I have found most customers would rather hear a joke or something positive.  Yes, everyone is “feeling the pain” but we are all trying to get through.

Rocky Harter

Introducing Right Weigh Load Scales New Selectable 7 Color LED’s All new design allows you to choose your back-light color with the push of a button! Great Product.  Made in the USA Click the images to go to the web page

New Center at Queen Mary for TWIC Activation Only

Longshore workers, truck drivers, repair people and others who need the Transportation Worker Identification Credential are urged to apply for the TWIC as soon as possible. Starting April 14, anyone who requires unescorted access to marine terminals at the Port must carry a TWIC.

Read More!

Please click here to view the TWIC Enrollment Website:
Worker Identification Credential (TWIC™)

This information is from the
Port of Long Beach
Website.

I found this U.S. Retail Truck Sales Report to be interesting.  It was
published in the September issue of Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine. 

These numbers can help you decide which new truck to buy
based on the dealership network and parts availability.  If I was going to
consider a Volvo or a Freightliner I might pick 10 replacement parts and call
the nearest dealer and check availability and price. 

July 2008, Class 8 U.S. Retail Truck Sales Report

Mfg            July Sales            YTD Sales            YTD Share

Freightliner     2644                   19,050              24.92%

International   2823                   17,670              23.12%

Kenworth        1,321                    9,462              12.38%

Mack              1,105                    6,949                9.09%

Peterbilt         1,486                    9,884               12.93%

Sterling             793                    4,562                 5.97%

Volvo                929                    8,041                10.52%

Western Star      105                       727                  0.95%

Other                 18                         97                  0.13% 

These numbers were compiled by Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine.  Source:
Ward’s Communication

Fleet Oil and Truck Supply continues to pass along information about the Clean Truck Program.  The following information is from the Port of Long Beach Community Newsletter dated Fall 2008. 

In an effort to reduce air pollution 80% by 2012 the Port has initiated the “Clean Truck Program”.  This will be achieved by assuring that all trucks calling at the Port will meet the stringent 2007 federal emission standards.  As of October 1, 2008, all trucks built before 1989 will be banned from working in Port shipping terminals.  By 2012 only trucks meeting the 2007 standards will be allowed to work.  Through a financial assistance program, the Port is helping truckers replace their trucks.  Application for Truck Replacement Funding 

To read more please click this link:  Port of Long Beach Clean Truck Program 
If you find this info helpful please send me your email:  Fleet Oil Email

As you know Fleet Oil and Truck Supply is located in the Long Beach – Los Angeles Port area of Southern California.  This post is in response to questions about the new rules coming October 1st, 2008.

The ban on pre-1989 trucks is set to begin October 1st.  There is also a new Clean Truck Fund tariff.  The ports are establishing a Drayage Truck Registry or DTR to identify all trucks conducting business on port property.

To read more please click this link:  Port-owned Drayage Truck Registry

Be prepared for bad weather with
Diesel 911

Power Service Diesel Fuel Additive

Fleet Oil and Truck Supply
recommends carrying
a bottle of Diesel 911 in your truck or in the trunk of your car. 
Diesel 911 will get you out of situations you would need a tow truck and
mechanic to fix.

1. De-Ice Frozen Fuel Filters

2. Re-liquefy Gelled Diesel Fuel

3. Remove Water from System

Click These Links to See:
Part # 8041, 96 oz treats 100-200 gallons

$20.89
Part # 8025, 32 oz treats 30-75 gallons

$8.50 

International Shipping Policy

Fleet Oil and Truck Supply has partnered with International Checkout, a
trusted third party company, to fulfill orders for our International customers.
Simply put the items you wish to purchase in our Shopping Cart and choose the
“International Checkout” option. Your items will be transferred to International
Checkout for processing. You may pay by International credit card, PayPal or
bank transfer. International Checkout will process your order, including
billing, shipping and customer service.  Click here to read more about

International Checkout.

Fleet Oil and Truck Supply sells a lot of locking fuel caps.  Every day I listen to customers stories of how their fuel was stolen right out from under them.  One guy thinks he knows who it is but can’t catch him.  He parks his truck right outside his
bedroom window and it still disappears.  I told him to get one of those
cheap video camera and hook it up to a VCR.  Another man filled up both
tanks then parked for half an hour to get lunch and use the bathroom and when he
returned to his truck he had less fuel then when he pulled in.  Customers
from many different jobs have had fuel stolen.  Arborists, farmers,
volunteer firemen, truckers, soccer moms, construction companies, even a guy who
picks up horse poop at a race track has needed to “put a lock on it”.

