Author Archive | Diesel Performance Truck

Chevy brandished its trucks under the marketing tag ‘A Legacy Built on Dependability’. For the 2008 model year, three distinctly outstanding models were introduced in the market. Silverado, Avalanche and Colorado are simply the best in their own class.

Tough guys want their trucks to be durable enough to stand the country dirt roads. Silverado’s rock-solid body is a favorite choice. Owners bragged that this truck model can outlive them and would even fit as their son’s inheritance. Power and driving comfort adds up to the excellent features of this Chevy truck. Silverado’s extremely powerful 6.6L V8 Turbo diesel engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission can hurdle long dirt road and highway trips with ease. Its versatile passenger cab with a rear door capable of opening at 170-degrees takes care of easy cargo handling.

For guys who love sporty vehicles but still prefers the power and carrying capacity of a truck, the Avalanche is their preferred model. It is endowed with an innovative midgate system that allows the extension of the pick-up bed in the back seat area. When the midgate is folded down, it converts the pick-up’s rear bed as a comfortable sleeping quarter. This is why the Avalanche is an outdoor-lover’s favorite. Two sleeping bags nicely fit in this ‘convertible’ truck, so mountaineers do not need to pitch a base camp tent when the Avalanche joins the trek.

Economy conscious fellows would love a truck who can offer the same hardworking performance. The Colorado is Chevy’s mid-sized truck powered by a smaller 3.5L I5 engine. As a model co-developed with the Japanese manufacturer Isuzu, this pick-up truck has all the much sought after features such as durability, flexibility, comfort and power all rolled into one.

Mindful that trucks usually haul cargo in long trips, entertainment and information connectivity are two important considerations. All 2008 model Chevy trucks are equipped with CD and MP3 capable entertainment package and state-of-the-art Radio Data System compatible radio. The Avalanche went beyond this by integrating a Navigation Radio.

General Motor’s patented Active Fuel Management technology is also common to all new models of Chevy trucks. This revolutionary technology installed the engine’s capability to shift between eight cylinder full power and fuel-saving four cylinder mode. This process is fully automated and electronically controlled.

Some models are adapted to E85 ethanol-blended fuel as an expression of Chevy’s commitment to alternative energy utilization and development. Ethanol burns more efficiently that fossil-fuel based gasoline and thus, minimizing carbon gas emission in the atmosphere. True to its commitment to the American Revolution, Chevy is contributing in the global initiative to reverse the trend of climate change.

You have all the reasons to be a proud owner of a Chevy truck. Dress up your key with a Chevy Truck Keychain. Remember, that little rod gives you access to all the wonderful goodness stored in your Chevy. Your key is the lucky charm capable of activating all the powers of the greatest truck in the planet.

If you have a diesel engine then you have obviously been affected by the rising fuel prices even more so then individuals with gasoline engines. With little help from the government, vehicle owners have to take matters into their own hands. Making fewer trips, consolidating trips and driving slower are all tricks that people are trying in order to lower their fuel costs. For owners of vehicles with diesel engines, another option is the use of biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel can be purchased or made from scratch. It’s ingredients are inexpensive and some of them can even be had for free. Biodiesel can be made from straight vegetable oil, pure plant oils or a mixture of the two.
SVO: Straight vegetable oil can be used. When a person refers to straight vegetable oil, they are generally referring to oil that has not been used or cooked. SVO is known as PPO in Europe.
WVO: Wasted vegetable oil has been used to cook something. It usually is a mix of vegetable, animal and fish oils.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both of these oils. Straight Vegetable Oil is a great deal thicker than regular diesel fuel. The chemical properties which make up vegetable oil as well as the combustion characteristics also make it different. When the oil is too thick, it can adversely affect the engine life and can give off increased emissions and exhaust.
Now, you won’t be able to just pour in vegetable oil into your tank. It will need to be mixed with other ingredients so that your vehicle can function properly and without damage. There are good biodiesel recipes on the internet which you can use. However, you will want to make sure that you get your recipe from a trusted source. You won’t want to injure yourself or blow up your garage.
The chemicals need to create biodiesel are ones that you can purchase from almost anywhere. You will be able to purchase them without any problem and without needing any kind of special licenses. The equipment which will be needed to process the biodiesel is also easy to find. If you do it correctly, you will be able to create fuel that is non-toxic, high quality, renewable and perhaps most important is cheap. You also will not need to modify your engine, which, so besides the chemicals and materials, there is no extra expense.
Even though the chemicals needed for biodiesel fuels are easy to access, you still have to be careful with them. If you are careless, you really can find yourself maimed or even killed. Always make sure that you purchase and wear protective gloves, an apron and protection for your eyes. Also, be sure to avoid inhaling vapors. Some materials that you will need to be careful with include Methanol and Sodium hydroxide. Methanol, if not handled correctly, can lead to death or blindness.
It is absorbed through the skin. Sodium hydroxide can also cause death and can burn you. When these chemicals are combined, they can be increasingly dangerous. Therefore, make sure that you have a good, tried and trusted recipe and directions before you get started. Once you find one, be sure to follow it to the letter. Make sure to work in a place which is extremely ventilated and where there is a running hose. Do not allow children or pets to be around your working area. This would be putting them in a potentially dangerous and deadly environment.

Global warming has been discussed over and over again. In recent months even politicians like Al Gore have gotten involved. He created a documentary called, “”An Inconvenient Truth””, to try and push for more action as well as to enlighten the public. His view is that there are solid facts that global warming exists and skeptic scientists don’t. Many people believe that global warming does not exist because they are not being affected directly; however, scientists believe that the increase in natural disasters comes from global warming.

In NY, I hear a few people here and there saying, “”you call this global warming”” just because the temperature is at 10 degrees even though this winter it only snowed once compared to the past. Have you ever seen the painting of George Washington sailing across the Delaware River? If you have, you know there is ice in that water. Now if you look at that river during the time of year that picture was taken, there is no ice. What about in the summer when you feel the heat of the sun and realize it is a little hotter now then a few years ago? That could all be in your mind due to media hype and all, but how can you tell?

