Driving a semi-truck requires extensive training, certification, and skill. And while you have to be completely in control of your trailer when driving, you also have to be aware of your surroundings and how other vehicles are driving and reacting to your big rig.

To help, our team at Mount Trailer Company in Portland, Oregon, has prepared a safety guide to help you avoid collisions and outline some reasons they can occur.

Three Things to Remember When Driving Your Semi-Truck

• Blind Spots

While this may seem like an obvious one, a semi-truck can potentially have blind spots – also referred to as “no zones.” Some drivers think that extended and large front mirrors will cover everything, but they often don’t. Be aware of your semi’s blind spots and take extra care when maneuvering lanes and adjust/react to other vehicles.

• Turning

Whether you drive a semi-truck or not, we’ve all seen them turn and know just how wide and more distance is needed to safely turn left or right. When you are driving your semi, you will need to swing out in order to make most of your turns. Be very careful when doing this as impatience drivers may try to quickly pass around you right as you are swinging to make your turn.

As mentioned earlier, this is a situation where you not only have to be mindful of your own rig, but all the other vehicles, and drivers (no matter how impatient and poor they may drive).

• Breaking

A semi-truck can weigh in at as much as 80,000 pounds. Keeping that in mind, the average break time for a semi on the highway can be up to 525 feet (roughly the equivalent to about two football fields). That break time is in optimal conditions, so with rain, snow, etc., it will increase greatly.

Be certain you are not only maintaining the proper distance between other vehicles when driving, but you are also considering the weather and other road variables like construction, lanes coming to an end, and more.

Get Semi-Trucks for Sale at Mount Trailer Company

Our team at Mount Trailer Company can cover all your trailer needs. We carry a huge variety of new semi-trucks for sale, as well as used ones, parts, and of course, trailer repair services.

To shop semi-trucks for sale and more, please contact us today!

Understanding how to avoid a trucker’s blind spots is key in staying safe on the road. Nearly three million commercial trucks move 9.2 billion tons of freight each year, as driving alongside a big rig is a common occurrence on the highway. Following a few simple tips to avoid being in a semi-trailer’s blind spots is vital in staying safe and avoiding a deadly accident.

Here are a few simple yet important tips to consider while you are sharing the highway with an 18-wheeler.

1. Understand the Location of Each Blind Spot

A semi-truck has three blind spots that you always need to remain aware of at all times. These blind spots include being directly behind a truck, driving on either side of the vehicle, or driving directly in front of the 18-wheeler. Always allowing for plenty of space is essential in limiting the chance of an accident and staying much safer on the road.

2. Avoid Following Too Close

Another simple tip to consider is to never follow to close to an 18-wheeler or any other vehicle. Tailgating a big rig makes it impossible to anticipate anything further down the road, which significantly increases the chance of a serious accident. Typically, it is a good idea to always give yourself around 5 seconds of following distance behind an 18-wheeler, and you need even more space if the weather is poor.

3. Pass with Care

Always passing an 18-wheeler with care is essential in driving safely. It is always a good idea to signal early and pass quickly to avoid staying in the truck’s blind spot for any lengthy amount of time. You may also experience turbulence if you are in a smaller car or a motorcycle. It is also a smart idea to give a big rig plenty of space while they are making a sharp turn.

Mount Trailer Company Has Used Semi-trailers & More

Always staying patient while sharing the road with an 18-wheeler is critical in staying safe and avoiding a serious accident. Mount Trailer Company is a business that focuses on selling used semi-trailers, as we have other five decades worth of experience in the trucking industry. We also offer a large inventory of parts, and we provide free repair estimates.

Feel free to give us a phone call to learn more about buying used semi-trailers and the importance of safety on the road!

One of the top skills to learn for a truck driver is the ability to safely back up a tractor-trailer on a consistent basis. Understanding this skill is essential for anyone that wants to be a truck driver. Following a few tips while practicing this maneuver is a great way to learn this vital skill.

Here are a few of the top tips to help you safely back a tractor-trailer.

1. Only Backup If It’s Necessary

One of the best ways to limit the chance of an accident is to only back up whenever it’s necessary. You can eliminate many unnecessary backups by always planning ahead and using parking in spaces that you can easily pull through. Ultimately, limiting backups improves safety while also making your job much easier.

2. Take Your Time

Another important tip to remember is always to take your time and avoid rushing yourself while you are backing up a truck. Getting out of the truck and looking around the entire vehicle is a great idea to help you safely back up without any problems. You should also back up with your window down and mostly use your left mirror and avoid the temptation of getting in a hurry.

3. Always Blow Your Horn Before Backing Up

A truck driver needs to always sound the horn before backing up to gain the attention of anyone nearby. Always keeping an eye on your mirrors is essential in staying safe and adjusting. Using four-way flashers is also a good idea while you are backing up a truck for additional safety.

4. Remember That You’re Driving the Trailer and Not the Truck

It is always important to remember that you are driving the trailer and not the truck. For example, turning the steering wheel to the right causes the rear of the trailer to go left. Understanding these dynamics is critical in successfully backing up a truck.