The following links are stories about stolen fuel:
Cheap Diesel. Really Cheap in Blind River
$700 of diesel gas stolen near 29 Road & D Road 

Why High Diesel Prices Affect You

Corona man sentenced for stealing fuel from Redlands cement company

Stories From Europe:

Soaring fuel costs spark a tidal wave of diesel thefts 

Diesel thieves hit town

Fuel being stolen from gas stations:

Richmond Police: 1,400 gallons of diesel stolen 

Police work to link cases of gasoline theft

O.K. so I’m a little nuts…  I see a new, interesting product and I
start to wonder how it would fit into my industry.  The
ZUCA bag is such an
item!  The style of this bag, the colors, the usability really caught my
eye.  I see this bag having two customers at
Fleet Oil and Truck Supply. 
The first customer being the long haul driver.  He or she could use this
rolling locker when they visit a truck stop for a shower.  Or use the ZUCA
as a portable office to store their papers, maps and business files, sort of a
“Truckers Pilot Bag”.  The second customer is the “Car Buff” who enjoys
keeping their car in great shape and needs a
ZUCA to organize all the trunk
junk.  Window cleaner, waxes, polishes, jumper cables, first-aid supplies
and tools could all be stored in this handy bag.  Not to mention using the
ZUCA travel bag as a travel bag!  Keep a ZUCA ready to go, packed with the
essentials and a surprise weekend getaway is an easy roll-away.

What do you do?  Locking Fuel Caps, Anti-Siphons, fuel additives, park the truck and wait, steal your friends fuel, coast down hill, get a second job???

Many solutions are available for this problem but only a couple are worth trying.  Fuel additives are always a good idea to promote economy,  Additives like “The Right Stuff Oil and Fuel Booster”, “Lucas Oil and Fuel Additives” and “Dyno Tabs” do a great job cleaning injectors and lubricating the fuel pump but have no impact on “Fuel Theft”.  Parking the truck or stealing  fuel are out of the question so we are left with Locking Fuel Caps or Anti Siphons.  These products offer two different ways to protect your fuel investment.  The best of these two options, in my opinion, is a Locking Fuel Cap.  A Locking Fuel Cap not only keeps your fuel safe from thief’s but also keeps it safe from contamination.  Keep some jerk from dumping sugar in your tank!  The second choice is the Anti Siphon device you insert into the filler neck.  This product is easily installed and will keep a siphon hose from sucking your tank dry.  Thieves will get a few gallons off the top but the device keeps their hose from hitting bottom.  Cost is the big factor in making this decision.  Locking Fuel Caps are 2 to 3 times the price of the Anti Siphons but they offer quite a bit more protection.  Most of our customers at Fleet Oil and Truck Supply, that have one to five trucks seem to go for the Locking Fuel Caps and the companies with large fleets will go for the Anti Siphons.    Another thing to consider about locking fuel caps and anti siphons is they are not fail safe!  A bad guy with time and tools can still get to you.  In today’s world of HIGH FUEL COSTS you need to do something…

Truckers should be aware of plans underway to improve the air quality in and around the west coast ports.  New regulations regarding older trucks go into effect October 1st 2008. 

Click Here to read more:  Port of Long Beach

More information is available at Fleet Oil and Truck Supply “Truckers Info”

Fumoto drain valves sure make it easy to do an oil change. 
Just change your drain plug to one of these precision made Fumoto Valves and it is as easy as lifting the lock and a 1/4 turn. These stainless steel and forged brass valves are a little pricey at $35.00 to $45.00 but you won’t have to worry about stripping the threads in the oil pan again.

Reduce time and stay cleaner.

Fleet Oil and Truck Supply has been selling the Fumoto Valve for years and we recommend it to anyone who keep there cars and trucks in top condition.

Maxxima, a leader in LED lighting for the transportation industry has out
done themselves.
There newest design, the Hybrid  M85429R, is a
combination Stop/Tail/Turn and Back Up light. 
The four inch S/T/T has 9red LED’s and is ringed by a DOT approved back up light of 18 white LED’s.
This Maxxima light can be install in a standard three hole flange mount. 