Where does all this global warming stem from anyway? Who or what is the cause of all this debate and discussion? Some People are afraid and they want answers to their questions. The following is the list of the top 10 causes of global warming. With all the facts laid out, one can make a better decision about what global warming is and how it might affect them.

1. Carbon Dioxide From power Plants

One of the largest contributors to global warming is said to be pollution from power plants. Every time you turn on a light, you add to the tons of carbon spewed into the sky by long tubes connected to these massive coal or oil driven “”machines””. According to recent studies, approximately 40% of all carbon dioxide emissions comes form power plants. Natural gas, coal, and oil are the 3 types of polluting power plants. Coal is the biggest contributor out of the 3 because of it releases more carbon than the rest of them per capita. Studies, like the one done in the film, “”An Inconvenient Truth””, show that the levels of carbon in the atmosphere has increased drastically in recent years and will probably continue to increase in the years to come.

Some skeptics believe that the levels of carbon are completely normal. According to http://www.geocraft.com, the levels of carbon found in the atmosphere today mirror those found hundreds of thousands of years ago. They believe the scientific “”proof”” that global warming exists is taken out of cortexes because they look at the past 100 years instead of the bigger picture. The earth has been around of billions of years; earthquakes, monsoons, ice ages, meteors, and so forth, have all affected the earth without destroying every living thing on it.

Despite what others say, many people have created solutions for the pollution caused by power plants. For example, products that help to reduce the green house emissions have emerged. Filters that improve the quality of the air released into the atmosphere have been created to solve this problem. In addition, government regulations have been placed to force owners of large industrial buildings to improve the quality of the air produced by their buildings. Finally, hydrogen power has also become a way of reducing carbon. According to Tom Simonite of http://www.newscientisttech.com, using carbon is better than using water to generate power, and it is completely environmentally friendly.

2. Pollution Emitted from Cars

Driving to work in the morning is one example of this. When your stuck in traffic, how long does your car stay idle on the road, releasing it’s pollution into the air? There are approximately, 3 billion vehicles being used today. Similarly with the power plants, cars also emit carbon into the air. Cars emit millions of tons of pollutants into the air. In some dense cities, this causes some of the smog and ozone problems. 1,500 cases of cancer are reported each year from pollution according to http://www.nsc.org.

Luckily, solutions are available. Many ask, “”What can I do.”” One thing that can be done is a switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles such as hybrid or electric cars. Some countries are even using cars that run on hydrogen. In the near future, talk about ethanol to replace gasoline in cars seems to be a promising change.

3. Pollution from Trucks

Trucks, although less in volume, make up for a large portion of the earth’s pollution with each truck’s individual output of pollutants. The difference between cars and trucks is the type of fuel used to run them. Diesel, the standard for trucks and other vehicles used for carrying large loads, is known to be less clean than gasoline. Trucks roaring down streets can bee seen from a mile away with a tiny smoke stack blowing out the product of having to carry large amounts of goods from one place to the other.

How can our society get rid of trucks? They are vital for the economic health of certain companies. They are used to build homes and carry supplies, People go camping and carry gear with them, and the list goes on. According to http://www.ucsusa.org, diesel is reaching a point where it can no longer meet the standards of government regulations. What kind of alternative can be used instead?

It can be tricky to find classic tow trucks for sale. However, it does not need to be. Using the web, you can find great trucks much easier. Here’s some basic information about classic vans on the web.

You could have spotted that it’s getting much tougher to find great bargains in the paper. However, the ability of the web to reach a huge audience goes all ways.

More people online are on the lookout for great classic trucks. There are also more people offering these vehicles. Plus, the search is a lot quicker.

Websites total advertisements from all over, and let you search for trucks and for parts by model and even by zip code. That means that if you want to buy a truck that’s close by, you can eliminate all of the adverts you won’t be interested.

Since classic vans are a good monetary investment, finding a great one online is a smart choice. Trucks have a tendency to increase in value as they age, and what was once a practical hauling vehicle can become a great collectible car over the course of a few decades. That means that if you adore trucks, your collection could turn out to be an excellent investment.

Naturally, you’ll have to make sure that you keep your classic truck in good condition. A van that has been well treated will fetch a higher price as a vintage or antique car than one that has been neglected.

Buy the right used van parts for your model, and you’ll be able to restore it to its old condition. Just be certain to check out any car before you buy – it might have other issues you do not know about. Give up paper classified searches and check out a classic truck web site. Whether you are purchasing your first project wagon, or you want to make an addition to an existing collection, you are sure to find something that strikes your fancy. The web makes it simple to find the right old van for you, at a superb great price.

Are you searching for diesel trucks for your business perhaps, or maybe for outdoor activities such as camping? No matter what the use for the trucks really is, numerous different diesel trucks for sale are there for you. Depending upon your budget, you need to decide if you want new or used trucks. These trucks are feasible and ideal for off the road driving. More horsepower and low fuel costs are also one of the reasons why people prefer these trucks for their businesses. Four major companies offer such trucks for sale that are much popular amongst customers.

Dodge

Dodge was introduced and founded as the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900 and was later sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1928.The company produced all sorts of cars including diesel trucks. Most of the trucks available in this brand have automatic transmission and are slightly expensive. A used 19998 Dodge Ram model can easily be available for around $12000 while a 2006 Dodge Dually Diesel can be purchased for around $33000.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet also known as a Chevy was founded in 1911 by the General Motors. The company specializes in many different vehicles such as SUV’s, sedans and diesel trucks. Depending upon the year of the model and the condition of the trucks for sale, there are numerous different prices. A used 2006 Chevrolet LT3 Silverado can be purchased for $33900 while a 1998 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado can be purchased for as little as $7250.

Ford

The Ford Motor Company was incorporated in 1903 by Henry Ford. Even though the company is best known for its car mustang, the trucks are not far behind. There are multiple diesel trucks for sale at reasonable prices such as the Ford F-450 2008 model which is available for $37495 and the 2001 Crew Cab Ford F-350 HD which is available for $14,500.

