Does owning a "tricked out truck" land you better gigs?

I have a "tricked out truck" and can't say that it has ever helped me get a load. But it's not all wasted money ether. All of the money that I spend makes for a heck of a tax deduction at the end of the year. Also I like to take pride in my truck (or maybe I should call it my second home). I get complements on it almost every day, and that makes me fill good. It also helps to keep me from getting pulled out back at the coops. I do have several repeat customers, but I think that its due to the fact that I'm a clean driver with a great attitude that dose whatever it takes to keep them happy (not only being on time but doing extra things like moving trailers or whatever I can to help)!!!

 

It is very unlikely that it has anything to do with their "tricked out trucks". First of all TMCs trucks are nice looking but they are not tricked out that I have ever seen, they are just clean and late model but I have not seen some excessive chrome nor would I call a stock black paint job "tricked out". The reason TMC is succesful is because of their professional business philosophy and taking care of their customers. I have pulled a few loads for them (TMC brokers loads they can't handle just to get their customers freight moved on time) and they paid pretty decent and they never needed a "reminder" phone call to pay up, a professional outfit in all aspects that I have had to deal with them.

 

bARTW wrote...
"It is very unlikely that it has anything to do with their "tricked out trucks". First of all TMCs trucks are nice looking but they are not tricked out that I have ever seen, they are just clean and late model but I have not seen some excessive chrome nor would I call a stock black paint job "tricked out". The reason TMC is succesful is because of their professional business philosophy and taking care of their customers. I have pulled a few loads for them (TMC brokers loads they can't handle just to get their customers freight moved on time) and they paid pretty decent and they never needed a "reminder" phone call to pay up, a professional outfit in all aspects that I have had to deal with them."

If you know what a stock 379 looks like, you would realize that they are "tricked out".. Stocks don't come with chrome bunk, door, lower skirt, rear bunk panels, drop down visor, chicken lights, leather interior, vorad, ect.. I don't drive for them either, but I know Pete's...

 

"wow...look at my woopity doos drivin down the road!"...............................lol funny stuff...i dont think it really matters either, i do see alot of nice 379's come into the glass plant everyday though.

 

HRedneck has a good point that truck can often be a second home for many drivers out there. I never really thought about that. Maybe for some / many...its not about making it look good for others, but personalizing it so it feels more like home, more personal, more unique.

 

I believe that the rigs we drive are not only the means of transporting product, but also the rolling billboard for the company we represent. I don't think I'd be as likely to remember the "average" truck rolling down the road as I would the "rolling wreck" (face it, we've ALL seen 'em) or the "Ooh, now THAT's NICE" truck. Even THAT is a far cry from the "hey, look at me, I got my truck done by the Chrome Shop Mafia" trucks.

 

And the chrome shop!

 

One of my trucking buddies is the same as you Pete... if its not chrome or lights its not a good truck (he has a W900L BTW)! It satisfies his personal need to have shiny and purdy. His motorcycle is exactly the same.

I do believe its personal choice as to whether to add copious quantities of chrome or not. Does it add to the bottom line? No. But, if the driver feels proud, and happy in his rig, he will probably be more inclined to produce more.

There is truth to what flatbedin says about loading flatbeds... I am sure the loader gives preference to bling. I know that happens in the gravel industry too.

If I owned my own truck it would be plain and clean. Just who I am, but I can certainly appreciate chrome and lights when they come towards me on the highway or when the go by me.