Click Here for more information on the Maxxima M85429R

Mud Flaps are a part of every trucker’s daily life.  

But who is the Mud Flap Girl?  On those long, lonely roads, I’m sure the question has come up.

Well, apparently they were created by a local neighbor of Fleet Oil and Truck Supply, the one and only Wiz Enterprises.  Since they were created, there have been plenty of challenges to the mud flap girl and her almost nude outline, but nothing has stopped that mud flap lady yet.

With the price of fuel going higher and higher you might need a way to check the national prices.  Try this link to check the price of diesel across the nation.  DIESEL PRICES

You can also check the gasoline averages across the country as well.  GAS PRICES

This web site is the Energy Information Administration, EIA

Fleet Oil and Truck Supply has both “Lucas” and “The Right Stuff” Fuel Additives.

Sister site of the Truck Parts Blog, Fleet Oil and Truck Supply, relaunched this weekend. 

Since Fleet Oil is the home of heavy duty truck parts for your commercial truck fleet, including locking fuel caps and mud flaps, we thought we’d let you know.  Even more important, sign up for their emails and receive Fleet Deals.  Click here to sign up for the Fleet Deals.

Do you know what a By-Pass Valve is?  Are you using one?

By-pass Valve Assembly — spring loaded valve assembly that allows oil to by-pass the element under high-differential pressure conditions such as cold oil and/or excessively contaminated media. This allows lubrication of the engine, but without full-flow filtration.

If a WIX full-flow filter becomes “clogged”, or excessively restrictive to oil flow, the filter by-pass valve ensures continued engine lubrication by allowing the oil to by-pass the filter. 

For more filter information please click here for: Air Filters  Fuel Filters  Oil Filters 
Click here for: Popular Wix Filter Cross Reference

So you’ve dropped your load and you need to pick up a couple of fill-ins.  Maybe you always have a little empty cargo space left.  Why not fill it and raise your bottom line.  uShip.com is an on-line bidding site that brings you together with people and companies across the USA who are looking for a better rate to move there goods.   They also have a forum area where truckers can compare routes and ask questions of each other in a friendly “on=line” space. 

The following information is from uShip.com’s web site.

The Marketplace
uShip is the first and largest online marketplace for shipping services. Members list anything they need shipped, from household goods to vehicles to freight, and receive bids from thousands of feedback-rated service providers, including movers, carriers, transporters, van lines, freight brokers and independent service providers. On any given day, there are thousands of shipments listed on uShip representing millions of dollars of business. It’s totally free for members to list shipments and for service providers to place bids. uShip’s reverse-auction format and patent-pending search technology dramatically reduce shipping costs by allowing service providers to find shipments along their routes and fill empty cargo space. uShip’s feedback system holds service providers accountable for their service and rewards those that perform well!

The Company
Founded in January of 2003, uShip is leading the online shipping revolution. From its headquarters in Austin, uShip is building the next great consumer internet company. The company’s mission is to create the most efficient marketplace for shipping that has ever existed. By reducing shipping costs, uShip relieves the pain that exists when buying and selling large items on eBay. Simultaneously, uShip provides independent carriers the marketing scale, technology and credibility they need to become more profitable and compete with large corporations.

TruckloadRate.com is a trucking industry website trying to optimize all that is trucking, including truck routes, truck fuel efficiency, truck loads, and trucking rates. 

In the past, if a small fleet trucking company wants to quote a price for a route to a customer, they had very little data on the trucking market on that route. With Truckload Rate, the trucking company can search the route, find the range of market rates, fuel surcharges, and even provide the calculation for the total trucking quote. 

In the land of free internet services, the $30 a month membership fee might be a hard sell. Then you realize that if you didn’t know the market rates, and missed the quote by 25 cents on a 1500 mile route, you’d pay for a year of the membership on the site. 

Truckload Rate is perfect for the small fleet owner, the transportation stock analyst, the trucking service broker, the independent driver, or the trucker looking for the best price on diesel from Long Beach to Palm Beach. The data for TruckloadRate.com comes from the biggest fleet operators across the country, fuel providers, and other related trucking service providers.

Swift Transportation, the market leader in the trucking business with more trucks on the road than any other trucking company, has agreed to a buyout. 

See more coverage here, here, here, and here.