GMC

General Motor Company was established in 1909 and since then has seen much success. There are numerous vehicles available including diesel trucks. The 1995 2 door GMC Yukon and the 2009 GMC 3500 are available for $400 and $35000 respectively. The GMC 3500 is much appreciated for businesses, as it is feasible with a lot of back end storage space.

Summing Up

There are numerous diesel trucks for sale easily available online and you can find the right one for yourself by browsing through different categories based on price and type.

Do we sound like a broken record now that diesel fuel prices have gone up nine straight weeks? Your fleet fueling costs may not have hurt as much as usual this week with only a.8 cent increase to $3.438 a gallon nationwide. But, how does it feel to know that diesel fuel prices are 65 cents higher than this time last year? Ouch. Listen fellow fueling cost watchers, the gloves are off! Where are your fleet fueling costs going to go? One word, okay, maybe it’s more like several words, Egypt. Middle East. The increase in crude prices is already up $6 a barrel since this new twist to your fleet management budget started to unravel on January 1, 2011.

A week or so ago, you may have thought that your fuel management system might get back into shape because crude oil had gone down from $95 to $86 a barrel, and diesel prices would follow in the next few weeks. Hold your fleet fueling card tight. With crude oil back over $92 as this article is being written, this might be the straw to push the $100 a barrel crude back into the picture. Ouch again.

I know you sideline watchers give the old Eeyore. You think, “”What can I do with my fuel cards and fleet cards to reduce fueling cost? My mobile fueling price is good. We have been using the same fuel companies for years they take care of us. I think I save.”” Well, to all that I say, sure, sure, sure — get your head out of the Arab sand!

Let me ask you something else. When do fuel, fuel card, fleet card, mobile fueling and major oil companies make the most money? The answer: when fueling prices are higher! Why? Because, it is a lot easier to take a couple of cents a gallon on a product that is $3.50 than a product that is $2.75. Fuel card, fleet credit card services and fleet card companies make their money off of a percentage of the sale. Is it better for your fuel card company when fleet fueling prices are $3.50 or $2.75? Figure that depending on what fleet card(s) you are using, someone is getting paid 1.5% to 2.9% of the sale. Oh yes. What truck stop, mobile fueling company, or card lock company can afford to pay 2.9% of the total fueling sale and still remain in business? Maybe we should ask WEX. Yes, the same WEX (Wright Express) that provides you with all of those wonderful reports, and says that you need a fuel manager and two assistants to review the information because it’s just a whole lot of information. I’m not here just to pick on WEX or Voyager. Fleet cards and fuel cards make more money on higher prices. Are your fleet management services going up too because the price of diesel is going up?

Listen, your company is busy working hard to make a splash in this tough economy with a fleet fueling market that is nuts. Ask yourself: Does your fleet manager or fuel manager really have the time to put together solid fleet management solutions that will create cost savings? Does the fleet manager or his staff have access to the right fueling data to know which way is up? Do you consider that you might have fuel theft going on? Well, you won’t find out unless you put the right fuel management programs in place.

The time to take action to establish your fleet management and fuel management plan was months ago, but don’t Eeyore it and put it off until diesel fuel prices reach $4.00. Take steps now. Hire a fleet management consultant to get your management systems in line, and make sure your fuel inventory management is working. A little invested now, will save a lot down the road. Trust me.

Are you searching for diesel trucks for your business perhaps, or maybe for outdoor activities such as camping? No matter what the use for the trucks really is, numerous different diesel trucks for sale are there for you. Depending upon your budget, you need to decide if you want new or used trucks. These trucks are feasible and ideal for off the road driving. More horsepower and low fuel costs are also one of the reasons why people prefer these trucks for their businesses. Four major companies offer such trucks for sale that are much popular amongst customers.

Dodge

Dodge was introduced and founded as the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900 and was later sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1928.The company produced all sorts of cars including diesel trucks. Most of the trucks available in this brand have automatic transmission and are slightly expensive. A used 19998 Dodge Ram model can easily be available for around $12000 while a 2006 Dodge Dually Diesel can be purchased for around $33000.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet also known as a Chevy was founded in 1911 by the General Motors. The company specializes in many different vehicles such as SUV’s, sedans and diesel trucks. Depending upon the year of the model and the condition of the trucks for sale, there are numerous different prices. A used 2006 Chevrolet LT3 Silverado can be purchased for $33900 while a 1998 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado can be purchased for as little as $7250.

Ford

The Ford Motor Company was incorporated in 1903 by Henry Ford. Even though the company is best known for its car mustang, the trucks are not far behind. There are multiple diesel trucks for sale at reasonable prices such as the Ford F-450 2008 model which is available for $37495 and the 2001 Crew Cab Ford F-350 HD which is available for $14,500.

GMC

General Motor Company was established in 1909 and since then has seen much success. There are numerous vehicles available including diesel trucks. The 1995 2 door GMC Yukon and the 2009 GMC 3500 are available for $400 and $35000 respectively. The GMC 3500 is much appreciated for businesses, as it is feasible with a lot of back end storage space.

Summing Up

There are numerous diesel trucks for sale easily available online and you can find the right one for yourself by browsing through different categories based on price and type.

Are you searching for diesel trucks for your business perhaps, or maybe for outdoor activities such as camping? No matter what the use for the trucks really is, numerous different diesel trucks for sale are there for you. Depending upon your budget, you need to decide if you want new or used trucks. These trucks are feasible and ideal for off the road driving. More horsepower and low fuel costs are also one of the reasons why people prefer these trucks for their businesses. Four major companies offer such trucks for sale that are much popular amongst customers.

