Extang Tonneau Covers - 5 Reasons They Are Top Sellers

Extang Tonneau Covers may appear on more trucks than any other company's products. Not to take away from that, but it may very well be because of their product line. See, their specialty is the soft bed covers. As a result the covers are mostly in the low price range. But they offer so many models and the different features make them each somewhat unique. Here are ways Extang makes so many distinct models.

1. Sealing Method Choices

Keeping the sides of the cover sealed presents problems for any bed cover and especially for soft covers. Extang tonneaus accomplish that with several different methods. By providing choices, they let you pick which you prefer. All are methods that seal well to keep out dirt and water.

2. To Snap Or Not To Snap

Snap closure represents the standard by which other methods are compared. Snap closing works well but the fit up with snaps is quite the challenge. That's why many people much prefer other methods. And Extang offers several. Other closing types offer faster access as well as better seals too. Not that snap closing is all bad. The lowest price models often use snaps since they work quite well and cost so little.

3. Colors Too

No longer must covers be all black. No, you can now choose from several colors to match or blend with the color of your pickup. Available in several models, this is another way to make your truck look better and more finished at a reasonable price.

4. Keeping The Wrinkles Out

Hidden under cover for each tonneau you find some way used to keep the covers tight. Otherwise not only does the cover look droopy, it also could catch water an form a pool. That is not a pleasant thought. These covers use a combination of tensioners and supports to keep the material tight in all conditions.

5. Hard Tonneau Covers

Two Extang covers come with hard material. Both offer the folding feature. That design produces a locking bed that really becomes like a big trunk. Unlike tilting covers, folding covers allow for hauling of tall cargo and permit good access to the entire bed of a pickup.

Extang Tonneau Covers may appear on more trucks than any other company's products. By offering covers with many different features, they well cover the whole range of low priced covers for pickups.

Auto Transport to and From Alabama

Auto transport is a process of moving the vehicles across the countryside or overseas. Car shipping has gained lots of importance nowadays, because most of the people want to move their motors carefully from one destination to other using reliable sources. Alabama, the state of America comprises huge number of population where people are interested to move their autos more carefully and securely. More number of companies is interested to offer the services throughout globally to enhance excellent customer support over their business.

Auto transport to and from Alabama enhances high standard moving using advanced technologies. Well trained auto shippers are employed who possess more experience, knowledge in the field and offers the transit with full security. Today, wide number of shipping companies provides vehicle move to and from America with some of the advantages like door to door services, flexible payment modes, competitive and reasonable price schedules, quick delivery, convenient shipping order and more over excellent customer services.

As per the department of transportation, the vehicle transit will be provided more compactly and guaranty. Save time and money by choosing the best auto shippers across the world who offers reliable services along with required benefits and affordable price consideration. Timely delivery must be offered and their must be constant updates regarding the live status reports and where the process is going on. In case of delay due to any uncertainties, accidents or any other reason, the shipper is required to intimate the appropriate customer about the delivery delay through any sort of communications.

Almost, every company should be fully insured and licensed. When the vehicle is moved across and any damage occurred during transit, then the movers should provide full insurance coverage as per the documents. It is the responsibility of the customer to check the car or auto whether any damages are their before moving. The customer should prepare the car completely, because most of the company's procedures differ from one another. Enjoy the full secured, insured auto transport services to and from Alabama for reasonable price consideration.

Buying Cheap Trucks From Police Truck Auctions

Police truck auctions are held regularly in every police department trying to get rid of their surplus vehicles. These auctions are one of the best markets for quality police vehicles that may have already lived up to its use for our men patrolling the streets.

These types of auctions offer you one of the best deals around. That is because the police and other federal and state agencies take pride in having well-maintained vehicles. It would be more likely that you will have for yourself bid on many well maintained used police trucks at prices that you may not be able to get at any other second hand dealerships.

Police truck auctions are usually held several times over the course of the year because there is always surplus inventory lying around. Aside from aging (2 years and above) police vehicles to impounded and seized cars, there are always plenty of units to get rid of to make way new inventory and to free up some valuable storage space. In such auctions, you might even be able to find slightly used or even some fairly new vehicles to bid on, if you are lucky.

