While a shortage of drivers isn’t rare to the industry, supply chain challenges limiting production of new trucks is much less common. Truck manufacturers have been stymied to meet demand as component shortages and, especially, the global computer chip shortage suppress build rates. As a result, customers are experiencing long wait times to take delivery on new vehicles.

But challenges create opportunities, and there are many of those available in the pre-owned truck marketplace.

Quality, late-model used trucks are available for both owner-operators and fleet managers. These truck options provide an ideal solution to expand operations or replace aging units. With the current market conditions, one might assume it’s a seller’s market. Surprisingly, it’s not – it’s a great time to buy a used truck.

Throughout the JX Truck Center network, we have premium, JX-certified, low-mileage vehicles of many makes and models. Not only are they priced to move, we’re offering customers tailor-made promotional packages for a limited time, so they’re moving fast. Here’s a look at some of the options we’re offering.

• Flexible Financing: Through both JX Financial and Alltrux Capital, paying for a pre-owned truck is easier and more affordable. Low interest rates, adjustable or matched down payments, extended terms and flexible payment options are available to custom-fit your needs.
• Peace-of-Mind Guarantees: All of our pre-owned inventory undergoes rigorous inspection and thorough maintenance before going on our lots. Additionally, we’re offering extended warranties and can even include them in your financing plan.
• Added Value: Another customizable option is to receive prepaid fuel cards or credit towards parts and service, including our exclusive Alltrux parts.

So if you’re tired of waiting for the supply chain to start flowing normally again and need a truck to expand or as a replacement, there are plenty of options with JX that aren’t just viable – they’re extremely favorable! And if you’re looking for an advantage to attract drivers to your fleet, having a late-model, premium-condition truck waiting for them is a great recruitment tool.

Contact your local JX Truck Center or call 1-833-459-8782 to learn more about ways we can customize your next truck purchase, and check out our inventory to find the truck that’s right for you!

Author: Cindy Campbell, Vice President of Used Truck Sales and Financing

The post Tired of Waiting on a New Truck? Now Is the Time to Buy Pre-Owned! appeared first on JX.

Navigating Trucking During Tough Times

We can all agree that trucking has drastically changed especially over the last couple of years due to the major influences from the COVID-19 pandemic… it might be tough for some truckers to navigate.

Trucking has always had its ups and downs and will most definitely take you outside your comfort zone. JX Truck Center is here to help with navigating these tough times of truck shortages.

JX Paclease is the third-largest PacLease fleet in the United States and we are here to aid in your trucking needs. Our fleet consists of sleepers, day cabs, with and without a wetkit, 26′ straight trucks, both dry vans and reefers, and Kalmar Ottawas available for rent along with some of our Michigan specials. Our rental team is trained to help get the right equipment to you that would best suit your operation.

Let JX handle the stress of servicing the truck, handling registration, and aiding in getting you or your driver on the road. Call JX Leasing today to set up an account!

Author: Becky Johnson, Rental Representative

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Looking Ahead in Trucking: Plan for Higher Fleet Costs and Poor Availability 

If you are planning to be in the market for a new truck in 2022, you may be surprised to hear that most of the Heavy Duty truck manufacturing capacity in North America is sold out. 

This means that the remaining availability will come with a high price tag. If you haven’t already, Pad your 2022 Fleet Budget and Pricing Strategies. Do not worry, JX Leasing can help.

It’s no surprise that the Global Supply Chain interruptions over the past 18 months are the primary driver of this situation.

WAIT!! There’s more! 2024 brings with it another Diesel Engine Emission Standard. All engine OE’s are investing heavily in R&D to meet the new EPA standards. R&D plus Engine costs will be passed along to all of us. Estimates for these added costs range from $8,000 to $80,000 as reported by the International Council on Clean Transportation.  

YIKES! 2022 New Truck Production is nearly sold out, 2024 will be a budget killer, what else?