Dodge

Dodge was introduced and founded as the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900 and was later sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1928.The company produced all sorts of cars including diesel trucks. Most of the trucks available in this brand have automatic transmission and are slightly expensive. A used 19998 Dodge Ram model can easily be available for around $12000 while a 2006 Dodge Dually Diesel can be purchased for around $33000.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet also known as a Chevy was founded in 1911 by the General Motors. The company specializes in many different vehicles such as SUV’s, sedans and diesel trucks. Depending upon the year of the model and the condition of the trucks for sale, there are numerous different prices. A used 2006 Chevrolet LT3 Silverado can be purchased for $33900 while a 1998 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado can be purchased for as little as $7250.

Ford

The Ford Motor Company was incorporated in 1903 by Henry Ford. Even though the company is best known for its car mustang, the trucks are not far behind. There are multiple diesel trucks for sale at reasonable prices such as the Ford F-450 2008 model which is available for $37495 and the 2001 Crew Cab Ford F-350 HD which is available for $14,500.

GMC

General Motor Company was established in 1909 and since then has seen much success. There are numerous vehicles available including diesel trucks. The 1995 2 door GMC Yukon and the 2009 GMC 3500 are available for $400 and $35000 respectively. The GMC 3500 is much appreciated for businesses, as it is feasible with a lot of back end storage space.

Summing Up

There are numerous diesel trucks for sale easily available online and you can find the right one for yourself by browsing through different categories based on price and type.

Consumer tastes continue to change with buyers flocking to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. Right? Well, not completely. The best selling vehicle in the country continues to be a full size truck, while several midsize sedans continue to hold sway in the market.

Let’s take a look at five of better selling vehicles on the market and why they continue to appeal to buyers. This list doesn’t comprise the top five sellers, but five vehicles which are perennial top ten finishers:

1. Ford F-Series – For more than 33 years, the Ford F-Series has been the best selling truck in America. Over most of that time it has also been the best selling vehicle too. In July 2010, Ford sold more than 50,000 units, with a significant number as fleet sales. With a powerful 6.7-liter turbocharged V-8 diesel engine available in some models, Ford isn’t likely to give up the top spot any time soon.

2. Toyota Camry – The best selling car in America is the Toyota Camry, a midsize model known for its dependability and good looks. Despite recent problems with recalls, the Camry continues to outsell the competition although the compact Toyota Corolla continues to appeal to buyers seeking a smaller car.

3. Honda Civic – This compact model usually finishes behind the Corolla in sales, but analysts tend to look at the Civic when it comes to segment benchmarking. For 35 years, the Civic has been a dependable and value-oriented model for Honda, providing what customers want for a reasonble price. The Civic has grown in size in recent years as has another popular model, the Honda Accord midsize sedan.

4. Chevrolet Silverado – If General Motors ever decided to sell the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra as one model, that combination would outsell the Ford F-Series in most months. But, that strategy won’t happen as GM has decided to maintain both its Chevrolet and GMC brands. Like the Ford, the Silverado provides what most truck buyers want: a reliable, utilitarian vehicle. Unlike the Ford, the Silverado is a better vehicle. Just ask any Chevy owner!

5. Dodge Ram – Yet another truck in the top selling vehicle category. What is going on here? Lots of families like trucks because they provide the cabin room people want. In the case of newly renamed Ram brand, the Cummins powered diesel could be the best in its class, but don’t tell Power Stroke and Duramax owners you think so. Ram has held its own despite finishing behind Ford and Chevrolet, year in and year out. Prized for its Peterbilt truck looks, the Ram is a solid offering in a sea of big pickup trucks.

Other cars of note include the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra, Ford Fusion and Fiesta, Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze, Nissan Sentra and Altima and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. Each of these models has the potential for greatness, whether they crack the best-selling vehicle mark or find their niche in a field of passenger vehicles.

Fleet management it is essential to have auditing of fueling purchases.

Your company has worked hard to get the right fleet fuel program in place. You have picked the right fleet credit card provider, and you may have negotiated and set up some fueling discounts with your fleet card provider, mobile fueling company or truck stop provider. However, the fleet management task has only just begun to be able to maximize on lower diesel fuel prices.

Companies often neglect to monitor their fleet management programs following the original set-up. Some companies do review fleet card transactions or exception reports. However, do they review all reports, check for duplicate transactions, or confirm discounts are applied properly? Many companies cannot perform this level of scrutiny because they lack the time or tools to check. How should companies audit diesel and gas invoices?

Anyone that is reading this article who is in the fleet management solutions department clearly knows that your company:

� Won’t pay for fueling data because it appears expensive. � You have other jobs so nobody is 100% dedicated to your fuel management system� You’re in a job with fueling that you don’t have a strong background or no background� The field operations people have less time or experience then you do about diesel fuel prices� No time, no communication, poor data and you have a bad situation in fueling department

Audits Require Time & Data

Staff time and access to relevant fueling data are the first elements in a successful purchase & auditing fuel management system for your company.

A few tips to facilitate this process include:

* Subscribe to a fuel price service.

* Have a “”sense”” of the fueling market.

* Hire an outside service to review your fuel management program.

Diesel price data is available through Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), Data Transmission Service (DTN), or other diesel fuel prices published daily at a local level. Broader-range indices, such as the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Automobile Club, provide national diesel pricing.

While these national services offer a big picture view of diesel prices, they can also obscure the various price differentials distinguishing one area from another. Local indices provide more accurate fueling price data.

These services are not cheap to purchase, but they are essential to a successful fuel management program.

Detecting Duplicates

Duplicate transactions are another fuel management program invoicing issue to track. These errors occur more frequently than commonly realized. When hundreds of thousands of fueling transactions are produced each day, mistakes happen. If invoices are not monitored carefully, a fleet manager can miss duplicate transactions, and there’s a good chance the fleet fuel card provider won’t catch the mistakes as well or the fuel card company made the mistake. With fueling transactions being processed in ‘real time””, batched, file delays and other ways that would only make you scared, you bet there are mistakes all of the time.

Guidelines in monitoring fuel reports include:

* Develop a good “”feel”” for the monthly volume and transaction count.

* If purchased volume or transactions are higher than normal, dig deeper into reports.