Police truck auctions offer the chance to check out good quality vehicles that you may be able to get at prices way below retail. But all the great deals will depend on how good you can bid for it. It is a gross misconception that every item at an auction can be yours at very cheap prices.

On the contrary, some items may even go over their fair market value. Credit this to some overeager but inexperienced bidders. There are some instances that bidding wars at these police truck auctions can get out of hand that the vehicles can end up priced outrageously. So it is a good idea to come well prepared.

Just like any other auction, the action starts when the bidding begins. But if you are after great deals in these auctions, the action for you starts way before the actual auction day. Prepare yourself by getting to know what is required to be a part of the bidding public. Registration is usually required for such auctions with each bidder given his own number to put some order into the whole process. This is usually free in most government held public auctions.

Inspection Day is sometimes also scheduled prior to the actual auction date to give the bidders a chance to see the auctioned vehicles more closely. On a typical Inspection Day, the bidders can check each vehicle inside and out. Bidders are also allowed to start and give the engine a run through, but that is as far as they can go over each vehicle. Moving the vehicles in any way is prohibited.

In all government auctions, catalogs are also handed out beforehand to the bidders, which become their guide on the order of the vehicles put on the auction block. These catalog also contain some important information concerning each vehicle including model, color, year of manufacture, vehicle history and other special features.

It is important for every bidder to get hold of such a catalog. It will serve as one of their basis in trying to come up with a good bidding strategy. It takes a lot of work and preparation if you are serious enough to get a good deal in such public auctions. All your hard work will be rewarded by each successful bid that you make.

Truck Bed Tonneau Cover - One Type Can Be a Disaster

Choosing a truck bed tonneau cover is tough because there are so many choices. Any kind of tonneau cover can enhance the look of your pick-up. Don't forget too that a bed cover can reduce drag as your truck goes down the road and may improve your fuel mileage. But some covers are better for one task than another and some covers could be a disaster for your truck. The two broad types of covers are hard and soft covers.

1. Soft Covers

If you're looking for a cheap cover, a soft one will be the cheapest option. An inexpensive cover still looks good and provides protection for your cargo from the elements plus protection from prying eyes. But soft covers are pretty easy to cut and get into so the security part is a little weak.

Soft covers may be of several designs. The simplest attach to the top of the bed and just roll forward into a roll for complete access to the bed. You can also choose a hinged cover. This is a vinyl covered frame that tilts forward in one piece. Also a tri fold soft cover is available and even a snap on cover. You can easily research these options, but all are inexpensive and useful.

1. Hard Covers

Hard covers may be made of plastic, fiberglass or metal. Popular models are the sleek one piece units that tilt forward to turn a truck bed into a gigantic trunk. With hard covers you get improved security over a vinyl cover since the covers lock and are difficult to get into when locked.

Hard covers also are made to fold up in sections for access. Then the retractable cover is in many ways the ultimate cover. Retractable covers mount flush with the top of the bed rails and the aluminum top rolls forward into a cannister. Some units are even powered...push a button and the cover rolls forward out of the way.

Here's the potential disaster. A one piece hinge forward lid, especially a hard cover, is a cool, sleek looking choice. But what about hauling? You can't haul any kind of tall cargo with a one piece hinge forward cover on your truck. A lawn mower, a refrigerator, a dog house, most any thing taller than the bed rails won't work. So if you need a giant trunk that always is closed when travelling, a one piece hinged cover is OK. Otherwise, choose another design.

A tonneau cover is a great addition for any truck. Choose the type that best suits the way you use your truck and the look you like and that fits your budget.

Campers For Pickup Trucks

Pickup truck campers are designed to provide space and equipment for sleeping and simple housekeeping during camping and recreational travel. Campers can either be attached over the pickup's hold or can be fitted on a trailer. Many of these campers are designed to accommodate five to six people. An awning can be attached to these campers to accommodate more people.

Campers have automatic loading and unloading mechanism, which includes four corner ball screw electric jacks operated with a remote control. Camper mounting process is easy and can be done with the push of a button. The truck is gently steered to slide beneath the camper structure. Electric jacks mount the structure in the right place, which is then secured with the help of clampers and safety latch. Unloading is done by reversing this process.

