Will Semi Truck Grille Guards Prevent Downtime?

Automotive repair and maintenance are key aspects of the trucking and freight industry — and a truck that is not on the road or is down for repairs can cost as much as $448 – $760 per day according to some studies. Armed with this data, fleets are always looking for ways to prevent downtime, either with preventative maintenance or protective measures like grille guards. Trucking and freight companies interested in preventing downtime and protecting drivers and equipment want to know — will semi truck grille guards prevent downtime?

How Much Does Downtime Cost for Semi Trucks and Fleets?

Time is Money — as the saying goes.

It can be difficult to determine exactly how much downtime will cost for semi trucks and fleets — and the end result is based on multiple factors. Like we highlighted above, downtime for a trucking company can cost a significant amount of money based on lost revenue, parts and repair costs, operating costs, and additional hidden costs. Here is a breakdown of the potential costs associated with downtime in the trucking industry:

• Lost Revenue – When a truck is down for repairs or in the repair shop, it is not on the road and that means freight companies can miss out on profitable shipments.
• Repair Costs – The primary cost associated with downtime in the trucking industry are the repair costs. Labor and parts costs can add up with some technology-based components costing thousands of dollars. 
• Operating Costs – There are additional operating costs associated with trucking and freight operations that a fleet must still pay even if a truck is being repaired that include insurance, fuel costs, and driver wages.
• Additional Hidden Costs – The hidden costs associated with downtime can come from expired goods if a trucking company is responsible for fresh food, late delivery penalties, and upset customers that you may not be able to put a price on.

How Do Grille Guards Prevent Downtime?

Semi trucks are on the road each and every day and put thousands of miles on the odometer — which means there is potential for traffic collisions, animal strikes, road debris, and more that can cause damage that leads to downtime. Grille guards provide an extra layer of defense for key components of your truck — like the engine, radiator, and collision-avoidance systems — and select studies have shown that a high-quality grille guard can prevent towable damage by as much as 80%. A grille guard can prevent damage from animal strikes and prevent the need for major repairs, can protect against debris on the road, and can prevent major damage in the event of a traffic collision. With the added protection provided by a grille guard, truck companies and owner operators can minimize the damage in these events and prevent downtime.  

READ MORE: Do Grille Guards Affect Aerodynamics and Fuel Economy?

Many trucking and freight companies want to know — will semi truck grille guards prevent downtime? The answer is yes — but there are multiple factors involved that need to be considered when you examine the costs associated with downtime. Contact RIGGUARD today for more information on our high-quality grille guards manufactured in Neenah, WI!