Visit Mount Trailer Company to Find Semi-Truck Trailers for Sale in Portland, Oregon

Following these tips play a key role in successfully backing up a truck without sacrificing safety. Mount Trailer Company specializes in providing new and used trailers for a wide range of customers. We also offer many truck parts, such as OEM axle suspensions, body components, and brake parts. Contact us to learn more about finding semi-truck trailers for sale and more.

If you’re looking to improve your truck body – or upgrade your fleet – buying used semi-trailers can be an excellent way to increase your capacity without breaking the budget.  There are plenty of used trailers on the market that still have many more years of service in them and can be a great value – if you choose wisely.  Because, of course, there are also plenty of used trailers that aren’t worth your time.

We proudly carry a wide range of excellent used semi-trailers and know a bit about picking the good ones from all the rest.  Here are a few tips when you’re buying.

Ways to Pick High Quality Used Semi Trailers

1. Has it been inspected recently?

Is the trailer street legal?  This should be one of the first questions you ask.  If the trailer hasn’t been inspected or has been off the road for too long, this could mean a lot of extra costs down the line.

Also, if it’s a reefer, the refrigeration unit should have been inspected in the past year.

2. Look at the undercarriage 

A lot of sellers will do their best to dress up the visible parts of the trailer, but they often neglect the underside – and that’s where rust could be hiding.  Get under the trailer with a flashlight and check the undercarriage for rust or any other damage. 

3. Check the tires

Bad tires on a trailer aren’t a dealbreaker – they’re fairly cheap to replace, after all – but they can point towards how well the trailer has been treated by its previous owner.  If it’s sitting on bald tires or ones which have clearly been repaired multiple times, you’ll want to look extra hard for other damage.

4. Test the electrical system

Never take the seller’s word about the wiring – check it for yourself.  Make sure all the lights and signals are working properly and, if possible, inspect as much of the wiring as you can for any signs of damage.

5. Check the brakes

If possible, you want a test drive to make sure the brakes are functional.  If nothing else, however, be sure to manually inspect the brake drums and linings for signs of damage or neglect.

For Great Used Semi Trailers, Come to Mount Trailer Company

We are one of the top sources for new and used trailers, and accessories in Portland, Oregon.  To inquire about specific stock or parts, just contact us!

It’s important to be careful when buying any trailer – but caution is particularly warranted when you’re purchasing a refrigerated (“reefer”) trailer.  The goods you’re hauling in a reefer trailer are going to be extremely perishable, and maintenance issues with the trailer could potentially result in the entire load going back while it’s on the road!

So, whether you’re looking at used or new trailers in Oregon or Washington, here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a reefer trailer.

Three Critical Considerations When Purchasing A New or Used Refrigerated Trailer

1. Research the seller

Before even thinking about a purchase, one of the most important elements is to look into the seller(s).  Are they reputable?  Have they been in business long?  What sort of warranty or service options do they offer?  

Buying a trailer from sources such as eBay is not a good idea.  You definitely want to work with a reputable establishment, not random people from the Internet.

2. Closely inspect the refrigeration unit

This is, of course, the heart of a reefer trailer – and it must be in top operating condition before you make a purchase.  The seller should be willing to let you fire the trailer up, and test to ensure that it’s capable of reaching suitably cold temperatures.  Likewise, you should closely inspect all hoses, seals, etc. for any signs of potential leakage.

It will probably cost a little extra, but it would be well worth your time to hire a refrigeration expert to take a look at the trailer on your behalf.  They’ll spot potential maintenance issues you might not catch.

3. Look carefully for rust

This is a good idea when buying any new or used trailer, but it’s particularly important when buying a reefer trailer.  Rust on a trailer is never a good thing and could lead to impaired performance or on-road breakdowns.  However, rust on a reefer trailer almost always points to poor maintenance of the refrigeration unit.  And, again, the refrigerator is the entire point.  

So, this makes for an excellent red flag that indicates the trailer has not been well-cared-for and won’t be worth the money.

For Top-Quality Trailers in Oregon, Come to Mount Trailer Company

Mount Trailer Company has proudly offered the best in truck trailers and Antimicrobial reefer trailers since 1970, with a huge selection of both new and used trailers in stock.  Looking for a particular item?  Just contact us.

Owning and maintaining a truck is expensive – it’s smart to look for ways to cut costs where you can.  Buying a used flatbed trailer is a great example.  Used flatbed trailers for sale can be found at prices well below new but can often still deliver years of reliable service – if you find the right trailer.

Trailers are pretty simple, so there’s not much a previous owner could have messed up too badly – but you still want to look for signs of wear & tear, or red flag that the previous owner didn’t take care of it. Here are a few tips.

What to Check on When Browsing Used Flatbed Trailers for Sale

Signs of warping

If the trailer was over-loaded in its past, particularly if it was often overloaded, you’ll see signs of it in the trailer itself.  There’ll be bowing around the middle or sides.  Sometimes you can just eyeball it but using a level to check that everything is truly flat is a good idea.

