The Washington times., 1919-05-10
BY WARREN b. BULLOCK,
Formerly Captain Motor TFanspOE


Formerly Captain Motor Transport
Corps, U. 5. A.
Constant inspections are the price
of freedom from shop costs. The best
run motor truck establishment will
have its repair bills, but the inspec-
ton system is the stitch in time that
saves MANIFOLD nine later in the life
of the truck
The best inspection systems make
an allowance for the care given to the
truck by the driver whenever he is
out on the road with his vehicle or in
the yard waiting for an order to make
trip. The bonus system, which in
duces the truck driver to make an
effort to keep his truck in condi-
tion is the first phase OF q thorough
inspection system
The next is a regular inspection by
the chief mechanic OF the fleet, who
can make his inspections more or less
cursorily, as the truck is idle at night
or when work is light. The third
step is a regular shop inspection by
either the chief mechanic Of the
fleet. or by a subsidized garage, IL the
fleet has = repair arrangement with
any particular garage or repai-
house. This is an expensive proee-
dure, but il is less expensive than the
making Of repairs upon a truck after
heavy damage has been done.
Factory Arrangement Best.
The best method for the average
truck establishment is to have a
working arrangement with the manu-
facturer OF the truck operated by the
fleet company, for systematic regular
inspections by that company'S repre-
sentatives. The bigger truck COM
panies are not only giving this serv-
ice. but are advising their custom
ers TO utilize their services in making
frequent inspections to keep the truck
up TO the highest point Of efficiency.
The various companies make differ
ent arrangements for such inspec
tions. and TO tell what these SYSTEMS
are would be unfair to the selling
organizations and systems OF the
manufacturers II can be said, how
ever. that the truck companies will
cooperate gladly with the fleet own
er in the making OF a detailed regular
systematic inspection OF the entire
vehicle.
BOnEus System Splendid.
To take up the hrst OF the inspec-
ton systems that by the driver. The
driver, under a bonus system, will be
under A strong incentive TO keep his
truck operating efficiently and with
a minimum Of repair costs. To do so
means constant cleaning OF moving
parts. a regular looking over his ma
chine when he has a few moments
time. and the making OF such minor
repairs az he can DO with q light set
OF tools
Tho driver can be counted upon il
there iE well-worked out bonus sys-
tom TO try 10 keep his truck in the
best possible condition. both from the
standpoint OF appearance and me-
ehanical efficiency. The mere incl
dent OF q clean and good looking
truck is worth moro to the feet own
sr than the bonus system will cost
him. 4 clean. good looking truck is
4 rolling advertisement for the fleet.
The truck which is muddy, dirty and
not kept in good shape is at a glance
q bad advertisement for the company
which IL operating the vehicle. To
use the body OF the truck to carry in
good looking colors and letters an
advertisement for the company Ia q
money maker The shippsS will be
glad 10 use the truck which looks az
though itS operator was trying TO |
keep hts plant in good shape. II il |
pTlma tacie eVldence that the truck /
will he In condition TO deliver prop |
erly and quickly the load consigned |
to IT.
should ne . Rolling "Ad."
The truck. therefore. should be |
made 4 rolling Advertisement for its
fset by tho offering OF inducements
TO its driver to keep Il so. This work /
by the driver includes such matters
as lubrication, proper greasing OF all
parts Of the vehicle. in addition to
The hrSt question Of cleanliness. A
-lesn truck is not only a good Look
ing vehicle but it is a machine which
Is Ices likely TO get out OF order. II
: truck IL clean II will show to the
iriver IN an instant any part OF the
machine which is~ threatening to