Camper roofs are made from a combination of foam and marine grade thermoplastic polyolefin to provide maximum strength and protection from extreme weather conditions. The roof offers excellent insulation, easy cleaning, traction, and hail protection. Pickup racks can also be fitted on these roofs for carrying ladders, canoes, or kayaks. Camper body can be made from different materials such as kiln-dried fir or pinewood, lightweight aluminum, or fiberglass.

Campers are designed according to the "center of gravity" theory that shifts the weight of these campers to the center of the pickup. This enables efficient maneuverability at high speeds and helps in negotiating uneven terrain without the risk of vehicle tip-over accidents. Campers are costly and should be insured to avoid financial losses caused due to fire, accidents, or natural calamities.

A number of firms manufacture campers, which are compatible with different types of pickup trucks. Customized campers are also manufactured based on specifications provided by the customer. Customers who find it difficult to assemble and install campers can take help from technicians hired by the manufacturing company.

Choosing a Truck Driving Job Part V - Comparing Large Trucking Companies to Small Ones

In part one of our series, Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part I: Factors That Effect All Companies, we talked about different factors and considerations which will affect your experience at any company you go to work for.

In part two of our series, "Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part II: You and "Your People" Are The Most Important Factor", we talked about surrounding yourself with the right people, understanding factors that affect the freight you'll be getting, and things you can do to put yourself in the best position to succeed.

In part three, "Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part III: How Your Family and Lifestyle Will Affect Your Choice", we considered your personality and lifestyle. Are you married? Do you have children? Do you love adventure? How long would you like to be away from home? These questions all figure into the process of choosing the right truck driving job.

In part 4, "Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part IV: Advantages of Large Trucking Companies", we of course talked about the advantages of working at a large trucking company.

Now in part 5, we're going to talk about some of the disadvantages to working for a large trucking company, and discuss what life is like at a small company.

Ok, so large trucking companies must have some disadvantages, right? Of course they do. At a large company you are simply a number, not a name. You hopefully will get to know a few people working in the offices like your dispatcher, his or her boss, and maybe one or two middle managers like a terminal manager or operations manager. If you get to know that many people... and by get to know I mean they actually recognize you by name or truck number, you've probably done either an excellent job or a terrible job over a period of many months, or maybe even a couple of years. It's tough to stand out when there are thousands of drivers at one company. So if you like that personal attention and family-type atmosphere, a large company is not going to provide that for you.

Because of this, you will find it very difficult to get any special consideration for anything. Doing a great job for a couple of years is going to get you an automated thank you letter and maybe a patch for the company jacket you had to buy from your own company store when you wanted one. On the other end of things, you may find yourself in a unique situation, and nobody will take the time to understand your side of things. They don't have the time, and frankly many of them don't really care. I'm going to go deeper into this subject in a moment with a few stories related to this theme.

Smaller companies, in my opinion, don't have too many advantages over the larger ones from a driver's perspective. You will definitely get to know everyone in the office, and they will certainly know you. Often times if you live nearby your main office, the people in your company will even get to know your family and the families of the other employees. This family atmosphere is nice in a way, but you also have to be aware of a couple things.

For one, just like in any tight group of people, everyone tends to know everyone else's business. Maybe you don't want everyone at work knowing about an operation you're going to have, or the tough times you're having with your marriage, or the trouble your kid got into at school. Maybe you got a well deserved raise, but now the other drivers are envious and raising a fuss. Or maybe your excellent performance is being rewarded with more miles and a nicer truck, which again causes problems with the other drivers. As you can probably tell I've been in these type of situations before and I'm not really too fond of them. Having co-workers as close friends is not always an easy thing to maintain, especially if there is any type of competition between employees when it comes to pay, equipment, or freight.

The other concern with regard to company size is how much your company will count on you. At a large company, if you'd like to take some time off, nobody really cares. I've taken MONTHS off at times and simply been told, "Ok, just turn your truck in to the terminal and let us know when you're ready to return and we'll get ya goin again." But at a really small company that's not likely to happen. You may be one of ten drivers in the whole company, so if you take time off, they just lost 10% of their fleet! The smaller companies rely on you much more so than a big company does, so you don't have nearly as much flexibility.