The wiring

Never buy a trailer without making sure that the wiring is fully functional.  You want to make sure all the lights and indicators work properly before even thinking about purchasing it.  Otherwise, you could have a very unpleasant surprise once you get on the road.

We’d also suggest visually inspecting the wiring as best you can, to make sure there are minimal signs of damage. 

The wheels

When were the wheels last replaced?  This is often a great indicator of how well the previous owner treated the trailer.  If they were regularly replacing the wheels, chances are they were keeping up on maintenance all around.  On the other hand, if the wheels are worn and in need of replacement, odds are you’ll find other maintenance issues.

Ask about the trailer’s history

Unlike full vehicles, there’s no “Carfax” equivalent for trailers, so you can’t be sure of a trailer’s history.  Still, it’s worth asking.  A trailer that was involved in an accident may not be fully reliable.  You may also be able to see signs of past accidents, such as obvious places where the framework had been bent.  

Mount Trailer Company Has the Trailers You Need!

We specialize in carrying a wide range of trailers, both new and used so that we have options to fit the budget of every driver or fleet.  Contact us to learn more!

If you’re new to the logistics industry or are trying to decide the right shipping options for your freight, you might be wondering exactly what dry van trailers are and who uses them. As one of the country’s leading semi-truck trailer specialists, Mount Trailer Company has helped hundreds find the ideal trailer for their needs.

Here they’ve collected all the information you need to know about dry van trailers and who uses them.

Dry Van Shipping: A Breakdown

To understand who might use a dry-van trailer, it’s important to first understand dry van shipping. Dry van shipping is the most common type of freight shipping: the term “dry van” refers to the compartment employed to haul shipments from point A to point B. These compartments are designed to ship large pallets or boxes of cargo.

These compartments are dry and aren’t refrigerated at all, meaning they’re only used to ship non-perishable goods, like clothes, machinery, packaged or canned foods, and more. Dry van shipping is used for both full truckload shipping, as well as LTL freight management services.

What Industries Use Dry-Van Shipping Trailers

There is a wide range of industries that require dry van shipping trailers to cover their logistics needs. Some of the most common ones include:

• Manufacturing
• Consumer Goods
• Health & Beauty
• Cleaning Products
• Entertainment
• Electronics
• Automotive
• Food & Beverage
• & More

Why Buy Used Dry Vans from Mount Trailer?

If you’re searching for a dry van trailer for your shipping needs, there are a host of used dry vans available from Mount Trailer Company. All the used dry van trailers we carry undergo multi-point inspections to make certain that all their components function properly. Additionally, each trailer is inspected by the Department of Transportation and passed annual FMCSA inspections. We also employ an expert sales team that has wide-ranging knowledge of the industry’s leading makes and models of dry van trailers that can provide answers to any questions you may have.

Contact us to learn more about our inventory!

If you’re searching for the perfect new or used dry van trailer, contact Mount Trailer Company online today. We carry all the industry’s leading makes and models at prices that can’t be beaten. In addition to our sales department, we also operate a first-rate team of repair specialists equipped to provide major wreck repairs, brake and suspension work, and more.

Call us today at 1-800-777-0743 to learn more about our inventory.

Have you purchased a truck recently but need a trailer to haul your loads from point A to point B? Well, first you’ll need to make sure that the semi-truck trailer that you have your eye on is compatible with your rig. It can also help to keep an open mind and have a broad price range, that way you can select several that suit you and choose the best one for your needs for the best price you can get.

At Mount Trailer Company, we’ve helped many clients over the years find their ideal semi-truck trailer. Here is some of the insight we’ve gained along the way.

1. Get Documentation

When it comes to buying a semi-truck trailer, don’t ever take anyone’s word for it. It’s basically like buying a vehicle: you need to make certain it is safe and that you’re getting what you pay for. This means that any semi-truck trailer for sale needs to come with the proper paperwork certifying it’s undergone the right safety inspections, as well as a complete record of its history.

2. Ask Lots of Questions

Buying a trailer can be a lot like buying a home. You would never buy a home without asking about its previous owners or why they’re trying to sell it in the first place, right? These are some of the questions you should be asking. Also, ask if the seller is an independent seller or broker, if there were technical issues with the trailer, and if it’s ever had any problems.

3. Inspect Structural Components

Although a reliable semi-truck trailer for sale will come with documents certifying it has been inspected, it never hurts to look things over yourself as well. Perhaps something happened while it was in transit or a light bulb burned out since it had its inspection. Check for things like rust, structural damage, in addition to inspecting the lights, tires, and brakes.

4. Anticipate Costs & Maintenance Needs

When purchasing a semi-truck trailer for sale, don’t only consider the initial cost but think about how much maintaining it will be over the long term. Those who don’t have all the cash upfront will likely need to take out a loan to pay for the trailer, so keeping financing and interest costs in mind is key. Additionally, the older the trailer is the more maintenance it will likely need.

Let Mount Trailer Company match you with your ideal semi-truck trailer!

If you want to purchase a new or used trailer that you can rely on, contact Mount Trailer Company online today or call (503) 282-7207.