Blog

Fuel costs can make up a significant portion of a fleet's operating budget. In fact, fuel costs usually account for a substantial percentage of a fleet's overall expenses. According to the 2024 National Private Truck Council (NPTC) Benchmarking Survey Report, fuel costs were rated as the 6th leading challenge by fleets. This indicates that fuel costs continue to be a significant concern for fleet operators, emphasizing the importance of finding effective strategies to manage and reduce fuel expenses....

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Operating fleets in cold weather presents its own set of challenges. As fleets navigate the diverse routes across various states and provinces, they often encounter a wide range of weather conditions. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in North America, it is important for your fleet to be well-prepared for any driving condition. To ensure safety and efficiency during the winter months, it is essential to develop a comprehensive strategy for readying your trucks for severe weather conditions. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your drivers are well prepared in the event they become stranded....

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Toll roads have a long history, but in recent years, they have gone through significant and rapid changes. The primary purpose of toll roads is to facilitate the rapid and efficient transportation of a significant volume of people and goods. However, their construction and maintenance costs are substantial, requiring charges for travelers before they can utilize the road. The revenue generated from these tolls is then utilized for road repairs and enhancements. According to World Population Review, the following 15 out of 50 states do not have toll roads and currently have no plans to build them in 2024: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming....

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Driver wellness is critical for any fleet. Maintaining the health and well-being of drivers not only benefits them personally but also has positive impacts on the business and boosts customer satisfaction. It's encouraging to see the growing adoption of wellness programs within fleets has increased over the years. According to the NPTC Benchmarking Survey Report, 74% of surveyed fleets had a wellness program in 2023, up from 63% in 2015....

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Efficiently managing fuel taxes is vital for commercial fleets and requires strategies to accurately complete reporting and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. One effective method fleets can adopt to ensure compliance and prioritize accurate fuel tax reporting is through the use of Driver Trip Records (DTR)....

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PacLease prides itself on promoting quality preventative maintenance to increase customer uptime. When it comes to your preventive maintenance, being proactive goes a long way. As we approach summer, here are a few maintenance best practices to follow to ensure your fleet is ready for the summer months....

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Brake Safety Week has been announced for the week of August 25th – 31st. Is your fleet prepared? Starting August 25th, CVSA-certified inspectors across North America will conduct inspections focusing on brake systems and components for Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week. More than 3.4 million brakes have been inspected since the program’s inception in 1998....

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In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced strict new emissions standard for heavy-duty trucks as part of their efforts to combat climate change. These new regulations are affecting all drivers, particularly those who operate fleets. Fleet operators are proactively seeking out ways to ensure they comply with the new regulations....

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In the fast-paced world of fleet management, being able to quickly adapt to changing needs and requirements is crucial to succeed in business. Fleet managers looking to increase their flexibility and profitability are discovering the PacLease National Rental Program. The program was created to support high volume rental needs, over multiple locations, across the country. It provides fleet managers various time-saving advantages such as flexible rental rates, access to an inventory of well-maintained premium trucks, and personalized service, in order to keep their businesses moving forward....

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The price of diesel has been on the decline in May, but it is still well above pre-pandemic norms. The substantial value of diesel relative to 2021 has led to an alarming increase in fuel card fraud. For trucking companies that are already operating on narrow profit margins, fuel fraud can be a devastating financial blow....

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Operation Safe Driver Week has been announced for July 7-13th by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). The focus area for this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week is reckless, careless or dangerous driving....

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Is your business experiencing growing pains due to fleet expansion or seasonal demand that has you scrambling for extra trucks? When you need it most, PacLease can help. PacLease offers high-quality Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks for both regional and national use and they are spec’d for optimal performance in multiple terrains. And vocational trucks, such as dump trucks and roll-offs, can be rented at many of our locations....

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It’s no longer a question of “should a company outsource their fleet needs”. Many companies already outsource and it’s becoming more attractive every year. According to the 2023 National Private Truck Council Industry Benchmark Report, 49% of the Class 8 vehicle population is leased, while 51% is owned....

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Millions of truck drivers across the country spend up to 11 hours a day transporting freight and delivering goods. With 72.6% of the nation’s freight transported by trucks, truck drivers hold a vital job, moving $940.8 billion in gross freight revenue last year, and paying $29.12 billion in federal and state fuel taxes. The trucking industry is crucial to our economy. Without truck drivers, the flow of goods across the country would be impossible. Yet, we find ourselves amidst a shortage....

