6 Tips for Purchasing Commercial Trucks

Key steps to follow when purchasing commercial trucks

Whether you’re considering your first commercial truck purchase as an owner-operator, a new fleet manager, or a seasoned pro, it’s always a good idea to take the time and do the research before you step onto a sales lot.

Bergey’s Truck Centers is not only a certified, full-service dealership, but we also have a Leasing group, so we both sell and buy trucks. We want to share our own best practices to consider when you’re planning your truck purchase.

Putting some thought into your purchase and doing your homework ahead of time will make you a more informed decision maker and will help ensure you get the commercial truck that meets your business needs and budget.

6 Tips for Purchasing commercial trucks

Define Your Needs:

Purpose: Do you need the truck for long-haul transportation, local deliveries, hauling heavy equipment, or specialized needs like climate control?
Cargo: Consider the size, type, and weight of the cargo you’ll be hauling. This will be key in spec’ing the right wheelbase, GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) and more.
Terrain and Environment: Will you operate over the road/highway, stop-n-go/urban or over rugged terrain?
Towing/Hauling Requirements: If you need to pull a trailer or haul specific equipment, ensure the truck has capacity to handle the job at hand.

Determine Your Budget:

Establish a Price Range: Determine your maximum budget. Be sure you include all taxes and fees above and beyond the purchase price.
Financing Options: Depending on your own financial situation, there are many different options when it comes to financing your truck. Many dealerships offer choices for your purchase like loans, leases, or special OEM programs with flexible down payments and monthly payment options.
Maintaining Your Truck: Purchasing the truck is just the start of ownership responsibility. Ensuring you keep the truck running at peak performance is another consideration when it comes to determining a budget. See more details below to Understand Ongoing Costs.

Research and Compare Options:

Truck Types: This part seems like a no-brainer, but go beyond the high level of box truck, semi/tractor, dump. What size box, do you just need a ramp, or do you need a liftgate, do you need refrigeration? Is your tractor for regional day routes or long hauls where a sleeper is needed? Is your cargo/haul in need of a single axle or tandem axle day cab? Do you need a triaxle on the dump? Not sure? Our Bergey’s team of sales specialists can help.
Brands: Compare different truck brands, their reliability, fuel efficiency, and resale value. For new trucks Bergey’s is certified for Mack, Volvo, Hino, Isuzu and Bollinger EVs.
Availability: If you haven’t purchased a new truck in some time, things may be much different than “pre-covid” days. Dealers may not have many choices sitting on ground, OEMs have backlogs for ordering, and parts may be hard to come by. Bergey’s has inventory of new and used trucks available, but if you need something unique, we suggest you start planning now if you need a new truck in the next six to 9 months. Current OEM production is about 120 days out.
New or Used: Weigh the pros and cons of buying new vs. used, considering factors like mileage, maintenance history, and available warranty.
Vehicle History: With used commercial trucks, be sure to ask the dealer/owner for any available vehicle history to check for accidents, title issues, and odometer readings.

Inspect and Test:

Mechanical Inspection: Especially important for used vehicles, ask if you can have a third party inspect the primary systems – engine, transmission, suspension. Many times, if looking at trucks through a dealership, they can provide details on their own inspection and work done prior to listing for sale.
Test Drive: New or used, be sure to take the truck for a test drive. Pay close attention to how it handles steering, braking, and engine responsiveness.
Interior and Exterior: Inspect the truck for rust, dents, and other signs of damage.

Understand Ongoing Costs:

Fuel Efficiency: Consider fuel consumption, especially for long-haul routes. Alternative fuel options such as natural gas or electric vehicles could be a more viable option with long-term cost benefits over traditional combustion engines.
Maintenance: New trucks under warranty require ongoing maintenance by certified shops. If you’re purchasing a used vehicle and cannot maintain your truck on your own, dealerships typically offer options for contract maintenance, full-service leasing, preventive maintenance packages and fleet management programs.
Insurance: Compare insurance costs for different trucks and consider the potential savings with used vehicles.
Warranty: Get full details of factory warranties when purchasing new trucks. If used, be sure to ask if the truck is still under warranty and consider extended warranties or private protection plans for used vehicles.

Partner with a Reputable Dealer:

Dealer Reputation: Choose a reputable dealer with positive industry feedback and a history of providing quality vehicles.
Customer Service: Consider the dealer’s reputation for customer service and after-sales support.

Ready to Buy?

Bergey’s Truck Centers is a family-owned dealership with over 100 years in business. Our team of specialized salespeople know their product – new heavy duty truck sales, new medium duty truck sales, used truck sales, lease sales, service, parts and tires. Doing some homework early will ease the buying process, getting you the truck you need to keep your business moving.

Search our full online inventory, and when you’re ready to go, request a quote or apply for credit.

Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck

Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck

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6 Tips for Purchasing Commercial Trucks

Key steps to follow when purchasing commercial trucks

Whether you’re considering your first commercial truck purchase as an owner-operator, a new fleet manager, or a seasoned pro, it’s always a good idea to take the time and do the research before you step onto a sales lot.

6 Tips for Purchasing commercial trucks

Define Your Needs:

Determine Your Budget:

Research and Compare Options:

Inspect and Test:

Understand Ongoing Costs:

Partner with a Reputable Dealer:

Ready to Buy?

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