1. Follow mechanical changes implemented by heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers to comply with environmental issues and federal regulations.
2. Find vehicle-specific news and trends from garbage truck manufacturing to dump truck manufacturing.
3. Get heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers news and trends from trucking associations and publications.
   

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Learn how heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers are handling governmental and environmental issues

Like many other industries, heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers are jumping on the trend to go green. From meeting new federal emissions standards going into effect in 2010 to producing engines that burn fuel more efficiently, you'll find many changes in store for heavy duty commercial vehicle manufacturers.

I recommend: Industry Week offers an in-depth article about hybrid initiatives offered by heavy duty truck manufacturer Paccar, through its Kenworth and Peterbilt divisions. Read about the latest regarding new emissions standards for heavy-industrial vehicles at International Business Times.

Get heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers news and trends for the type of vehicle you use

Not all heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers news and trends will be the same across the board. What's new for backhoes, for instance, might not be the same for dump trucks or garbage trucks. Look for news and trends specific to the type of heavy duty vehicles your business employs.

I recommend: Read about new garbage trucks that run on compressed natural gas, a cleaner-burning fuel than diesel, at AFV Fleet Service. View the updated body of the new model dump truck offered by Thiele Manufacturing. Discover a new line of commercial trucks that will be offered starting in 2009 by Nissan at AutoBlog.com.

Turn to the best sources for heavy-industrial manufacturers news and trends

To really put your finger on the pulse of heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers news and trends, go to those who know best. The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), for instance, releases timely news items relating to the field. In addition, publications devoted to heavy industrial vehicles will keep you in the know regarding the latest from manufacturers.

I recommend: Construction Equipment offers a monthly online publication which includes the most recent news from heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers. Keep updated on economic trends affecting heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers as well as innovations in the field at TruckingInfo.com. Get recent press releases relating to news in the heavy industrial vehicle manufacturing industry from Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Visit a local heavy industrial vehicle distributor to view first-hand the newest models and updates to these types of vehicles.

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Go with a name that's well known in the heavy-duty truck industry

When you look at industrial vehicle manufacturers, reputation should play a huge part in your choice of a company to work with. Choose one that has been in business for a while and has a track record of success. You should be able to tell a lot from the resale value of the vehicles that the company offers, so research each company before looking at its new-product lineup.

I recommend: Do business with the big boys. Mack Trucks and Freightliner Trucks are known all over the world for their heavy machinery, so you know that you're in good hands, no matter what model you choose.

Compare the specs of the various industrial vehicle manufacturers

Depending on the type of vehicle you're shopping for, you should look at the specs of each model to make sure that you're getting the best product. If you're evaluating semi trucks, for example, check the towing capacity, weight limits and in-cabin features. Fuel usage and braking systems are also important to consider when choosing a vehicle.

I recommend: Compare the products of each heavy duty truck manufacturer to the others on the market. Check out the product lineups of Scania and Kenworth to see what each has to offer. Pay special attention to the class, engine specs and weight limits of every model to get a true representation of each.

Read the fine print on the heavy industrial vehicle distributor warranty program

Another important factor is the warranty package that each manufacturer provides. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is the best, but you may find a little bit of everything when shopping around. Some warranties cover the vehicle for a certain number of miles or hours, while others may have a set period of time during which you can come back for repairs and maintenance. Choose carefully, because heavy-industrial vehicles can be costly to fix.

I recommend: Check out each heavy vehicle manufacturer's warranty program. Try Clark Trucks and Rimpull to get an idea of typical programs offered to buyers. Your supplier may have an additional warranty add-on program that you can pay for to keep your coverage going after the traditional warranty runs out.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most heavy vehicle manufacturers have a set preventative maintenance schedule that you must follow to keep your warranty valid and your vehicle up and running. Ask the sales representative for details.

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Train for heavy industrial vehicle distributor work at vocational schools

Community colleges and vocational schools are popular for service technician and heavy truck training. These classes will give you the skills you need to use electronic diagnostic tools, make simple and complicated repairs, and learn about every part that goes into a heavy duty industrial vehicle.

I recommend: St. Philip's College provides morning, afternoon and night classes in diesel technology that can be convenient for those who are already working in the industry. Minnesota West Community and Technical College also offers diesel technology courses, some of which can be taken online.

Attend short training sessions with a heavy-duty truck distributor

In order to provide additional training on specific models of diesel vehicles throughout the industry, many manufacturers and distributors hold training sessions that can last up to a week. These training sessions often focus on a particular model of engine, but can also be more general to the manufacturer's whole fleet.

I recommend: Truckinginfo provides information and news on many of these training sessions throughout the industry, including the training classes with the Tire Industry Association. The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) also provides resources and training sessions, including hosting sessions at its annual Work Truck Trade Show. Heavy truck maker Navistar publishes training courses online.

Consider certifications for working with heavy duty truck distributors

Industry certifications that can advance a career are usually found through associations and government programs. And while many of these certifications are optional, they can be used to advance your career working with heavy duty truck distributors and manufacturers.

I recommend: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence provides voluntary certification training testing for those who want additional credentials to work with heavy duty industrial trucks. The Council of Advanced Automotive Trainers (CAAT) offers training courses across the country for training in repair of heavy duty vehicles.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While education is essential for advancement working with a construction vehicle manufacturer, those who begin working with a manufacturer or distributor while they are training will add to their overall experience.

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Municipal trucks

Municipalities purchase and use many types of heavy duty vehicles, including refuse, garbage, recycling, dump and tree removal trucks. Some of these vehicles are used by non-municipal businesses like tree removal, construction and private refuse collection companies.

I recommend: See V & H for photographs and descriptions of various types of municipal vehicles.

Heavy duty construction equipment

Heavy duty construction equipment includes backhoe loaders, loaders, dump trucks, excavators, scrapers and articulated trucks. Some vehicles may fall into medium or light categories based on size and weight.

I recommend: Check out the Heavy Duty Construction Equipment website for information about construction vehicles, including classes and categories.

Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association

The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) is a national association dedicated to the interests of heavy duty equipment manufacturers. Member benefits include access to news, market research and government representation.

I recommend: Visit the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association website for more information about programs and membership.

Specs

Specs, or specifications, are variables used to evaluate heavy duty vehicles. They include such parameters as towing capacity, weight limits, comfort, braking and fuel usage. Specs dictate driver comfort, fuel efficiency, hauling capacity, vehicle performance and safety.

I recommend: See the Spec Optimizer from Sterling Trucks to find tools to optimize efficiency, maintenance, performance, safety and comfort (PDF).

Regulations

Heavy duty vehicles' emissions standards are regulated by the federal government. There are requirements for testing and usage, as well as specific requirements, like on-board diagnostics, for emissions control systems.

I recommend: Check the Environmental Protection Agency for information on 2010 requirements for on-board diagnostic systems. See Ecopoint for information about emission testing requirements.

Hybrids

Companies like Paccar have begun production of hybrid engines, that use a combination of battery and fuel power, in medium and heavy duty vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are designed for improved emissions and fuel efficiency.

I recommend: Read an article from Industry Week that highlights the growth of hybrid heavy duty engines. See the Environmental Defense Fund for a listing of available heavy duty hybrids.