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Whether you have a small fleet in the early stages of fleet expansion or an established carrier with thousands of trucks on the road,there are several factors to consider regarding vehicle acquisition. For some, owning equipment outright makes the most sense. For others, leasing or a combination of owning and leasing is the best option. When deciding how to grow your fleet, it is important to consider certain things....

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The PacLease rental fleet offers customized, flexible options designed to exceed your business needs. Whether seasonal business peaks, new routes, or even last-minute additions, our Kenworth and Peterbilt medium-duty truck models have always been designed with a focus on driver safety, comfort, and efficiency. The recent introduction of a comprehensive new Kenworth and Peterbilt medium duty product line up, further adds to that focus....

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Every day, millions of Americans drive on the road on their way to work. But for over 3.5 million Americans, the road is their workplace. They are the professional truck drivers who deliver the goods that keep our country moving....

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Truck drivers face numerous challenges on the road. The unforgiving schedules, the physical demands of the job, and the rigors of the road, place enormous pressure on the drivers as they work to deliver product timely and often....

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This year’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, (CVSA), Brake Safety Week has been announced for August 20th-26th, with a focus on brake lining/pad violations. “The focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week is on the condition of the brake lining and pad,” said CVSA President Maj. Chris Nordloh with the Texas Department of Public Safety. “Brake lining pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating.” During Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified inspectors throughout North America will conduct their usual inspections, in addition to reporting brake-related inspection and violation data to the CVSA....

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California, in its latest move to combat climate change, has implemented the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) ruling, aimed at transforming the transportation sector and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions....

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced the dates for the annual Operation Safe Driver Week. This year, from July 9th-15th, law enforcement officers throughout North America will be looking out for commercial motor vehicle drivers that are engaging in unsafe driving behavior....

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There are many ways of acquiring a truck; Buying new or used, leasing, or even long-term rentals. But with all these variations who’s responsible for reporting and ultimately filing appropriate fuel taxes? The registered owner of the truck will need to determine if the truck should be reported under the registered owners’ International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) or if the truck will be reported under the Lease Partners’ IFTA....

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck will be conducted from May 16-18th with an emphasis on Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Cargo Securement. The International Roadcheck is the largest annual commercial vehicle safety event in North America. During this year's International Roadcheck, more than 18,000 vehicles will be inspected at 1,000 locations across the country. The event also helps ensure that drivers are getting the training they need by checking their licenses, permits, registrations and compliance with hours-of-service regulations....

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Over the past several years, there has been a lot of buzz about electric trucks and rightly so, they represent the future. Fifteen states have followed California’s lead and announced a memorandum of understanding that by 2050, any new medium or heavy-duty truck sold or leased in their state must be emission free. California itself has accelerated that to 2040. Those states hope to have 30% of trucks electrified by 2030. With the growing emphasis on emission reduction and the emerging electric truck market, PacLease has invested in a robust charging infrastructure, certified technicians, and Kenworth and Peterbilt medium and heavy-duty electric truck models at our U.S. based PACCAR Leasing company stores. This spring, our electric rental trucks will make their debut in Texas....

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When it comes to final-mile delivery, many companies grapple with an important decision: Should we do it ourselves, or should we outsource? Some companies chose to outsource to keep costs predictable, albeit at a higher total cost. But, in addition to the increased expense, there is also a bigger issue -- handing over control of logistics to another company. In an ideal situation, a company would have the perfect equipment, at a predictable cost, under its own control. At PacLease, we’re here to help....

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As new truck drivers enter the industry, it is critical they understand what their responsibilities are before and after every trip they make. In addition to the pre-trip inspection, drivers must record their odometer at the beginning and the end of a trip, as well as any fuel they put into the vehicle. These data points should be recorded and eventually compiled to complete your company’s fuel taxation paperwork for all the states they drive in. Here some tips to consider if you are a new truck driver having to report on your trips and fuel:...

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This year’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week is quickly approaching. From August 21st to 27th, inspectors will conduct North American Standard Level I and V Inspections on commercial motor vehicles throughout North America. The focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week is on brake hose/tubing chafing violations. In order to prepare, here’s what you need to know....

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Parts shortages, inflation, labor shortages, fuel prices, and now rising interest rates have all contributed to creating the perfect storm for all of us working in the supply chain. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, no one could have imagined the onslaught of challenges the industry would face and continue to face. But here we are....

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week has been announced for July 10th-16th, 2022. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicles adhering to risky driving behavior. Unsafe drivers will be pulled over and cited or given a warning....