One time I worked for a small company pulling food-grade tankers. There were only eleven drivers in the company. I ran really hard for them and before too long, they came to expect a bit too much from me. Things got to the point that I was running an average of about 4500 miles per week. That's a ton! As time went on, the owner of the company expected more and more of me. It was getting ridiculous. Finally I stayed out on the road for almost six straight weeks, averaged about 4500 miles per week (totally illegal - you can't log that many miles legally), and when I returned home he booked a load for me to haul two days later. Six weeks on the road, two days at home, and I have to leave again? I don't think so. Well, he told me I could either run the load or be fired. I had been there a year, and I had a perfect safety and service record. I was also second amongst the drivers in average miles driven per week, but I guess that wasn't good enough. Turns out the owner was in serious financial trouble and I found out the company closed just a couple of months later.

So it turns out that he was desperate to get all the money coming in that he could get to save the company. But he had a good thing going with me and ruined it. Not only that, but he put on my DAC report that I abandoned his truck, which was not true at all! But since he went out of business, he couldn't respond to my claim that he falsified the report, so I didn't have any trouble moving on to the next job. A little advice - don't make the mistake of running that hard. Don't run so hard that you'll damage you mind, your body, or your license. Think long-term and make smart choices. I was really young at the time, was making a lot of money running that hard, and wanted to push myself to see what I could do. Well, what I did was make myself sick. I wore myself down, got burned out, and spent about 3 days in bed with some sort of flu/cold/whatever virus at one point. Remember, long term success means planning for the long term and making smart decisions all the time, not just some of the time.

So just be aware of the fact that small trucking companies will count on you far more than large companies will. There will be advantages and disadvantages to any company you work for. Keep in mind that It's always somewhat of a compromise when you're choosing where you'd like to work. It's just a matter of finding what works best for you.

In part 6 of this series we're going to discuss a couple of different types of truck driving jobs - dry van and refrigerated carriers!

Bernie Madoff and the Reoccurring Paradox of Fraud and Philanthropy

After details of the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme came to light, many observers questioned why someone who had donated so much money to worthy causes would concurrently destroy many charities through his fraudulent actions. Madoff's family foundation had donated over $19 million to various health care, cultural, religious and educational charities. He also contributed about $6 million to lymphoma research. Yet, Madoff's firm, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, was simultaneously orchestrating a massive investment fraud that destroyed a multitude of charitable foundations and resulted in massive losses for many others.

Rather than being a rare occurrence, this odd partnership of corporate wrongdoing and philanthropy has been quite common. The following is a list of ten well known examples:

1. Bernie Ebbers, Founder and former C.E.O. of Worldcom: The man behind Worldcom's financial deception that cost investors about $100 billion was convicted of fraud and conspiracy in 2005. Yet, prior to his convictions, Ebbers had donated over $100 million dollars to various charities, though approximately $35 million of this related to his Worldcom stock, which had achieved great value due to Ebbers' wrongdoing. Ebbers is currently serving a 25 year prison sentence and will not be eligible for release until 2028 when he will be 87 years old.

2. Cliff Baxter, former Vice-Chairman of Enron: Baxter pled guilty to various counts of fraud and conspiracy in connection with the Enron accounting scandal that preceded its bankruptcy. He was known for his generous donations to organizations such as Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society and Sunshine Kids, a charity dedicated to providing activities and trips for young cancer patients. Baxter committed suicide in his car in 2002 in the wake of the Enron debacle. He was 43.

3. Ken Lay, former C.E.O. and Chairman of Enron: Lay was found guilty of ten counts of securities fraud and related charges in 2006 for his role in Enron's accounting scandal. He had donated more than $2.5 million to more than 250 organizations through his family's foundation and was behind Enron's policy of donating 1% of its profits to local charities. Lay died of a heart attack while awaiting sentencing.

4. Dennis Kozlowski, former C.E.O. of Tyco International: In 2005, Kozlowski was convicted of grand larceny, securities fraud and other crimes related to his receipt of $81 million in unauthorized loans and bonuses, improper payments and Tyco's fraudulent financial disclosure. He gave generously to charities, though $106 million of his donations were made with Tyco's money. He is eligible for parole in 2014.

5. Michael Milken, financier known as the junk bond king: Milken was charged with 98 counts of racketeering and securities fraud in 1989. He reached a plea bargain agreement whereby he admitted guilt to six securities violations and was sentenced to ten years in prison. He also paid a $600 million fine. Milken was released after serving just two years behind bars. At the time of his misdeeds, Milken was known as a generous philanthropist. His Foundation of the Milken Families has donated millions of dollars to various causes including $60 million dollars in educator awards and sizable donations to educational institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and charities such as the United Way. His philanthropy has led to a Fortune Magazine cover story calling him "The Man Who Changed Medicine" due to his large health care donations.