• 2023 truck production will be stressed because of added pressure from fleet “PRE-Buy’s” in order to stay ahead of the uncertainty of 2024. This has happened with every EPA Diesel Engine Emission Standard change since 2002.
• Prices for everything have begun to skyrocket compared to the past 10 years.
  • The CPI-U year over year as of October has risen by 6.2%
    • Visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics web site and search CPI-U for supporting information
  • Supply Chain Shortages are driving up all fleet-related costs
  • Equipment downtime due to shortages is at an all-time high
• Interest Rates are moving up with the threat of inflation

What should you do?

You need to be proactive about addressing your fleet needs now. It is likely that the 2022 and 2023 manufacturing capacity will be sold out by the end of the first quarter of 2022.  There will be some wiggle room in this if you partner with a strong lease.

JX Leasing has made commitments to production build slots. Please call your JX Leasing Sales Representative and set up a time to discuss your requirements so we can help you meet your goals. 

Author: Kevin Gebner, Director of Lease Sales

The post Looking Ahead in Trucking: Plan for Higher Fleet Costs and Poor Availability appeared first on JX.

Introducing the Peterbilt 536 for Rent at JX Truck Center

After five years of researching, engineering, and testing Peterbilt released the Model 536 specifically for the Class 6 non-CDL full service lease, daily rentals, and pickup & delivery customers.

Let’s start with comfortability. Firstly they not only widened the cab to 2.1 meters they designed the interior to comfortably fit three people with a generous amount of legroom. There is a significant amount of storage space underneath the seat which helps keep the truck neat and orderly. Along with increasing the width of the cab Peterbilt lowered it by three inches for easier ingress and egress. The stair-styled steps were created to be non-slip even in ice, snow, rain, and mud.  Comfortability is more than just the way the cab was designed, it also comes from the TX-8 which is Peterbilt’s new 8-speed automatic transmission. It is better for a fuel-efficient and smooth ride due to the truck deciding in what gear to start accelerating. The software decides what gear to start based on the cargo weight and terrain, to many, it feels as smooth as driving a car.

Another way this truck is as smooth as a car is improved maneuverability, featuring a 55-degree wheel cut. Making it easier to navigate urban areas and yards creating a comfortable and safer driving experience. Some of the other features that help with safety while driving is the steep-sloped hood giving the driver an extra two feet of visibility and a windshield-mounted camera. Along with the camera, there is an integrated collision mitigation system to aid braking and maneuvering through curves and slopes in the terrain. This model has side sensors and look-down mirrors to help lessen the blind spots for safer driving and parking.

This truck is a leader in the new era of the medium duty class. The Peterbilt 536 is available for rent or demo and if you are interested contact your local JX Rental Representative for more information!

Author: Becky Johnson, Rental Representative

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Value of a Full-Service Lease

Knowing when to lease or when to own can be key to the success of a business.

Our full-service leasing options can eliminate the burdens associated with truck ownership, including maintenance, shop labor, fuel tax reporting, and vehicle disposal.

The value fleets receive from a JX Full-Service Lease is stronger than ever. Let’s look at some history.

Year Equipment Type & Description Cost:

1992    Tandem Axle Day Cab – “Non-Peterbilt Fleet Spec” $60,500

2021    Peterbilt Day Cab – “Fleet Spec” $127,000

Truck Cost Increase over these 29 years is: $66,500 / 210% /  Double+ 

Full-Service Lease Annual Expense for each Example Annual Cost – All costs in! :

1992    Tandem Axle Day Cab – Fleet Spec. $26,604

2021    Peterbilt Day Cab with a – Fleet Spec. $31,860

Full Service Lease Rate Increase (Same Vehicles): $5,256 / 19% / PEANUTS!

But wait, there’s more!