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Still booming. That's a phrase I never thought I'd be writing again when it comes to the global used truck market, but that's exactly what's happening. We've had an unprecedented boom in the second-hand market in recent years. Even with the supply challenges on diesels and the latest surge in oil prices, we're seeing nothing short of a record year for used trucks....

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Brakes and brake components are one of the most essential parts on any truck. Proper brake maintenance and inspections are critical to ensure adequate performance....

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With an average of 300 billion miles logged every year, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers must pass stringent skills and knowledge testing by the State governments responsible for issuing Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs). Once a CDL is obtained, a driver must continue to maintain it. A serious traffic violation can affect a CDL holder’s ability to maintain their CDL certification, in addition to disruption of business operations. Nonetheless, Commercial Driving remains a lucrative and in-demand occupation....

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The market for used commercial trucks is moving quickly. You’re broadening your search and working with a number of vendors, but are there other things you can do to find the right used trucks for your business needs? Here are the top things to look out for while you are shopping for your next used truck....

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April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month. Distracted driving is anything that takes the driver’s attention away from focusing on driving. Are your practices helping to keep your fleet and others on the roads safe? Distracted driving impacts thousands of Americans each year. Every driver has the responsibility to avoid distractions while operating a vehicle....

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These are new and strange times that have led us to where we are now. With the onset of the pandemic, followed by the challenges of microchips and parts for vehicles, a large pent-up demand for trucks was inevitable. A scramble to find alternatives to keep business moving is underway… quickly turning used trucks into an even hotter commodity....

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When it comes to buying used trucks, you can get a lot of bang for your buck. However, older trucks tend to need more maintenance and have more miles. At PacLease, these trucks have been regularly maintained by some of the best technicians in the industry with many trucks in our aggressive maintenance programs....

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In a recent survey by the National Private Truck Council, there was an open-ended question that asked: “What is the primary reason your company operates a private fleet?” For most, the answer wasn’t surprising. More than 90% responded it was “customer service.” In the same survey, many respondents viewed their fleet as a core competency. This all means running reliable, top-notch equipment and hiring industry-best drivers. The question is, what’s the best way to make it all work?...

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It’s not unusual for professional truck drivers to experience a range of weather on their routes. It is especially common when running routes through multiple states or provinces. With extreme weather occurrences across North America, it is imperative your drivers are prepared for all types of driving conditions. Planning ahead is essential and making sure your fleet is prepared for winter in regions with severe conditions is a top priority....

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As environmental impact has become a staple consideration of fleets across North America, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are now the leading solution for zero emission deliveries. Federal and state organizations are using grants to help incentivize early adopters of these zero emission technologies....

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Thank a Driver! It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week...

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Bo Schembechler said it best in his legendary “The Team” speech back in 1983, “No man is more important than the Team.” This holds true today in our world of sales. You may have the greatest group of individual employees, but the organization won’t succeed if they don’t work together. If you don’t know “Bo,” he was the head football coach at the University of Michigan from 1969 to 1989 – compiling a career record of 234-65-8. While sports analogies can be overused in the field of sales, this sentiment seems to fit perfectly with Team Selling. Implementing Team Selling in your organization can increase your chances of closing a deal up to 258% compared to selling solo. So why don’t sales organizations promote the idea of collaboration and “The Team”? Well, at PacLease, problem solving is a team sport and “Team Selling” is at our core....

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Putting a fuel management program in place can save you money and help your business grow. One of the leading operational expenses of a business that operates fleet vehicles is purchasing fuel. Fuel prices vary widely depending on where your fleet operates and the type of fuel that your fleet consumes. Fleet managers are constantly looking for ways to optimize fuel spend as they realize shaving a penny or two per gallon can offer the business tremendous savings quarter to quarter. Here are five things to consider when thinking about a quality fuel management program....

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When your trip doesn’t go as planned, PacCentral is here for you. Established in May of 1999, PACCAR Parts opened the PACCAR Customer Center, also known as PacCentral, to PacLease customers. Located in Renton, Washington, the Customer Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Offering roadside assistance for all PACCAR customers – including Kenworth, Peterbilt and PacLease. The PACCAR Customer Center has the ability to assist with jump starts, tires, trailers, towing, out of fuel (roadside), mechanical repairs, preventive maintenance services and most other services to drive uptime for our customers....

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Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck is quickly approaching. CVSA International Roadcheck will have an emphasis on lighting and hours of service. Are your fleet and drivers prepared?...