6. Richard M. Scrushy, founder and former Chairman and C.E.O. of HealthSouth Corporation: Scrushy was convicted of bribery and mail fraud in connection with payments he made to Alabama's governor in exchange for appointment to the state board that regulated hospitals. He was sentenced to 82 months in federal prison and was fined $2.87 billion. Scrushy co-founded Computer Help for Kids, a charity that collected, refurbished and donated computers to school students and community groups. He also established a ministry to feed African children, though this occurred as he was awaiting trial. Scrushy is appealing his conviction.

7. Lord Conrad Black, former C.E.O. of Hollinger International: Black was convicted of mail fraud and obstruction of justice in 2007 and was sentenced to 78 months in prison. He is currently out on bail pending a Supreme Court review of his case. His Black Family Foundation has donated millions of dollars to charities, including $3.4 million to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children and significant amounts to various educational institutions.

8. John Rigas, founder and former C.E.O. of Adelphia Communications Corporation and majority owner of the Buffalo Sabres ice hockey team: Rigas was convicted of multiple counts of fraud and tax evasion for concealing $2.3 billion in liabilities from shareholders and making personal use of corporate funds. When these misdeeds were uncovered, many people came forward to provide anecdotes portraying Rigas as a giving person who constantly helped needy neighbors. However, many of Rigas' donations were made with Adelphia funds. At his sentencing, Rigas pled for leniency and noted his charity work. The judge responded by stating, "To be a great philanthropist with other persons' money is not very persuasive." Rigas was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He is scheduled to be released in 2018 when he will be 93 years old.

9. Ivan Boesky, businessman and stock trader: Boesky became famous by amassing a fortune by trading on inside information regarding pending corporate takeovers. He admitted to insider trading through a plea arrangement that involved him testifying against Michael Milken. He was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison and paid a $100 million fine. Boeksy became involved in insider trading schemes even though he had more money than he could spend at the time. Boesky donated $20 million for the Jewish Theological Seminary's library that was named for him.

10. Gary Winnick, founder and former Chairman of Global Crossing Limited: Winnick made over $700 million by selling his shares of Global Crossing shortly before the company collapsed. While the SEC decided not to bring charges against him, shareholders brought a class action lawsuit against Winnick and others alleging fraud. The defendants settled the lawsuit by paying the shareholders $325 million. Winnick, to his credit, also donated $25 million to employees who lost their 401K's as a result of Global Crossing's demise. Through his family foundation, Winnick funded the Winnick Family Clinical Research Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He also donated $40 million for the Simon Wiesenthal Center's international conference center in Jerusalem and funded various scholarships.

Why would all these men who were accused or convicted of fraud or criminal activity also have philanthropy as a common denominator? One key factor is that these businessmen all generated millions of dollars through their actions and had the means to make sizable donations without impacting their standard of living.

Other explanations delve into the psychological realm. For some, making these gifts was a means to attaining greater notoriety. Donations were often publicized and, as in the case of Boesky and Winnick, often led to buildings or scholarships bearing the name of the donor. These businessmen may have simply wanted to draw attention to their generosity. It is also likely that many of these fraud artists also saw charity as a means for offsetting the guilt that they harbored for the harm they had caused investors and others by perpetrating their scams. They felt that if they did something supererogatory with their funds, this would make their ethical transgressions more acceptable.

With respect to Bernie Madoff, I do not believe that he ever set out to create a Ponzi scheme that would ultimately be exposed. It is more likely that his firm was unable to provide the investment returns that Madoff had promised and dipped into other investors' funds rather than admit to clients that he missed expectations. However, instead of replacing these lost funds with excess future gains, the deficit grew larger until it was insurmountable. Thus, Madoff never intended to bankrupt these charities. It was an unintended consequence of his inability to admit failure to his clients and friends. However, regardless of his true motives, the fact remains that Madoff's fraud destroyed many charitable organizations. He now joins these other businessman that have mixed fraud and philanthropy. Welcome to the list, Bernie Madoff.