New Semi-Trucks For Sale in MS, LA, FL & AL

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What You Need to Know About Buying a Heavy-Duty Truck!

The future is heavy-duty trucks and the industry is in desperate need of drivers. Whether you’d like to become an independent contractor, or you manage a fleet of trucks, investing in your very own semi-truck can be a professional game-changer. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you’re buying from the right people. Contact us here at Empire Truck Sales at one of our many locations throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana and see how we can help you take the next step toward ownership, today!

What Does It Mean To Be Heavy-Duty?

The first thing you’ll notice is that heavy-duty trucks are bigger and more expensive. There’s a reason for this. All trucks are broken down into classes based on their GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). This essentially tells you how heavy the truck can be before its internal mechanisms become overloaded, including the weight of the truck itself, cargo, and passengers.

The heavy-duty classes are Class 7, 8, and 9, described as so:

Class 7: GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds.
Class 8: GVWR over 33,001 pounds.

Class 9 often refers to semi-trucks that “defy classification” or are even sometimes referred to as super-duty trucks. This can sometimes mean a vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds, or it can refer to specialty vehicles, such as those designed for hazmat transport. They generally require additional certification on top of what you need to operate a heavy-duty truck.

Before You Buy!

Speaking of certification, it’s important to understand what you’ll need before you buy. More specifically, what your driver will need. Semi-trucks are a great way to boost your business, but they’re significantly more difficult to operate and an unprepared driver can be a danger to themselves and the other commuters on the road.

Depending on what you invest in, you or your driver will either need a Class B or Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). This is usually accompanied by training courses and a specialized test. Look around for local classes or, if you yourself are looking to be a driver, ask your future employer if they’re willing to sponsor your training.

It’s a big step and a big purchase, so make sure you have the right team to back you up and answer your questions. Stop by Empire Truck Sales and let our experienced staff know how we can assist you! We also have dealerships in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama.