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WHEELING, WV, June 30, 2010 – Wheeling Truck Center received the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate (EAC) during the an Export Event held at Wheeling Jesuit University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center in Wheeling today.  Jenny Coyne, Area Representative for U.S. Rep. Alan B. Mollohan D-W.Va. presented the award to Wheeling Truck owners Ron and Chad Remp on the Congressman’s behalf. (From left are Ron Remp, Diego Gattesco, Chad Remp and Jenny Coyne.) The Export Achievement Certificate program recognizes small and medium-sized U.S. businesses that exhibit a strong commitment to exporting and have realized the benefits through sales and growth. Wheeling Truck Center has made that commitment and has been exporting to 17 different countries since February 2010.
Congressman Mollohan said in his letter, “I congratulate Ron and Chad Remp and the entire team at Wheeling Truck Center for the excellence they have displayed in earning this award. Wheeling Truck Center Awarded Export CertificateNo company stays in business for seventy-some years without one quality – the ability to adapt to change. There was a time when we could leave the business of exporting to the likes of the coal industry, the chemical industry, the steel industry. Today if you are a medium or even a small-sized company, then you must take a serious look at overseas opportunities.”  Mollohan concluded, “It is so important for our government to encourage excellence in that undertaking. I appreciate the excellent work of the Department of Commerce and the Export Assistance Center here in Wheeling.”
A ceremony was held during an export related event hosted by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at the National Technology Transfer Center of Wheeling Jesuit University.
Chad Remp from Wheeling Truck Center, received the EAC Award.
“Wheeling Truck Center appreciates the assistance provided by the US Commercial Service and Diego Gattesco in starting our export business. Since February we have completed sales into over 17 different countries. International sales of trucks and truck parts has become a major part of our business in a short period of time. The US Commercial Service has helped us with the logistics of completing international transactions, they also have helped us gain credibility in foreign markets,” Remp said.
“The Wheeling community should be proud of Wheeling Truck Center, their commitment and hard work exploring new markets are paying off … ”  concluded Diego Gattesco, senior international trade specialist with the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Wheeling.
Wheeling Truck Center is a four generation family owned at operated Volvo and UD Truck dealership in Wheeling WV since 1933.   For more information please visit www.Wheeling Truck.com or www.Class8TruckParts.com

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Chad Remp, operations manager at Wheeling Truck Center was recently nominated to The State Journal’s Generation Next – 40 Under 40 for 2010.

The State Journal is pleased to announce its fifth-annual class of Generation Next and introduce readers to young leaders who are playing critical roles in communities across West Virginia. As West Virginia takes on new challenges, the state will turn more and more to Generation Next — West Virginians who have demonstrated their commitment to building a better state. These 40 West Virginians — all younger than 40 years of age — manage their own businesses, practice law, serve in government and devote themselves to causes that are important to their communities and the state. The newest class of Generation Next offers the talent, commitment and persistence to forge the future of West Virginia. “The emergence of these young leaders is perhaps the most critical change in the fabric of West Virginia that we have seen during the past 25 years we have published The State Journal,” said Dan Page, editor and publisher. The State Journal accepted nominations from across the state and submitted them to a committee of five past Generation Next: 40 Under 40 honorees. Those past winners then selected the members of the Generation Next class profiled in this issue.

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Why don’t commercial Class 8 trucks have hydraulic brakes like the automotive world?  The main answer to this question is safety.  The model air brake system on commercial vehicles is incredibly reliable and can apply the braking force to slow 80,000 pounds of truck, trailer and cargo in a relatively short distance.  Air brake systems are standard equipment on all makes/models of Class 8 trucks, and operate using the same principals, regardless of manufacturer.

Commercial vehicles with air brakes all contain the following list of components:

  • Air compressor: Pumps the air into the reservoir tanks to be used in the brake system
  • Air compressor governor: Controls the cut-in and cut-out point of the air compressor to maintain a set amount of air in the tank or tanks
  • Air reservoir tanks: Hold compressed or pressurized air to be used by the braking system
  • Drain valves: Release valves in the air tanks used to drain the air when the vehicle isn’t in use
  • Foot valve (brake pedal): When depressed, air is released from the reservoir tanks
  • Brake chambers: Cylindrical container that houses a slack adjuster that moves a diaphragm or cam mechanism
  • Push rod: A steel rod similar to a piston that connects the brake chamber to the slack adjuster. When depressed, the brakes are released. If extended, the brakes are applied.
  • Slack adjusters: An arm connects the push rod to the brake s-cam to adjust the distance between the brake shoes
  • Brake S-cam: An s-shaped cam that pushes brake shoes apart and against the brake drum
  • Brake shoe: Steel mechanism with a lining that causes friction against the brake drum
  • Return spring: A stiff spring connected to each of the brake shoes that returns the shoes to the open position when not spread by the s-cam or diaphragm.

