Trying to select the right tractor for work

Hi,

I am not, nor have I ever been a trucker. Closest I ever got was driving straight trucks on the farm.

I have been asked to find a used semi tractor for the company I work for. I am hoping you can provide the expertise to help me make the best choice.

We are a medium sized company in southern Illinois that has a warehouse about a mile away. We currently have a 1999 Freightliner that has been in the shop for a month.

Our trucks never get above 30 MPH unless they are headed out for service. Most of our loads are less than 25,000 of cargo.

We are growing to the point where we will have to start doing trailer pulls every 40 minutes from various docks and a like number of empty trailers coming back from warehouse.

How important is wheelbase?
Horsepower?
Traction control?
Auto or manual transmission?
Hydraulic 5th Wheel?
Single or tandem?

Any insight you could provide will be appreciated.

 

I have looked at one plated yard tractor. My biggest concern is the drivers hooking telephone and cable lines.