* Randomly sample 5 percent of monthly fleet invoices and closely review the selected transactions.

Again, it is all about time, resources, experience we do fuel analysis and fuel audits on all fueling transactions.

Implement Checks & Balances

Fuel is among fleet’s top five expenses, and hundreds to tens of thousands of transactions happen each month as part of a fuel program. Successful programs require a good checks-and-balances system. One of the best checks is performing monthly fleet fuel audits of the fleet management operation.

A fleet might have trucks fueling off-road equipment or reefer units, putting all that volume on the same transaction. One fleet fuel card for each truck, equipment, reefer, small tank, etc, is recommended to accurately capture every drop of fuel and where it went. A few fuel card providers will allow for another transaction to be attached to the on road diesel fuel.

Accurate records of where the fuel is used are critical. If on-road fuel is used in an off-road application, as much as 50 cents per gallon or more in extra, unnecessary taxes could be spent. In other words, fuel tax should be paid when fuel is purchased, but accurate record keeping allows fleets to file for a tax refund with the federal and state government. Those 50 cents per gallon can add up quickly. You don’t want to give up that kind of money anymore than you don’t want to buy diesel fuel additives.

Another critical benefit of accurate record keeping is the ability to spot incidents of fuel theft. Most companies would downplay the possibility employees would steal from them. However, the national rate for fuel theft is 1.5 percent of a company’s fuel budget on overall fuel purchases. That rate rises to more than 3 percent when dealing with a fleet of gasoline-powered vehicles. The more controls in place, the greater the control over one of fleet’s top expenses.

Giving Money Away

An old expression holds that what isn’t inspected is not respected. By neglecting to perform daily fuel management audits on fleet fuel purchases, companies could be literally giving money away. It would not be surprising for someone like myself to see thousands of dollars a day go away from a company in fuel savings because it has been stolen. Companies think they have good diesel fuel prices or their fuel cards are protecting them. Don’t be so na�ve, it could be costing your fuel management department or I should say company a lot of money.

Most often, fuel invoice errors are not the result of unethical business practices or nefarious individual actions. Generally, errors are the result of an incorrect account set-up or account change. If invoice numbers are not audited, they look like what they are – simple numbers. However, when fleet managers “”peel back”” the first “”layer”” and take a deeper look, comparing the numbers to a benchmark, the figures become numbers with a purpose.

Buying or leasing a car is an exciting time. There are many aspects to choosing a new car that you should consider, and many options to balance. Here are a few to get started:

1. New vs. Used: Gone are the days when buying used meant risking the purchase of a lemon. Although it may be cheaper to finance a used car, as soon as it leaves the lot it drops a lot in value. So if you want to buy, a used car more often makes better financial sense.

2. Buy vs. Lease: Leasing a car is a great way to drive the new car you’ve always wanted. Plus you can trade it in after a few years. When you buy, you can keep the car for a much longer time, and possibly even resell it in the distant future – though you do have to pay for maintenance.

3. Cool Features: Remote keyless entry for safety, anti-lock brakes for when the roads are wet, a GPS when you get lost, and side airbags for safety. These features are hard to live without once you have them and are common in most new cars.

4. Reliability: Certain models are more reliable than others, and if you desire certain specifics from your car (say you live in the mountains and encounter lots of rain and snow) you should know which brands are best suited for your lifestyle.

5. Fuel: A hot button issue in today’s car market. Electrics, hybrids, gas, diesel: choosing a fuel efficient car is important; buying a car that uses less gas can save you more than a grand annually. Fight global warming too, and if you do want a truck or SUV, check to see if your state penalizes gas guzzlers.

6. Insurance cost: Depending on the make, year, model and color of your car, you could wind up spending a lot more than you want on semi-annual insurance.

7. Automatic or manual: Although the former are ever more popular, manuals are cheaper and require less maintenance. Plus, you can gauge exactly how fast you are going, and get a better sense of the car, that is, if you know how to drive stick. It doesn’t take too long to learn either, and manuals use less gas.

8. Don’t buy the cheapest: Buying a car “”as is”” can lead to big expenses down the line. It’s worth it to spend a little more and buy a quality vehicle than to always be taking your thousand dollar car to the shop.

Overall, your financial situation will probably dictate the most about what kind of car you choose — whether you’re looking to buy or lease new cars. Remember, if you’re going to be driving every day, this is an investment that you want to go about the right way. Cars leasing is a great option if you can see this being a short term car, or if you plan to buy your dream car in a few years.

Whether you’ve just purchased a used car that you want to fix up, or you have a classic car that you need parts for, finding an affordable store for automotive parts and accessories is ideal. There are a number of online stores that will help you to find the parts you need, and you’ll pay affordable prices in order to make the costs of your total repairs much lower.

Automotive parts and accessories can be found on the A1 Classic Car Parts Finder site. This is a great resource for finding the right parts for classic cars, so if you have cars and trucks that are 40 or 50 years old, the lights, engines, and alternators for these vehicles can be found at discount prices on the site. There are also a number of cars for sale on the site, so if you’ve always wanted a 1957 Chevy, or are looking for a Mustang from the 1960’s, the site will have just what you’re looking for. You can also pay for the parts and automobiles that you purchase on the site using PayPal; this way, you won’t have to submit your bank account or credit card information onto the site.

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So often people get so caught up in their daily grind that they stop thinking, when they get home they try to de-stress, but they turn on their TV, the same one they have surrendered their mind too and let it flood information into their heads, most of which is completely irrelevant.

Well, it seems that; Ignorance, Arrogance and Complacency are nothing more than Precursors of Disaster, Devastation, Doom – doomed to repeat. Doomed, via the law of unintended consequences using the very definition of insanity they decry – I ask why?

And that my friends is my first thought of the day and the one that causes me to write this short article, so let’s begin this daily monologue of thought. Perhaps if I take you through my thoughts from today, it might make you think and wake up your mind, maybe you might take it back from the smog of information or the flickering High Definition TV in that living room cave of yours?