So how do all these items come together to work on a commercial truck?  The trucks engine when running is also running the air compressor.  The air compressor pumps air into the air reservoir tanks building up air pressure in the tanks until the air compressor governor cuts out the pressure to the tanks (usually 120 psi).  When you first start a truck with no air pressure you will hear a buzzer/alarm to warn you that air pressure is low.  Once the truck builds up appropriate air pressure the buzzer/alarm will go off and you will be able to depress the dash valve to supply air to release the brakes.  That’s the beauty of the air brake system.  If the system malfunctions and you lose air pressure the brakes are applied and the vehicle either won’t move, or it will come to a stop.  For those of you who are fans of the James Bond movies, you’ll remember how Timothy Dalton at the end of “License to Kill” is in dramatic fight with the evil drug lord Franz Sanchez.  During this fight scene an air line connecting the tractor and trailer is cut causing a loss of air pressure.  Had the movie correctly showed how truck air brakes work the truck would have slowed to a stop preventing the truck from speeding out of control over a cliff.

So how does applying air pressure to the tanks cause the brakes to release?  The air valve in the dash allows air pressure to travel through the brake lines.  The air pressure forces the diaphragm to push the “push rod” enough distance to turn the slack adjuster which is connected to the S-Cam to force the brake shoes to be pulled away from the brake drum allowing the truck to move.  While this may sound complicated the main point is that air pressure releases the brakes from the drum, a reduction of air pressure (pressing the brake pedal) causes the brake shoes to contact the drum forcing the vehicle to slow down.

Know that you know the basics of how air brakes work.  What steps do you need to do to keep the air brakes maintained?

Daily Inspection:

  • As part of a driver’s daily pre-trip inspection they should ensure that the truck builds air quickly and does not have any leaks.  To do this check start the truck, watch the air pressure gauge and ensure the trucks builds air quickly.  Once the truck has reached full air pressure, release the parking brakes (push the dash valve in) and then turn the engine off so you can listen and check for any leaks.  Apply the foot valve (brake pedal) and listen for any air leaks.  As you hold the pedal down watch the air pressure gauge.  If there is an air leak you will notice the gauge continuing to drop.  If this happens the truck needs to be inspected by a trained technician.  If the air pressure holds steady then start pumping the brake pedal, as the air pressure decreases you will hear the buzzer/alarm and if you continue to pump the brakes decreasing the air pressure more, the dash valve will pop out fully applying the parking brakes.
  • Find the location of the air tanks and pull the drain valve, you will hear air hiss out of the tank.  If you notice water in the tank, keep draining the tank till all of the water is out of the tank.  If you truck is equipped with an air dryer and you notice water in the air tanks, you should contact a trained technician to replace the air dryer cartridge to keep the air brake system dry.  Water in the brake system can freeze in cold weather blocking air lines
  • For tractor/trailers you should inspect the glad hands that connect the air hoses from the tractor to the trailer.  Make sure the glad hands rubber gaskets are in good condition.  A failed rubber gasket will cause and air pressure to leak from the brake system.

Periodic Inspection:

These items should be inspected by a trained technician during regular scheduled maintenance.

  • Inspect the brake lining to ensure the brakes have enough friction material to stop the vehicle.
  • Inspect the brake chambers and slack adjusters to ensure the brakes are properly adjusted to allow full brake pressure.
  • Inspect all air brake lines for rubbing.  A line that is rubbing against something will eventually wear though causing a loss of air pressure.

By following these simple steps you can be certain the next time you need your truck to stop, everything will work properly keeping you and the people you share the road with safe.

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7 Tips on Buying a Used Truck

Published on 13 February 2010 by in trucksales

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Recently we’ve seen the values of used truck decrease to
record lows, and at the same time, we are seeing large increases in new truck
prices due to EPA regulations.  This is creating an opportunity to look at
buying used trucks as a sensible alternative to buying new.  Many trucking
companies may still don’t believe that buying a used truck is a viable
alternative to buying new.