• EPA Requirements have significantly increased the complexity of Diesel Engines
• Current engine complexities have significantly increased maintenance costs
• The TAX burden embedded in the cost of a truck has increased 
• FMCSA Safety Enhancements require more administration
• Highly qualified drivers are in demand
• Freight Revenue has not increased at the same pace of operating costs

JX Leasing provides GREAT Value to our customers and helps alleviate those concerns. How valuable is a JX Lease? Take a look below: 

1. JX Leasing can help you attract and keep drivers with desirable equipment
2. JX Leasing can help your operation control expenses
3. JX Leasing can help your fleet stay compliant
4. JX Leasing can help you stay ahead of inflation
5. JX Leasing can support your fleet from any of 27 locations in WI, IL, IN, & MI
6. JX Leasing is part of the PacLease System and can support fleets across North America

Please call your local JX Truck Center and ask for the JX Leasing Professional to learn how JX can help you and your business.

Author: Kevin Gebner, Director of Lease Sales

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Peterbilt 567: Versatile Vehicle for a Variety of Vocations

With a classic-inspired look and a modern feel, the Peterbilt 567 is a versatile vocational truck that was tailored with the working driver in mind. This model drove its way into the marketplace in 2014 while hauling many excellent features with it. This model offers some incredible qualities in every aspect, everything from hood to end of frame has been carefully engineered. At JX PacLease we build our fleet trucks with versatility and functionality at the forefront of our design.

The Chassis

Our chassis is unique in many ways because of the combination of features. The cab support system is positioned wider on the frame to make for better ride quality and increased maneuverability. The aluminum cross-members may be light, but they are strong which provides a stiffer frame that decreases noise while also increasing ride comfort. Peterbilt offers a Set-Forward or Set-Back Steer Axle which are both beneficial depending on the vocational use of the vehicle, JX’s rental fleet contains both. Our Set-Forward Front Axle rentals are set up for wet kit operation and also feature a 13-speed manual transmission and 220” wheelbase. Another key feature of our Set-Forward day cabs is the Jost fifth wheel, which can be made to tilt or no-tilt. As for the Set-Back Front Axle rentals; these have the industry-leading PACCAR automated transmission and a tight maneuvering 177” wheelbase. 

The Cab

When it comes to the cab, the visibility in every direction is exceptional due to the panoramic view from the driver’s seat. This view is a result of combining over 21,000 square inches of the windshield with a lower dash brow and sloped hood. Not only that, they have excellent side windows and large exterior mirrors mounted on both the door and the hood. When Peterbilt created the 567 they had the working driver in mind with a door handle that is bigger for when a glove is being worn. Also, to help decrease fatigue from climbing in and out of the truck and enhance safety they added staircase-style steps with mounted handles that are easy to reach. Once inside the cab, the ergonomic environment will help make driving more convenient, efficient, and comfortable.

As soon as a driver sits in the seat of the 567 they will feel spoiled and satisfied while renting. Contact a JX Rental Representative to make a reservation for your next rental!

Author: Becky Johnson, Rental Representative

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JX Fields a New Rental Representative for Central and Southern Illinois

Hay! When it comes to your trucking news JX seeks to be an a-maize-ing asset to your company. Which is why our new Rental Representative, Becky Johnson, is all ears to what you require so you can get “pasture” obstacles. Her experience, passion and background in agriculture will help you with your truck rental needs.

Becky is excited about the opportunity to rent JX’s diverse fleet assisting in the success of those in central and southern Illinois. Our fleet contains trucks with valuable features which will make us the perfect partner for the long haul. The Peterbilt 579 has been specifically designed to offer a tighter turning radius compared to our competitors. This truck is also built in a manner that makes it lighter so you are able to haul more per load without compromising bridge laws. Given the sleek and aerodynamic nature of the 579, it is one of the top within the industry for fuel mileage. These three characteristics will be another tool for you to use for being successful in your operation.

The combination of her knowledge and our truck specs are a powerhouse in helping you thrive during this unprecedented transition from being closed down to finding a new normal. This past year was tough for the agriculture and trucking industry, but it is, and will continue, to be on the rise. As the economy begins to flourish and the planting season arrives Becky will be there for those in central and southern Illinois.