Jerry Moyes, the founder of the trucking company, plans to pay a 14% premium or $31.55 per share for the stock when the deal was announced, for a total of $2.74 billion. The Phoenix-based truck company with almost 18,000 trucks on the road and offering heavy haul, dedicated, intermodal, refrigerated, and most other trucking services. 

For more on the Swift Transportation press release, read the story.

 Fleet Oil and Truck Supply, has added another product to make your truck look fantastic.  Flitz!  Thats right Flitz!   German for do it in a hurry.

When folks think of Flitz they think metal polish.  Why not, it’s so easy to use on aluminum tanks, wheels, checkered plate and chrome accessories.  They don’t consider using it anywhere else but in the garage.

Well, give Flitz a try on these household chores:

                                                Clean the water spots off the shower doors and mirrors.

Polish the sterling silver and silverplate.

Polish the brass and pewter.

Clean the granite counters.

Clean stainless appliances and BBQ’s

         Flitz  Buff ‘n  Ball

E-mail your address for a free sample of Flitz Polish.  partsdesk@fleetoilandtrucksupply.com

Over at Fleet Oil and Truck Supply, we sell a lot of interesting products to a lot of interesting people.  We sell some truck parts and products that our customers can’t live without, even though we don’t always know why. 

One of these interesting products for any truck (or car) is from a company named Malco Products, and they make a Wash and Wax product called Very Berry Wash & Wax. 

One of these interesting customers is George from Hawaii.  George found the Malco Products over at Fleet Oil after he couldn’t find them in his local truck and automotive parts store.  Why all the searching for Very Berry from Malco Products?  Does it really give you that “just waxed look?”

George says, ”I have used it for years and its great.  My car looks new and people comment about it all the time.”

Can’t argue with that.  Pick up a bottle at Fleet Oil, just send it on back if George is wrong.

We’re a little slow on the trigger, maybe because we’re so focused on heavy duty truck parts like locking fuel caps and load scales, but we completely missed the sale going on at TruckAddons.com.  The TruckAddonsInsider.com blog has the link to the sale page.

It looks like TruckAddons.com has a wide selection of truck parts for your Weekend Truck.  If you’ve got a great truck parts website, leave it in the comments!

Top 3 reasons why you need a locking fuel cap for your truck:

1.  The high cost of fuel.
As the cost of fuel goes up, you need the protection of a locking fuel cap to keep it in your truck.

2.  Stop thieves from stealing your fuel.
A locking fuel cap can protect you from the guy who parks next to you and “borrows” from your tank. 

3.  Keep vandals from putting things into your tank.
You also need the protection from someone putting junk in your tank.  When its been tampered with you have to pay for the fuel twice and also pay to have the tank cleaned. 

Velvac Locking Fuel Caps makes it easy to lock up your gas tank!

Do you have a favorite locking fuel cap story?  Post it in the comments.  The best story about the need for a locking fuel cap will get $10 off the purchase of a locking fule cap!

Actually, you do need a scale, a load scale from Right Weigh Load Scales.  The load scales from Right Weigh mount on either the inside via gauges or outside of the cab in a protective box, and are easy to calibrate.  Load scales work by using the existing air suspension system on your truck, so there’s nothing to buy but the load scale.

Right Weigh offers the following advice when deciding whether to buy an interior load scale or to go with the exterior load scale:

When selecting a load scale, consider where the driver is most often while loading. An air-line could be run from the trailer tandems into the tractor dash using a “quick disconnect” if the driver is typically in the cab when loading. An exterior scale could be mounted on the cab, or on the headache rack, if the driver is typically outside the cab while loading.

Why would you need a load scale for your truck?  Well, to weigh your load.  Ok, maybe a customer’s account on why they need a load scale will convince you:

I pick up a regular load from a small manufacturing company in rural Texas, about 45 miles from the nearest public scale.  Before I got the exterior load scale, I’d have to drive to the scale, and if I was over, I’d have to go back.  I bought the exterior load scale after making another overloaded trip, and have saved time, fuel, and thousands in load weight violations.

 Do you have a load scale story?  Post it in the comments.

The Trucks Parts Blog has finally launched, and that means you’ll soon be reading some great truck parts reviews and trucking industry information.  If you’d like great prices on heavy duty truck parts, see our other website, Fleet Oil and Truck Supply.

In the coming weeks we’ll cover truck parts that help with fuel mileage, calculate load weight without a scale, and anything else you’d like to hear about.  Just leave us a note in the comments section about the truck parts you’d like reviewed.