Commercial Truck Buying Guide

Unlike buying a car for yourself, your semi-truck is more than just something that gets you from Point A to Point B; it’s a central part of your livelihood. If you’re in the market for a semi-truck, it’s essential to carefully consider your options and ensure that you’re selecting the right vehicle. For those looking for a semi-truck, we’ve put together this commercial truck buying guide, which will help you to narrow down your search and help you find the right truck. Once you’ve gone through this guide, check out our current inventory to find a semi that fits your needs.

Determine How You’ll Use Your Truck

This might seem an unusual question to ask yourself if you’ve never driven commercially. However, it’s important to be aware that different types of hauling require different types of trucks. For example, if you’re doing short-haul driving, you won’t want a larger tractor-trailer, nor will you need an extended cab with a sleeper. You’ll want something more compact that is easier to navigate on city roads instead.

On the other hand, if you’ll be driving cross-country for days or weeks at a time, you’ll want a larger truck for pulling larger loads and a place to rest and sleep without having to pay for a motel every night. Understanding the type of driving you’ll be doing, and the kinds of loads you’ll be hauling is a big part of ensuring that you get the right type of truck for your needs.

Think about the Features You Want

The answer to this question is based on how you use your truck. For example, we already mentioned extended cabs with a sleeper in the rear cabin. This is a feature you might want if you intend to drive multi-day deliveries and don’t want to have to find and pay for a motel on your long drives. This is also a great option if you intend to drive with a partner, allowing you to trade off driving and have plenty of space to stretch out and rest between driving shifts.

You should also ask yourself whether you want a manual or automated manual transmission. Most truck drivers have strong opinions on this matter, so you can choose whichever option works best for you. However, keep in mind that automated manual transmissions tend to be more efficient and easier to use than manual transmissions.

Other factors to consider are the make of the truck (if you have a specific preference), how it handles, how many miles per gallon it gets, and the way it looks. Depending on your priorities, you might emphasize some of these features more than others, but regardless, it’s important to consider them all.

Set a Budget and Figure Out Financing

Budget is also extremely important when making this kind of purchase. Semi-trucks come with a high price tag, but it’s important to look at that price tag as an investment into your business; remember, this truck will help you earn a living, not just drive you around town. Make sure that you know what your budget is and make sure you stick to it when you start shopping. If you need financing, be sure to work that out as well.

In addition to selling quality semi-trucks, Arrow Truck Sales also offers financing to help you get the truck you need sooner. We have many online financial tools to help you calculate your down payment, pre-qualify for credit, and more. You can now use these tools to understand your financing options better, then speak to a representative about finalizing your financing when you purchase a semi-truck with us.

Do Plenty of Research

Once you know what you’re looking for and your budget, it’s time to research your options thoroughly. Don’t just settle for the first truck you come across; compare your options carefully and make sure you know how they compare in terms of quality, performance, and durability. The more you research and compare the trucks that meet your criteria, the more likely you will be to find a truck that will continue to serve you well for years to come.

Look into ratings and reviews that relate to safety, maintenance costs, and the comfort and quality of the ride. Remember, if you’re doing long-haul trucking, you will be spending hundreds of hours in that truck cab every month; you should ensure that your ride is safe and comfortable. Having an affordable vehicle doesn’t mean much if the sleeper is so uncomfortable you need to pay for a motel every night!

Choose the Right Dealer

Finally, ensure you’re buying your truck from the right dealer. Semi-trucks are specialized in vehicle sales, and you want to ensure that you’re working with a dealer who knows their stuff. At Arrow Truck Sales, we specialize in selling quality commercial vehicles to drivers and owner-operators, including single truck sales and fleet sales. We offer only reliable, high-quality semi-trucks and big rigs, and we back those vehicles with numerous protection plans, including the following options:

• Extended warranties

• After-treatment warranties

• ConfidencePLUS warranties

Additionally, we can provide you with 24/7 roadside assistance, gap protection, physical damage insurance, and non-trucking liability insurance. We offer these services and protection options because we understand that a semi-truck is much more than just a truck; it represents your livelihood and future. That future deserves to be protected.

If you’re in the market for a semi-truck—or an entire fleet of semi-trucks to start building your own trucking business—contact Arrow Truck Sales today. We can help you find the right trucks for your needs and provide you with the financing and protection you need to ensure your livelihood is protected. Call now to learn more about our current semi-truck inventory, financing options, and various warranties for protecting your investment.