Tractor-trailer rigs are very expensive haulers that are a major investment for all shipping companies or owner-operators. The cost of purchasing and maintaining tractors is a primary reason that many companies actually prefer to contract with owner-operators as opposed to hiring them as employees to drive company rolling stock. Not only are the shipping companies not responsible for upkeep regarding the rig in most agreements, but they save in terms of employment benefits as well. However, some shipping companies also see the benefits of purchasing new big rigs both in terms of safety and operational efficiency in avoiding seriously devastating truck accidents.
Modern safety advantages
One improvement that truck manufacturers constantly apply in designing new trucks is safety enhancement. There is no such concept of too much safety, and especially when it helps avoid loss of life and cargo when major motor vehicle accidents occur. Technological improvements in braking and suspension systems are vital to truck safety, and older rigs commonly fail in both respects when they are involved in accidents.
Improves company bottom line
While it is indeed expensive to upgrade a fleet of tractors, the cost of deadly and avoidable truck accidents is an absolute loss for the shipping company as well. Even when financial resources must be obtained through a lending institution, the cost, in the long run, is typically lower in addition to making the highways safer for all motorists.
Big-rig tractor-trailers are easily the largest vehicles on any highway system, and safety is always of the utmost concern for both government agencies and shipping companies. This also applies to manufacturers and product suppliers that maintain internal rolling fleets for product delivery. Older trucks are regularly involved in accidents, and rig age and condition regarding safety can be a major point of contention when cases are adjudicated in court.