Archive for July, 2014

Increasing Fuel Efficiency

Tuesday, July 29th, 2014

Summer Storm SafetyIf you’re in charge of a fleet of tractor-trailers or semi trucks in Baltimore, you’re probably always looking for ways to conserve fuel. By making small changes, you can increase fuel efficiency, allowing the trucks to run longer and smoother, and ultimately saving money within your company. Take a look at these 5 tips for increasing fuel efficiently in your Baltimore fleet.

  1. Oil changes. By using synthetic oil and high-capacity filters, there is less stress put on the engine. Synthetic oil also retains its lubrication abilities for a longer period of time, allowing your engine to run smoothly even in extreme temperatures.
  2. A high-flow exhaust system and a high-flow air filter. Let your motor breathe! If the exhaust systems haven’t been repaired after years of driving, it has probably accumulated rust and has been worn down. Have your trucks inspected to see if replacement of the muffler and pipes is necessary. By installing high-flow parts, you will increase the efficiency of the motor, and you probably won’t have to replace these parts again!
  3. Tires & tire pressure. Tire pressure should be checked often to make sure that there are no air leaks, which can affect fuel efficiency. Opposed to what some might think, bigger tires actually reduce fuel efficiency, so it is best to stay with a dependable all-weather light truck tire.
  4. Helper springs. To continue on the topic of tires and tire pressure, helper springs assist in the suspension of the tires. If too much pressure is put on the tires, the truck will have to work harder, which means more fuel is used. Helper springs will adjust to the weight or load of the truck, relieving the tires from being too worn down.
  5. Spark plugs. Keeping an eye on your spark plugs is important because the color of them can tell you a lot about your vehicle, and your engine in particular.  If they’re discolored, it could either mean that the truck is using too much fuel, or that it’s not using enough. When checking spark plugs, the O2 sensor should also be examined.

By following these tips, your Baltimore tractor-trailers and semi trucks will be more fuel efficient in no time. If you have any more questions about fuel efficiency, give Evan Transportation a call at 443-673-3365 or visit our contact page.

At Evan Transportation, we employ staff and drivers with years of trucking experience who know the industry well in order to better serve our customers. Since 1992, the team at Evan Transportation has worked to become leaders in the trucking industry and is committed to developing long-term relationships with customers. We offer transportation for a number of products that include food and beverages, paper products, retail, steel, lumber, and more.  Follow us today on Google+, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

Source- http://www.businessfleet.com/channel/maintenance/article/story/2013/03/10-ways-to-maximize-fuel-efficiency-on-older-trucks.aspx?prestitial=1

Truck Exhaust System Maintenance

Friday, July 25th, 2014

 

Exhaust Systems

When it comes to common truck repairs that need to be handled, exhaust systems are one of them. The exhaust system of your truck can be one of the most vulnerable systems throughout your truck. If a truck driver realizes the warning signs of a faulty or failing exhaust system, repairs can be made quickly to prevent serious damage. Some ways that truck drivers can help their exhaust systems include:

  • Be observant of smoke being released by your exhaust system. If the smoke being released is billowing and seems thicker than normal, there is more than likely a problem with your exhaust system.
  • Listen to your truck as it runs. If you happen to hear a loud rumbling or rattling noise, your muffler could be faulty and in need of replacement.
  • Make it part of your routine to check your muffler for rust and holes. Holes in your muffler could allow carbon monoxide to escape, providing a possibly fatal situation. Rust could allow your muffler to break during a commute.
  • Place the components of your exhaust system away from different elements of your vehicle like the fuel and breaks.
  • Consider upgrading your exhaust system. A high flow exhaust system allows your motor to breath easier and can also increase the fuel efficiency of your truck.

 

Being aware of your the different components and systems throughout your truck will allow you to keep your truck running smoothly and efficiently. At Evan Transportation, our truck drivers and trained staff are always aware of the condition their truck is in. They use similar techniques in order to keep their truck running smoothly and efficiently to get the job done.

 

Evan Transportation, we provide freight transportation for the Mid-Atlantic region for a number of product such as:

  • Steel
  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Lumber
  • Paper Products
  • Retail

 

To get started with Evan Transportation, call us today at 443-673-3365 or visit our contact page.

Follow us today on Google+, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Trucking Accident Common Causes

Monday, July 21st, 2014

Common Causes for Trucking Accidents

 

When a truck driver spends most of their time on the road, chances are they will experience a trucking accident of some sort at one point or another in their career. While some accidents are unfortunately unavoidable, there are plenty of accidents that take place due to driver error. Driving a semi truck or tractor trailer is a huge responsibility and should always be taken seriously by drivers. Some common causes for trucking accidents include:

  • Distractions- The life of a truck driver can become lonely while on the road. For this reason, drivers tend to bring along items like cell phones and radios that can become distracting. Food and drinks in the cab can also become distracting should they fall or spill. All it takes is a second for a driver to take their attention off the road for an accident to happen.
  • Under the Influence- No driver should ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle, especially a truck, while under the influence of certain medications, drugs, and alcohol. A slower reaction speed and impaired vision and thinking can have devastating effects on the road.
  • Fatigue- If a driver is running on small amounts of sleep, long drives can end badly. Drivers can fall asleep more easily than they want to admit while they are fatigued. Falling asleep behind the wheel can cause severe and even fatal accidents on the road, especially when a large truck is involved.
  • Speed- Probably the most common cause of truck-related accidents, speeding can turn deadly when behind the wheel of a truck. Large and heavy trucks take longer to stop while having a higher risk of tipping over or losing control.