A friend today mentioned that the Multi-National Corporate Conglomerate knows No boundaries and he is correct considering that our World is growing closer and closer together now. After all we live in a Global Market Place, there are good aspects to that as well as not so good issues, as well. He asked me;

Has the evolution of the multi-national corporation transcended all boundaries and societies to completely dominate and eliminate society’s culture?

Well, I do not believe that multi-national branding has to delete culture, or regional flavor. Indeed, allowing for regional variation by companies helps them “”sell more”” and therefore they will succeed better when they do. In franchising (I am retired from the franchising industry) we always did, and we competed well.

Adaptation for specific markets is “”good business”” and it makes sense. Someday, who knows, a World Franchising System, could allow governments, nation-states to operate in similar monetary, trade markets using similar laws. Make the Whole World like the United States – or United Franchise System, so to speak. Then everyone would be on the same team.

The thought occurred to me that it could work, except during times when those in-charge were not working together, kind of like the UN or during Change Management. hat About Changing the Way We Think about How Business is Done? Is that possible? Today, I finished reading a book:

“”Rewiring the Corporate Brain – Using the New Science to Rethink How We Structure and Lead Organizations”” by Danah Zohar – 1997.

And although I am not a new age type thinker, with all the spiritual fluff, wrapped around a quantum physics reality like a religion, the author did make some good points. And to one of those points and addressing such scenarios as the authors of “”Co-opetition”” where the future has in store from us a different market place were companies communicate and cooperate for the common good of all, without attacking and worrying about the competition, but rather focusing on the customers.

Sure, that could work and it would work a lot better if the corporation and the employees got along too and focused on what is best for all concerned, sometimes this happens but usually not. We just saw the UAW strike at GM and General Motors write down in the third quarter of 39 billion dollars. Then in the same Wall Street Journal issue we read that Chrysler Company laying off 12,000 right after negotiation with the UAW? All this while the Hollywood Writers Picket outside the Studios along side the Homeless – See the point?

Worker’s Unions and Global Government Political Impasse are very similar and when one side blames another well, “”there you go again!”” and it occurred to me that If You Name it – “”When you name it, you own it and if you own it, it owns you.”” Lance 2007. Even the Teamster Truck Drivers are out to get more right at a time when US diesel prices are at the highest point in our nation’s history and oil is hovering near $100 per barrel, thus teamster truck drivers are at least for now – No Friend to Logistics.

Right after de-regulation of the industry teamster drivers would run other independent truck drivers off the road. Hurting competition, raises prices for all of us, as it is like a tax on the over all society. Still, those truck drivers are Americans and now 750,000 truck drivers have joined the Truckers Mobile Watch Program as part of the American Trucking Association. So everything is not black and white, no one side is evil and no side is innocent – too bad they will not all work together in a common cause, because the efficiencies and economies of scale would be significant and add to the everyone’s quality of life and standard of living.

But, how can you be sure as business person that you are hiring someone who will be a team player and not turn into a problem for your companies bottom line? You cannot tell by their resumes, which made me think about an article I read recently that stated; Long Resumes Becoming Popular. Is a resume that tells a story better to judge a potential team member?

In some companies, the employees are trained to do every job in the company and thus, if there is ever a problem or disruption, someone else can pick up the slack. If you will read the book;
“”The World on Time”” by Fred Smith – the FEDEx story you will see this point. During the California Fires a helicopter spotted a small fire that was growing, but instead of landing to try to put it out, they were told not to risk it and return to base, the fire spread and destroyed several structures within the hour.

Should all emergency personnel be trained to do some of this fire-fighting, even if on a limited scale. What if we designed pick-up Truck Portable Fire Suppression Spray System Devices for the Forest Service, Rural Mountain Communities and Area Residents? It has been proposed that new mini-fire suppression units needed for USDA Forest Service workers in every vehicle. Could we get some of these devastating fires out before they grew to epic proportions, threatened property, lives and wipes out water supplies?

Or is such a concept simply impossible due to the bureaucracy out there? And if government does nothing very well, then why let them do very much? Should the bureaucracy hold fake news conferences, like FEMA did? Should the regulatory bodies of the Federal Government PR their every move to prove to the citizenry that they are doing something, even when they are not? Is the bureaucracy so big that it cannot get out of its own way? This had me pondering the following questions, perhaps worthy of future titles for articles:

Why the Justice Department’s Industry Regulatory Bodies Fraudulently Deceive the Consumer and Citizen
How Government Regulating Agencies Justify their Growth at the Expense of the Taxpayers
How Corporations Use Small Businesses as Banks During Recessions and Down Turns in Their Sectors
How the Government Allowed Corporations to Crush Small Businesses – Case Study in Labor
How Government Regulating Agencies Justify their Growth at the Expense of the Taxpayers
Indeed, we need to fix this problem of government and if we do not we will drown in red tape, which is killing businesses both large and small. Do we need Regulation Reduction to Reduce Recession Risks – or is the recession inevitable, as this ship cannot be turned fast enough before it runs aground? Is there a way to stave off a recession of shallow out its effects on our economy, middle class, currency and employment? I think there is a way, which made me think of writing an article titled:

Recession Proofing a Nation Using Franchising, Small Business Solutions and Entrepreneurial Training

Maybe, I will write this article and position myself as The Portable Franchise Guru or something similar? What if we took such a concept and franchised it out to the world? Networks of net-centric systems to help the world, develop micro-businesses and habitats? Maybe, a book needs to be written on this subject; “”Low Cost Third World Village Systems – Wells, Power, Microloans, Shelters, Farming Tools – eBook Project””

If we do not do it now then who will do it? Will the next generation come up to the plate and hit a home run, or will we just have to work harder and live longer to do it ourselves, as Life Extension in BioTech Advances. That’s great, but will we run out of money helping all the baby boomers grow old, instead of getting them to fix the problems they were assigned and failed to fix? Do we let them off the hook, as it is not a very pretty picture with Pensions, Social Security, Medical Insurance and In Home Care Personnel Shortages.