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The PacLease National Rental Program offers nationwide fleets a premium rental support solution with the personalized service of a local customer. As fleets seek ways to become more nimble by incorporating technologies or services to improve their responsiveness, adapt to changes in their operating environment and ultimately improve bottom line revenue, the PacLease National Rental Program is a valuable tool for fleet managers....

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Louisiana’s economy is a melting pot of different industries. Tourism in New Orleans, the Mississippi River and its many ports, oil and gas production throughout the state, plus the chemical plants are familiar to many across the country. However, one vital aspect of our state’s economy remains relatively unknown: sugar....

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The United States Department of Agriculture states that the agricultural sector accounts for an estimated 1% of the nation’s GDP. The Salinas Valley is the largest region in Monterey County and one of the most productive agriculture valleys in California. Considered the “Salad Bowl of the World”, it is estimated that roughly 70% of the U.S. produce is grown in the Salinas Valley. To keep the world’s largest “salad bowl” moving, we at PacLease help to run and maintain the transportation and logistics of the agriculture industry in Salinas – partnering with our customers to help them maximize their uptime and meet deadlines. Coast Counties Peterbilt PacLease in the Salinas Valley is home to one of our flagship franchises that has been in business since 1949. Coast Counties Peterbilt PacLease has been able to assist companies in the Salinas Valley agriculture industry to feed America....

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We have a saying at PacLease, and it’s pretty straightforward: “We’re focused on improving your service to your customer.” If we do that, we know we’re doing our job. The simplicity in that statement says a lot. It says we understand that in order for us to be successful as a service partner we have to make our customers successful. And, we do that by understanding your company and understanding your transportation ‘pain points.' We also outline your payloads and routes and see how specs can reduce weight, improve fuel economy, and increase driver satisfaction. Once we have a clear picture of your operation, we go to work to properly spec a truck that can improve your operation....

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Help stop the spread of COVID-19 and prepare for cold and flu season by regularly disinfecting your truck cab. PacLease locations disinfect truck cabs after every service to help reduce the spread of germs. Protect your interior components by following the research of the PACCAR Technical Center (PTC)....

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Here at PacLease we know a thing or two about maintenance. Uptime is critical. Utilizing aggressive preventative maintenance programs with trained technicians and the most up-to-date technology maximizes this uptime....

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Brake Safety Week is coming up. To help your fleet prepare, here are a few points on brake system safety. Starting August 23rd, law enforcement agencies across North America will be conducting focused Brake System Inspections for Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week....

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Is tire management a surprise in the transportation industry? Unfortunately, some fleets have a reactive, rather than proactive, approach when it comes to their tires. Their focus is on their core business, until they find themselves on the side of the road deflated with a breakdown. With the cost of tires being around $0.035 to $0.04 per mile, tire management is a must! And the five major components of an effective Tire Management Program are tire analytics, selection of a tire vendor, tire standardization, tire maintenance, and management of the casing program....

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The CVSA has confirmed that Operation Safe Driver Week will be held July 12-18th. This year’s point of emphasis is the driver requirements category of a roadside inspection. Anytime your truck is pulled off the road for inspection violations, those are lost dollars that may have been prevented. We know how important it is to minimize downtime, and that drives us to keep your PacLease trucks in proper condition so that you pass roadside inspections with flying colors....

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Spec’ing vehicles is a very complicated process, especially in a liquid bulk application. With new and improved products being introduced on a regular basis it is important to look at your spec with a fresh eye. Repeating the same spec year after year will not allow you to be as efficient as you should be. Whenever the conversation turns to specs for liquid bulk carriers - weight is the hot topic. Every pound of payload is added profitability. The more you move – the more you make. However, it is important to spec a balance of lightweight, performance, drivability and durability. PACCAR products are designed and built with the ability spec customized lightweight applications with durability in mind....

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PacLease knows that vehicle maintenance is one of the most critical components to a successfully managed fleet. For our worldwide network comprised of over 40,000 vehicles, we’ve relied on our aggressive preventative maintenance programs, utilizing the most up to date technology and trained technicians to ensure your fleet remains in reliable and working condition with maximum up time throughout the term of the lease. Equally important in our ability to do this, are the parts that we use to maintain your vehicle. Which is why PacLease vehicles, are maintained with PACCAR Genuine parts....

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There's a new “Clearinghouse” you need to know about. And, it’s not magazines or million dollar sweepstakes. This one is specific to the trucking industry, and it’s huge. It’s the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and it will support the DOT Strategic Goal of Safety when it goes live this January by ensuring drivers are qualified to operate trucks and buses. The new database, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), will contain information pertaining to violations of the DOT’s controlled substances drug and alcohol testing program for holders of CDLs....