If you are in need of a rental truck please connect with Becky or your local JX Rental Representative. Our team is prepared to get you a rental and keep you on the road!

The post JX Fields a New Rental Representative for Central and Southern Illinois appeared first on JX.

How to Improve Driver Retention

One of the major industry problems continues to be driver retention. What are some things that companies can do to improve their driver retention? Let’s dig in!

Driver retention is one of the top concerns with companies that utilize their own fleet and it is showing no signs of going away any time soon. When it comes to recruiting and retaining drivers, most carriers simply “don’t know what they don’t know” and devise retention plans based on management instincts or on what the competition is doing. 

Equipment

A truck is a driver’s home, workplace and contains tools to do their job all at once. It pays off to invest in the right equipment. It can also set a company apart from the competition. Top of the line and properly spec’d trucks (such as Peterbilt) increase driver retention while increasing job satisfaction. 

As the trucking industry faces a rising turnover rate, there has never been a better time for fleet managers to show their truck drivers that they care. Truck drivers may not be around long if they are not happy with the vehicles they operate. Poor equipment and maintenance schedules are not going to help improve the retention rate in your fleet. 

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Start by implementing a fleet preventative maintenance plan. Scheduling regular vehicle inspections should be part of the regular fleet maintenance plan. A full service lease program with JX takes care of all that for your drivers and your company. With routine preventative maintenance, regular vehicle service and repairs minimizes vehicle downtime and will increase driver satisfaction. 

Correct Truck Specs

At JX Leasing (PacLease), we design every vehicle specifically for the customer’s need and operation, This ensures it is the right truck in the application versus a cookie cutter, one size fits all approach to equipment. This will mean a better operating, more efficient vehicle with lower cost of ownership, less downtime all working towards better driver satisfaction and retention.

With the proper equipment, routine preventative maintenance and correct truck specs companies can see a vast improvement with driver retention. A lease with JX Leasing can be the beginning of a driver retention solution for your fleet. Give our Lease Executives a call or visit your local JX if you would like more information on the best solution for your fleet today!

Author: David Benicek, Lease Sales Executive

The post How to Improve Driver Retention appeared first on JX.

A variety of spec combinations is the great opportunity to see for yourself how versatile this Peterbilt model 567 can be.

As JX Rental enters various new markets in 2020 we have chosen the versatile Peterbilt model 567 to fit all these needs. From day cab tractors setup for dry van trailers to refuse trucks for roll off containers… We’ve spec’d several different types of power equipment. You can rent day cab tractors with set forward or set back front axles and either automated or manual shift transmissions. Additionally, you can rent vocational units for either quad axle dump truck or tri-axle roll back (with either cable or hook lift). 

It truly is a good time to try out the Model 567 for yourself and see how it fits into your business need. Contact your local JX Rental representative if you are interested! Our team is prepared to answer your questions and start your rental process!

Author: Sean Walford – Area Rental Manager, JX Leasing

The post The Peterbilt Model 567 Arrives to JX Rental appeared first on JX.

2020 is an exciting year at JX Rental! For starters, we are celebrating JX Enterprises’s 50 years of success, and looking forward to the next 50 years. We have also placed a large truck order to refresh units in our straight truck, day cab, sleeper, and Ottawa yard spotter rental fleets. But the most exciting news to date is the order of our vocational truck fleet rentals! 

Recognizing the growing demand on vocational truck fleet operators, JX Rental is expanding our truck rental types. In addition to adding to our quad axle dump truck fleet, we will soon have hook and cable lift rental units for refuse use, and Non-CDL stake body trucks. We have also added to our day cab with wet kit rental fleet. These wet kits will allow for a dump trailer, walking floor, low boy, and beaver tail trailers. 

We have the rental you need at JX. Give one of our Rental Representatives a call or visit your local JX for your next rental truck!

Author: Sean Walford – Area Rental Manager, JX Leasing

The post JX Rental Has the Vocational Truck for Your Needs! appeared first on JX.