Truck Rentals
Trucks
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle for transporting goods.
The word "truck" comes from the Greek "trochos", meaning "wheel". In America,
the big wheels of wagons were called trucks. When the gasoline engine-driven
trucks came into fashion, these were called "motortrucks" and the Heavy Goods
Vehicle (HGV)). The British term is, however, only used for the medium and
heavy types (see below), i.e. a van, a pickup or a SUV would never be regarded
a "lorry". Other languages have loanwords based on these terms, such as the
Malay lori and the Mexican Spanish troca (or pickup in northern Mexico).
...
Light trucks
Light trucks are car-sized (in the US, no more than 6,300 kg (13,000 lb)) and
are used by individuals and commercial entities alike. In the UK they may not
weigh more than 3,500kg. They are comprised of:
- Pickup trucks
- Full-size vans
- Minivans
- SUVs
Medium trucks
Medium (or medium-duty) trucks are bigger than light but smaller than heavy
trucks. In the US, they are defined as weighing between 6,300 kg (13,000 lb)
and 15,000 kg (33,000 lb). For the UK the cut-off is 7.5 tonnes. Local delivery
and public service (dump trucks, garbage trucks) are normally around this size.
Heavy trucks
Heavy trucks are the largest trucks allowed on the road. They are mostly used
for long-haul purposes, often in semi-trailer configuration.
Road damage and wear increase very rapidly with the axle weight (truck weight
divided by the number of axles). In many countries with good roads a 6-axle
truck may have a maximum weight over 50 tonnes (50,000 kg).
In Australia many trailers are linked to make what are called road trains.
Off-road trucks
Highway-legal trucks are sometimes outfitted with off-road features such as a
front driving axle and special tires for applications such as logging and
construction. Trucks that never use public roads, such as the biggest ever truck,
the Liebherr T 282B off-road mining truck, are not constrained by weight limits.
Excerpt from "Truck." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
3 Nov 2006, 06:35 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 5 Nov 2006
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Truck&oldid=85426057 Car Rentals
Rental cars are generally recent model cars
that are available, in exchange for a fee, for periods typically
ranging from a day to a week or longer. Rental cars can often be
found in Rental Car Centers typically found near airports. Charges
are usually based on the agreed rental time with a driving distance
limit, or based on time with an additional cost per distance unit
driven.
Car hire in the UK has become a highly competitive market with the
arrival of online booking and cheap air tickets offering a car hire
package deal. As a result prices are very keen. The major rental
companies are having to readdress their online strategy in order
to keep up with recent developments. Another growth area is the
decision many people have made to give up their private car and
opt for renting when they need one. This has given rise to home
deliveries and one way car hire in the UK, proving to be a very
popular sector.
When booking a car, the following points should be made clear:
- Airport Surcharge - car hire companies have to pay an airport an
additional fee and this is sometimes passed on to the customer. Make
sure this is included in a quote if applicable.
- On collection of a car, a full valid driving licence and identification
is required. Any age restrictions will be checked.
- Car rental companies charge for periods of 24 hours. Late returns
can be subject to an additional charge, so also make sure you book a
car with hours and dates within 24 hour units.
- Damage Waiver or "super Cover" is often offered. It is also
possible to purchase insurance from an independent insurance agent
that will cover you for damage caused to the car. Third Party Insurance
is nearly always included in the quote but you will not be covered for
yourself or the vehicle. Check the terms carefully.
Similar considerations apply to car rental in the USA.
Companies are highly competitive on the basis of price, product, and
service. Advance reservations are advisable, especially during holiday
periods when companies may be sold out. A current, valid, unrestricted
driver's license and major credit card are often required, and customers
under 21 or 25 years of age may face restrictions or additional charges,
so if any of these items are an issue, it is recommended to inquire with
the company in advance. Customers are also advised to consult in advance
with their auto insurance provider to determine whether their private auto
insurance extends to rental cars and what limitations may apply;
generally car rental companies offer additional insurance. Taxes and
airport surcharges can add a significant amount to the quoted price.
Customers may also encounter additional late charges or gasoline charges
if the car is not returned before the specified time or without the gas
level specified in the rental agreement.
Excerpt from "Rental car." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
30 Apr 2006, 14:53 UTC. 1 May 2006, 11:04
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rental_car&oldid=50894612
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