 

At Evan Transportation, safety comes first. We higher drivers with previous trucking experience, who know how to avoid these common mistakes while driving. Our drivers know how important safety is while on the road, which is why they are trained in safety before they are on the road. Since 1992, Evan Transportation has been providing the Mid-Atlantic region with full freight services along with A1 Trailer and Container services. We provide efficient and safe transportation for a variety of freight items.

 

To get started with Evan Transportation, call us today at 443-673-3365. You can also visit our contact page to fill out our online contact form.

 

Follow Evan Transportation today on Google+, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Source:

http://www.2keller.com/library/common-causes-of-truck-accidents-big-rig-dangers-truck-driver-issue.cfm

Benefits of Using a Tractor Trailer Company

Wednesday, July 9th, 2014

Benefits of Tractor Trailers

When it comes to transporting freight, businesses have several options on how they want to do so. Freight can be shipped using airplanes, ships, trains, and tractor trailers. Some may think that a train or ship is the best way to transport your freight, but these modes of transportation take more time and money than using a trucking company. A trucking company that uses tractor trailers or semi-trucks is one of the easiest ways to transport your freight today.

Using a company like Evan Transportation has its benefits like:

  1. Easy Repairs- If a truck runs into trouble and needs to stop traveling, a new truck can easily be sent out to finish the route. While the new truck is delivering the freight, the first truck can be repaired. Fixing a malfunction on a ship or train will halt your shipment completely and cost a large amount of money to fix.
  2. Easy Loading- Trucks can be easily loaded within a few hours before heading out to their destination. Ships, airplanes, and trains can take a full day to load before they can leave for their destination.
  3. Easy Routes- In today’s age, highway systems throughout the states make transportation easy and direct. Trucks are able to travel to both small towns and large cities to deliver a shipment rather than being limited to certain ports or stops.

Evan Transportation has been delivering freight to the Mid-Atlantic region since it was founded in 1992. We offer a trained staff with years in the trucking and transportation industry that ensures our customers excellent and unmatched customer service.  We offer transportation for a number of products that include:

  1. Food and Beverages
  2. Paper Products
  3. Retail
  4. Steel
  5. Lumber

For a full list of freight we transport along with a full list of states we service, click here.

To get started with Evan Transportation, call us today at 443.673.3365 or visit our contact page.

You can also follow Evan Transportation today on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Source:

http://www.ehow.com/list_5970179_advantages-commercial-tractor-trailers.html

Heat Illness Prevention

Thursday, July 3rd, 2014

Heat Illness

The months of June and July have been pretty hot and humid so far this summer season. When the heat index rises and counties are put under heat advisories and warnings, it’s extremely important to take caution when working in the high temperatures. In order to prevent heat illness, you need to first recognize what they are. The four known illnesses that are brought on by excessive heat are:

  1. Heat Rash- The least threatening of the heat illnesses, this skin irritation is brought on by excessive sweat that has yet to evaporate from the skin.
  2. Heat Cramps- Muscles that have lost salt and water from excessive sweating will become cramped either during or after work.
  3. Heat Exhaustion- When your body has lost salt and water from excessive sweating; you begin to feel nauseas, dizzy, thirsty, and irritable. A headache can occur along with weakness.
  4. Heat Stroke- The most threatening of the heat illnesses, heat stroke will occur when the body is unable to balance its core temperature, resulting in confusion, seizures, and the loss of consciousness. If you believe a coworker is experiencing heat stroke, it is highly advised that 911 should be called.

While driving a truck may seem harmless enough, truck drivers are still vulnerable to heat illness. To prevent such illnesses while driving, there are a few steps you can take:

  1. Drink plenty of water
  2. Avoid liquids with alcohol and sugar
  3. Take advantage of available air conditioning units
  4. Wear clothing that is loose fitting and light colored
  5. Do not remain in a vehicle that is turned off
  6. Park trucks in shady areas if possible

 

At Evan Transportation, we focus on the safety of our drivers. We make sure our drivers are trained in proper safety procedures to ensure they arrive safely to their destinations. Our drivers have years of trucking experience which allows them to know the industry and remain safe while on the job.

Evan Transportation is a Baltimore-based transportation company that also specializes in A-1 Trailer and Container services for the Mid-Atlantic region. To get started with Evan Transportation, call us today at 443.673.3365 or visit our contact page.

You can also follow Evan Transportation today on Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Sources:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/heat_illnesses.html

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp

*The writer of this article is not a medical professional. Information contained herein has been collected from sources believed to be reliable, and every precaution has been taken to ensure its accuracy. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.