Still, I thought if the economy holds on then that will pay for the future funds to fix these issues. And yet everyone is debating about the so-called; Coming US Recession, rather than doing something to advert it. The Headlines seem obvious now, well at least to me? With CitiGroup, foreclosures soaring, GM 39 billion dollar charge off, Morgan Stanley questions, Chrysler cutting 12,000 jobs and rather weak economic numbers?

So what’s the answer, we have too many outflows from our nation, we are borrowing too much and we have too much bureaucracy and being taken advantage of by preferred nation trading partners. Still, Capitalism with Protectionism decays society rather than Building it Up and I am no party pooper to capitalism, I believe in fair trade like any true economist would, still, what happened to fair trade, are we really getting a fair shake?

Some say things will get better and the economy is good, but with housing, construction, transportation and Auto all hurting and issues on the horizon with retail, how can anyone say things are rosy? Yes, I believe that consumer confidence is important and probably accounts for one-third of the game, to keep it going and we do not need any lower consumer confidence going into the Christmas Season, still I see that US Retailers are gearing down and conserving coming into the Christmas bend.

If that is not bad enough, we find that Al Qeada is plotting to attack Shopping Malls, stated an FBI official, who called the threat information credible. Top this with higher fuel prices definitely taking its toll on the consumer, and no more home-equity loan tricks for most consumers to pay off credit card debt and the US Automakers that make up retail economic sales figures and they are currently tanked, expected to remain low – one has to wonder about the economy.

Still, you know markets go up and they come down, industry sectors do their rotations and it is all in the ebb and flow of the river of monetary flow. I guess it is similar to the politics of this recent Water Bill that was vetoed and over-ridden only to be continued, as there is more to the story, before it gets fully funded and spent. The question thus goes back to corporate growth, can it go on for ever, always increasing its output and efficiency like Moore’s Law or do we need to do a little tweaking on the way we do things?

Well, I need to get something to eat, it is nearly 10:00 am now and I have been busy thinking for over an hour. So, I will continue these thoughts of the day article later, but I hope you will enjoy these thoughts and that it gets you thinking too.

Diesel fuel filters can help protect your fuel injectors from damaging contaminants. Using a quality diesel fuel filter can just about double the life of your fuel pump and injector. Very good filters will remove the vast majority of particles which can damage your fuel pumps and injectors. It is a good idea to make the investment in top notch diesel fuel filters. It will save you money and trouble in the long run. Filters help to protect your vehicle’s fuel injectors and pumps.
Many vehicles that use diesel fuel find that fuel filters which are inconsistent can become troublesome. The longevity of a fuel filter will be influenced by the oxidative and thermal stability of the fuel that is being used and filtered. Some diesel fuels will create a substance that is similar to tar when it gets heated up. This type of fuel will plug up the filters more easily then fuels which don’t produce such substances.
Additives have been used for a long time to help keep the fuel system clean and to increase fuel stability. Fuel additives can help filters last longer by helping to keep the fuel clean. Studies have shown that the use of additives significantly increase the life of diesel fuel filters.
When choosing a fuel filter, it is important to know what its’ capacity is. Capacity is how much a particular filter can retain at a rated flow and its’ given restriction point. It is measured in grams.
A primary fuel filter protects the transfer pump. It also helps to lightens the load of a secondary fuel filter when needed. It is placed on the suction side of the fuel pump. Most primary fuel diesel filters come with a nominal rating of ten to thirty microns.
Secondary fuel filters are placed between the injectors and the transfer pump. They help to protect the fuel injectors. Secondary filters have to handle more pressure then primary filters. They typically have ratings of two to ten microns.
Diesel fuel filters help to protect the diesel engine’s injectors and pumps. They have a very important job to do, so it is vital that diesel engine owners pick quality diesel fuel filters. This is a place to skimp on. Spending money well here will help you protect your larger investment, which is your engine. One noted problem with fuel filters is that has been hard to predict how long they will last.
One way to increase the life of a diesel fuel filter is to use an additive. Additives help to keep the fuel cleaner which makes the job of diesel fuel filters much easier. Because the fuel is cleaner, the filters do not have to filter so much gunk, which increases their longevity. All vehicles should come with filters. However, when it is time to get them replaced, make sure that you choose a good filter. They only require a small investment, they are not expensive. However, they can make a world of difference for your vehicle.

The spiritual life sometimes begins with unlikely candidates, in unlikely situations! Not long after Janet and I made our dash out west in 1978, the bill collectors got serious about my wild spending. They repossessed my car, harassed me at the furniture store where I was working, and made my life as miserable as only they know how.

It ended up being a battle of wits, with me stubbornly determined not to pay them a damn nickel, and soon I was looking for a place to disappear for a few years. I also had to find some answers. My shallow Catholic background, steeped in useless “”mystery, miracles, and authority”” where I was never exposed to Catholicism’s deeper aspects, such as the contemplative saints, was failing me.

I had been doing some casual reading about Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism, which appealed to my German heritage because of its rationality, and I was impressed with its clear, concise teachings that struck a chord in my organized heart. I thought to myself, how could bill collectors ever find me in a Zen Buddhist Monastery? No drivers license to trace, no income tax forms to file. Maybe this is the answer! The perfect hideout!

So one morning after Janet left for her sales job at a Levitz Furniture store, I loaded all my clothes into a couple of huge suitcases and a backpack, wrote a short note that I would be gone for awhile, tipped my hat to our small apartment in Phoenix, and snuck down to the local Greyhound station where I hopped a bus to Shasta Abbey, a Zen Buddhist monastery located in Mt. Shasta, California.

It was hot; the kind of a 114-degree day in the Valley where you’d think twice before picking up a silver dollar from the scalding pavement, and the bus was crowded. Busses have a distinct smell about them; diesel mixed with . . . something . . . humanity? And I never sat in the back; strange people ride back there! I always sat forward, directly behind the driver to keep him awake and talking in the middle of the night when his head would invariably begin to nod. These guys were good, only sleeping a few seconds before jerking their head up to drive a few miles more. Scary!

