The Ultimate Guide for Employers for a DOT Background Check

A person in front of a semi truck

DOT and FMCSA background check requirements are confusing. We get it. Is it a urine test? Or maybe it was a drug screening and physical? And what did the DOT say about 30 days: was it after or before my new hire starts working for me? If you’re anything like us, we had these questions […]

7 Tell-Tale Symptoms of a Failing or Bad Intake Manifold Gasket

A mechanic opening the hood of a large semi-truck

You might not know it, but intake manifold gaskets are a vital part of every diesel truck operation. This one-of-a-kind part acts as the connection point between the manifold and the engine block. The intake manifold gasket forms a seal between these two components. The gasket helps maintain proper engine performance. When it fails, engine […]

What Are The Best Trucks to Buy Used in 2023 (A Buyer’s Guide)?

A pickup truck rounding a corner on a sunny patch of highway

When it comes time to manage your fleet, which pickup trucks stand the test of time? Which won’t leave a dent in your wallet? Whether new or used, fleet vehicle repairs can cost a pretty penny (Data proves it). Managing and finding the best used pickup trucks for your fleet can be a real challenge. […]

What’s the Best Semi Truck (and Truck Brand) for My Fleet?

A fleet of semi trucks all lined up.

Congratulations! If you’re thinking about the best semi trucks, chances are you’re considering investing in one. Whether you have a solid nest egg to sit on or are exploring your options, a question comes up. How do you know what the best semi-truck brands and semi trucks are in the trucking industry? With so many […]

11 Key Safety Tips For Truck Drivers (To Come Home Safe)

A person standing and smiling in front of an open MAN semi-truck

46,270: the number of estimated traffic fatalities that occurred in the United States in 2022. According to Statista, that number is eclipsed only by 2021’s record-setting high of nearly 47,000 traffic deaths. With more than 330 million people living in the United States today, there are more vehicles than ever on today’s roads. That means […]

Your Definitive Guide to the Best Truck Stops in America

Island-infused tropical-looking truck stop

If you’re a courier, over-the-road driver, or the type of person who regularly logs loads of cross-country miles, you won’t want to start your next trip without taking a look at Certified Fleet Services’s definitive guide to the best truck and rest stops from coast to coast. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of […]

Engine Overhaul or Replace? How to Know When It’s Time to Do Each

A picture of an engine out of its chassis

Uh-oh. The check-engine light turned on. And the engine is jumping, sputtering, and smelling that funky gasoline smell again. This could mean you’re having issues with the engine in your vehicle. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, your engine might need a replacement or overhaul. What exactly is the difference between the two, though? And how […]

The Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) and Form Made Simple

Smiling truck mechanic pointing to a clipboard with a customer looking at the clipboard and smiling

Fleet managers and carriers have different responsibilities. That’s why they might not always see eye to eye. While they may not always agree on the best way to use these reports, they certainly can both agree on one thing: the driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) is crucial for running a safe, productive fleet. For all […]

Why Are They Called “Semi” Trucks? The Origin of the Name Explained

An bird's-eye view of a row of 5 primary-colored semi-trailer semi-trucks

We’re all business here at Certified Fleet Services. That means no jokes, no laughs, no human touch, and no fun. Any discussion about the origins of some of our services— semi-trucks included? Nope. Not doing it. Sorry, but not sorry. Just kidding. If you’re looking for a team that has extensive knowledge of fleet vehicles […]

Drivers: Must-Know Warning Signs That Your Transmission Has Problems

Mechanic opening hood on large semi truck

It’s late at night. You’re driving on the interstate with a cup of your favorite beverage when you start to feel a lurch. Your engine’s been doing that an awful lot lately. I know I didn’t plow through a patch of ice just now, because it’s the middle of July, you might be thinking. Why […]