Buying New

Buying a new truck gives you a warranty usually 1 year for
the chassis and 3-5 years for the engine and major components.  Buying a new
truck also gives you new brakes, drums, tires, and all wearable components are
brand new allowing you to drive the truck for at least a year before performing
any maintenance besides oil changes, and grease.  Your new truck will also give
you 4-6 years of low cost ownership as most the major components will not need
any repairs.

Buying Used

When reviewing the list above for reasons to buy a new
truck, it’s hard to see a good reason to buy a used truck.  Here’s the main
reason – $$$, cash.  While a tandem axle sleeper highway truck new will cost
from $110,000 to $150,000 (depending on options), a 4-5 year old similar speced
unit will cost 1/3 the price ($38,000 to $50,000).  With the money you save in
buying used, you can use to offset the costs of additional repairs and
maintenance that a used truck will demand.

7 Tips on buying a Used Truck

1. Are maintenance records available – by reviewing maintenance
records you may be able to find out if the vehicle has had reoccurring
problems that may be from a lack of maintenance.  Also were the parts used in
repairing the truck OEM parts, or were they counterfeit parts?  While
counterfeit parts may look like OEM parts, they are not, and you risk
premature failure of the counterfeit part, causing you unnecessary downtime.
By researching the maintenance records you can also spot any mileage
discrepancies.  You don’t want to find out that 300,000 mile truck is actually
a 600,000 mile truck after you’ve bought it.  Also don’t get discouraged if
the truck has had minor wreck damage, or breakdowns.  These things are to be
expected.  I would worry more if someone told me in 300,000 miles they only
changed the oil on the truck, and it never broke down.
2. Is a warranty available –  Nothing could be worse than buying a
truck and having a major breakdown early in ownership.  Many dealers offer
used truck warranties that will cover components for 1-2 years.  While you may
have to pay out of pocket for minor repairs, a major repair like a
transmission or engine overhaul may be covered under the used truck warranty
saving you $.
3. What is the condition of the Tires/Brakes/Drums – Tires, Brakes,
and Drums are all maintenance items that will need replaced from time to
time.  By knowing the condition of these items you will know how long you will
be able to drive the truck before incurring your first major maintenance
bill.  A truck with deep rubber and new/newer brakes, drums will save you $ as
you will not have to replace these items until later.
4. Inspection/Condition of the truck – Find out will the truck pass a
DOT Inspection on its first trip with you?  Have the dealer place an updated
DOT inspection sticker in the truck.
5. Financing – While you can expect to pay higher interest rates, and
have a shorter term for used trucks, watch the fine print.  Don’t ever pay
money up front with an application.  The only time you should hand money over
is if you will be receiving the truck minutes later.  In addition make sure
the repayment schedule is known upfront (# of payments, principal/interest for
each payment, and any final payment cost), are there balloon payments, how is
the interest amortized?  Make sure you do your homework upfront to prevent
paying forever on a truck you’ll never own.
6. Insurance – Many buyers of used trucks are owner-operators, or
small fleets that often are hired by larger fleets.  Does your fleet offer and
insurance program for you?  While the fleets insurance policy may be good you
need to find out if you can do better on your own.  Shop your insurance
policy, make sure you have bobtail coverage (coverage if you’re not hauling a
load).  What are your deductibles?  Will they rent you a truck if yours has
been wrecked?  Can you afford your deductible?  Do you need GAP insurance?
These are just some of the questions you need to ask a licensed insurance
professional to ensure you are not setting yourself up for failure.
7. Common Sense – If a truck looks too good to be true for the price,
maybe it is.  If nobody else can get you financed, and someone does get you
financed at a great rate, maybe something isn’t ok.

While this list is not everything you need to check on a
buying a used truck, hopefully it helps you out with your next purchase.  Is
there anything you always look for before buying a used truck?  I’d love to hear
your feedback.

To check out Wheeling Truck Center’s Used Truck Inventory check us out online, or call us 304-232-1440

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Welcome to the Wheeling Truck Center Blog

Published on 12 February 2010 by in Uncategorized

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Welcome to Wheeling Truck Center’s Blog. We will post information about the heavy-duty truck industry, and how Wheeling Truck Center is helping keep our customers on the road.

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