A lot of stops and a long time later, the old dog pulled around a curve on a mountain highway somewhere out of Redding, and there it was, truly surreal, its majestic snow-capped peaks floating on a purple haze. I felt something deep in the pit of my stomach, the same feeling when I left my family, and I knew the legends had it right; Mt. Shasta was enchanted.

The bus spit me out at the end of a beautiful afternoon. There were no cabs in sight, there was nothing in sight, so I had no choice but to hoof it from the bus stop up the five-mile hill to the monastery — it couldn’t be that far! So off I trudged, immersed in a blissful ignorance with my two bulging suitcases, a backpack, and wearing designer jeans coordinated with an expensive leather sport coat and handmade cowboy boots, and having no idea what I would find when I got there. I brought enough clothes along to start a Goodwill store, right there in the middle of Mt. Shasta.

It was fun hiking up the old asphalt road, at least for the first mile. It was quiet, not a car or truck disturbing the setting. The topography was strange, like nothing I had ever seen before. The volcanic activity of the past left its footprints everywhere, with lava spouts and weird mounds where there shouldn’t be anything, back dropped against that magnificent snowcapped mountain. The whole area was odd, in a moon-like beautiful way, forlorn, an aura of suspense and eerie silence, dotted with a million pine trees.

It was a relief from the broiling concrete that was Phoenix, and the cool mountain air was heavenly, but it was uphill . . . and I was carrying a lot of stuff . . . and the second mile was a lot more challenging. The sun sets earlier in the mountains than it does in the flat valleys of Arizona, and for a moment I panicked. Was I on the right road? I never was a whiz at directions. It was pretty deserted, and when night fell, it would be dark as hell. Nevertheless, I had no choice now. I was way past the point of no return and could never make it back to town before dark.

The sun had now gone down and the trees were slowly losing their color, and I was still walking. Then, suddenly . . . there it was. I found myself staring through the cyclone fence of a Zen monastery. It looked quiet, deadly quiet. Only the lonely tinkling of wind chimes, somewhere off in the distance, disturbed the silence so characteristic of this hushed pine forest. Nobody was around except for the trees, and the ever-present pinecones. Big ones.

I pulled the leather clapper on the old bell at the gate. The clanging broke the pristine stillness . . . but no response. I rang again, louder . . . nothing. It was getting dark. Ah, then I spotted a light in the trees not far away. I walked over to a small building and enthusiastically knocked on the door. I knew I would have to sell myself and was extremely confident that I could. I was a great salesman.

The door opened slowly, and standing on the other side was a smallish person who could best be described as Yoda, in a black robe, with a swastika hanging on a cord around her neck! A swastika! Whoa, I wasn’t quite ready for this.

“”Can I help you?”” it said, or she said, or whatever it was, said, in an unemotional tone, her eyes and face as expressionless as a professional poker player.

“”Yes, I finally made it!”” I said, smiling broadly, trying to brighten up the conversation and overcome her obvious lack of personality. A good salesman could talk his way into any situation, right?

“”And who are you?”” She replied, as pokerfaced as ever.

“”Why . . . I’m Ed Rock!”” I said, out of breath a little, setting my bags down on the porch and dusting myself off.

She walked away, unimpressed, and returned with a list that she was carefully perusing.

“”Nooope, I don’t seem to have you on my list,”” she said, seemingly relieved, and shot me a look of “”Gotcha!”” with her eyes. “”When did you contact us?””

My smile melted away along with the remaining light of evening, and a funny feeling arose in the pit of my stomach . . . again. “”Well, I haven’t actually . . . contacted anybody . . . but here I am, and I’m here to stay! You see, I . . .””

“”No you’re not,”” she interrupted me, and attempted to smile politely. “”You may call us in three days, if you wish. We will then discuss whether or not you may visit.””

And with that, she firmly closed the door, and locked it . . . loudly.

I just stood there, staring at the door a few inches from my face. Then, I turned around and tried to see down the mountain that I had just scaled. Man, it was dark. Okay, no problem, what the hell, it would be easier going downhill. Right?

I grabbed my bags and stumbled off the porch, headed down the pitch-black hill, but this time I got lucky. After a mile or so, a pickup truck gave me a lift to a local motel in town.

Three days later, I squeezed into the phone booth outside my room and dialed the monastery as instructed (my first taste of Zen discipline). The phone rang an interminable number of times, as I silently practiced my pitch.

“”Shasta Abbey,”” someone answered.

“”Hello! Is this the monastery?””

“”Yes, this is Shasta Abbey.””

“”Well, . . . hello! It’s that person in town, you know, that was up there a few nights ago? Can I come back up now?””

“”Just a moment please.””

I held my breath. If they said no, I would really be on the run, and as usual, I had little money and no plan B. I heard some muted conversation in the background and finally somebody came to the phone. I recognized the voice . . . Oh no! It was Yoda.

“”May I help you?””

Things hadn’t changed.

“”It’s me,”” I said, my usual exuberant confidence draining from my voice. “”You know, the guy who was there a few nights ago? I had a lot of bags. Remember? I apologize for barging in like that. I just didn’t know that I had to make arrangements. . . . Uh, is there any way that I can come up for a visit . . . maybe?

“”Yes, I remember you, and you may come for a short visit.””

“”I can?”” I said in disbelief.

“”Yes.””

“”Wow! Right on! I’m on my way! . . . I mean, thank you Sister, thank you!””

I hung up the phone. Yes! . . . I made it one more day.

So back up the mountain I went. But this time, I had unloaded some of the junk. All I needed, as far as I could reckon, was a black robe and a swastika! Man, I would look so cool. I would have to take some pictures. (It was only months later that I learned about the swastikas that weren’t swastikas at all, but Manjis, or the seal of the Buddha’s heart. Hitler stole the symbol, reversed it, and used it for his own purposes).