Anyone who has ever driven a truck knows that even though a truck operates much in the same manner as an automobile, the size of a truck means that it usually needs specialized equipment when it comes to truck repair.
If you have the technical and mechanical know-how of a truck engine, both diesel, and gasoline, you may want to consider starting your own truck repair shop. Open a shop that carries out all types of work related to a truck. Or you can also specialize in only one type of repair, such as only dealing with diesel truck engines.
Starting a truck repair shop is not an overnight process. No matter what idea you have in your mind of how your dream truck shop should look, there are many details that you simply cannot overlook.
The most important factor to consider when starting a truck repair shop is the layout of the shop to ensure both safety and productivity. Here are some key features to consider when starting a truck repair shop.
- Clean and Safe Environment
Before you select your location and start your shop, the basics to remember is that the layout of any truck repair shop should be such that it maximizes safety and productivity.
At the same time, it is essential to provide a clean and comfortable environment for your technicians to work in. After all, a well-organized shop makes a positive impression on your customers.
- Finding the right location
When searching for a location to set up your truck shop, look for a site that provides easy access to your customers. For example, if you are going to offer services to large trucks, you will need a building that has a ceiling and doors that are tall enough to let the trucks into the shop easily.
Ensure to get all building permits if you are constructing a new building and make sure to meet the local zoning laws.
- Organizing the outside of your shop
You should keep the exterior of your shop clutter-free and organized to give it a clean and welcoming look. If your compressors are located outside to manage the noise levels, place them at the back or side of the building instead of in the front. Even outside, make sure that the noise does not trouble others.
Any equipment placed outside should be out of the way to avoid any tripping hazards. Reduce congestion in the workspaces and reception area to allow your team to work comfortably.
- Proper Equipment Storage
One of the biggest investments you will make while starting your truck shop is in the equipment. You might even end up spending more money on your equipment and machinery than on the rent or mortgage of the building.
Remember that you need proper storage space to keep all the equipment out of the way. For example, if you don't have a proper storage area for the 1/2" flange bolts, they are likely to disappear in no time and can end up being a tripping hazard. Even the Grade 8 Hex Flange Bolts, Flange Nuts Laser Cut Steel Weld and Fender Washers, and other such items have to be stored away properly.
These may appear to be small items, but the fact is that the cost of these items may quickly pile up. This is why it is a good idea to purchase these items, and others, from a reliable components retailer like TabZone.
The same applies to linkage components as well. After all, you need to have good parts to provide the best servicing to the trucks that come into your shop. Alloy steel rod ends, cup kits, jam nuts, precision bearings, and many other parts have to be stored correctly to ensure everything can be found easily when the part is required.
- Pay attention to the Lighting
Good lighting will prove to be your lifeline. You cannot work without proper lighting. Of course, while natural lighting is best, you still need to pay attention to adding the right interior lights. Instead of placing a few large, bright lights, think of installing smaller LED lights at closer intervals throughout the shop. Make sure that shadows are not cast from pillars and equipment.
When it comes to natural lighting, plan your space in such a way that you can install skylights in the ceiling. Putting full-length doors that have lots of windows will allow lots of natural light to fill your work area. Along with this, painting the walls white will help reflect natural light even on rainy days, thus brightening up the shop and also lowering your electricity bills.
- Clean, clean, clean
This is the most important thing about running a truck repair shop and one that cannot be emphasized enough. You should have the right cleaning supplies and make sure to store them properly.
Keep all mops, brooms, cleaning chemicals, and rags in a handy place. It is equally necessary to train your technicians to put away all their equipment after finishing work and to clean up their workspace. If your team does not pay proper attention to this, you will frequently find small parts like 1/2" flange bolts running around the shop floors.
Starting a truck repair shop involves a lot of work and investment. One of the key expenses while starting your truck repair shop are the equipment. Having a reliable equipment provider like TabZone Chassis Components will help you procure all the necessary items at affordable rates. And the best part is that you can find all the items you need in one place itself.
From brackets, tabs, axle fabrication, linkage components, machined parts, off-road car parts, exhaust flanges, 1/2" flange bolts, and much other hardware stuff can be purchased from TabZone.
So go ahead and open your truck repair shop without having to worry about where you will get the necessary equipment and parts from.