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For some the name PacLease is synonymous with full service commercial truck leasing, but that’s only one aspect of our business and story. PacLease Truck Rental and Leasing is capable of so much more. The “rental” part of our name can be easily over looked, but…did you know that PacLease offers local delivery trucks, as well as late model, high-quality Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks for regional and national use? From growth opportunities resulting from fleet expansion, or the seasonal flux that has you scrambling for extra trucks, PacLease Truck Rental and Leasing provides your fleet with relief when you need it most....

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Summer is upon us in full force. It’s that time of the year when many people are out enjoying summer BBQ’s, weekend outings, and outdoor family fun. As the roadways significantly warm up over the summer months and become busier with summer travelers and road construction projects, it’s just as important to prepare and maintain your fleet equipment for summer driving as it is to winterize your fleet in the winter....

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Customers deserve a superior leasing experience that allows tailoring your truck specs to your business needs with your business in mind. PacLease works with its customers to custom spec their vehicles. It’s the difference between “off-the-shelf” and a menu loaded with options. And that means you get a truck built specifically for the type of cargo, delivery areas, and duty cycle you require....

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As we enter into summer, it is time to prepare for the CVSA International Roadchecks being held June 4th - 6th that is if you have not already been busy preparing your fleet. According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the roadside inspection program will inspect 17 commercial vehicles a minute over the 72-hour period across North America, which will equate to over 73,000 commercial vehicles. Will your truck be one of them? This international roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world and covers the United States, Canada, and Mexico....

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When the brutal temps hit, our company store in Hickory Hills sent out warnings to all of our customers about the dangers of operating equipment in this extreme cold. We knew that if they experienced any issues on the road, the tow companies would all be extremely busy trying to keep up with the volume of calls and stranded motorists. We informed them that at these temperatures, even treating your fuel with additive would not be sufficient and having a truck stall out and not re-start could be life threating for the driver....

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Whether we like it or hate it, insurance coverage is a crucial component of operating a commercial fleet of trucks. Insurance regulations exist to protect you, your business, your assets, your customers, your drivers, and anyone else involved in any potential incident. PacLease knows that having proper insurance coverage is a measure of security for your fleet and a small part of the cost of keeping your business running....

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Most trucking industry professionals and infrastructure experts agree that tolling isn’t going anywhere and will have an ongoing impact on commercial fleet operations across the country....

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It’s one of those things that you think to yourself “it’ll never happen to us,” and when it does, it causes all sorts of headaches. Properly securing your trailer’s load, whether it’s a dry van, reefer or flatbed, is a bigger issue than most people think....

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The longest days of the year are here. And so are the toughest driving conditions – brought to you by inclement and below freezing weather. Are your drivers and trucks ready for the elements? Here are my top tips to keep your drivers and trucks running safely....

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As the need to repair the ageing infrastructure in the U.S. becomes imminent, legislators are proposing new bills and reforms to fund much needed projects. One potential source for funding is increased state fuel taxes. Many business groups support the proposed tax, as the funds will finance projects that will improve road conditions; making driving more comfortable, improving driving time, and reducing service costs caused by adverse road conditions....

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When it comes to leasing there are many benefits to consider, and when you are in a complex industry such as tank operations, the benefits of leasing can help drive critical business efficiencies....

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If you’re reading the trade journals – even newspapers – you’re no doubt noticing articles about the infrastructure. What will happen? And, what about toll roads -- will they be privatized? What does this mean for the transportation industry?...

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The focus of CVSA’s Brake Safety Week will be to conduct brake system inspections on large trucks and buses throughout North America to identify out-of-adjustment brakes and brake-system violations. Inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level IV Inspection, a Special Inspection focusing on large bus and truck brakes....

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With all the changes in truck technology, there is data coming in from virtually every angle. How do you make sense of it all and how can you put the information to work for you?...

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One look at the July 16 cover story in Transport Topics says it all. “Class 8 Orders Soar 133%” June orders for heavy trucks hit 42,000 units, up from 18,104 a year earlier. That means a backlog for up to six months for those buying new trucks. Happily, for those wanting to get into new Peterbilt or Kenworth trucks through a full-service lease with PacLease, your wait isn’t near as long. PacLease has guaranteed build placeholders, which means slots are already saved, and trucks can be delivered in a shorter period of time....

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