Atlantic hurricane season officially began this month; the six-month storm season runs through June 1 – November 30. The arrival of hurricane season, which comes on the heels of the severe weather which affected a number of states and resulted in historic flooding in Texas and Oklahoma, serves as a reminder to utilities and energy companies to ensure that their equipment is up-to-code and ready to handle severe weather. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane season will “likely be below-normal.” Despite the chance of a suppressed hurricane season, forecasters are still predicting a 70 percent likelihood of 6 to 11 named storms, 3 to 6 of which could become hurricanes (defined as storms with winds of 74 mph or higher), and up to 2 storms could be major hurricanes (defined as Category 3, 4 or 5 storms with winds of 111 mph or higher). There is also a 20 percent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season. According to NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, a below-normal season doesn’t mean coastal areas are “off the hook.” “As we’ve seen before, below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities,” she said. As hurricane season begins, electric and utility companies and co-ops are reminded of the importance of prepping their employees and their equipment for the possibility of severe storms. According to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), which represents 900 electric co-ops which provide power to customers…

Atlas Truck Sales, a leading supplier of reconditioned Bucket Trucks and Digger Derrick Trucks, has an immediate job opening in our mechanics department! The ideal candidate will have hydraulic experience, but it is not required. Atlas Truck Sales is a family-owned and operated business which has been operating out of Channelview, Texas, since 1989.  We treat our customers and our employees with the principles of family that we were founded on. We keep our business small, allowing less cost for customers and fostering a positive and productive work environment for our personnel. To learn more about the position, please fax resumes to 281-452-0800 or call 281-452-6700.

The annual Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC), which brings together fleet representatives from investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors, will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center in Williamsburg, VA, from May 31 – June 3. The Conference, which draws together fleet executives from over 60 companies across the United States, Canada and South America, is a two-day, interactive program which features presentations by industry experts, manufactures and fleets. Held every year since 1953, the EUFMC aims to provide a unique, open atmosphere where utility fleet professionals can view the latest fleet products and technologies and engage in open, roundtable discussions which promote transparency and cooperation between manufactures, suppliers, and fleet professionals. More than 250 representatives from over 100 manufacturers and service providers attend EUFMC annually. This year, the conference will focus on Fleet Strategies to Maximize Total Company Performance, and will feature keynote speaker Jim Piro, the president and chief executive officer of Portland General Electric (PGE). Topics to be covered at the EUFMC General Session include fleet electrification, safety, telematics, fleet standards for aerial equipment, and fleet finances, among others. The event also features a drive-through utility equipment demonstration and an equipment show with over 60 displays. Atlas Truck Sales: A Leading Provider of Utility Fleet Equipment Atlas Truck Sales is a leading provider of utility fleet equipment, including reconditioned digger trucks and bucket trucks, located in Channelview, Texas. We maintain one of the cleanliest inventories in the business, offer competitive pricing, and pride…

Digger Derrick trucks are used for a number of different applications across a variety of industries, including construction, power line, electrical, utility and telecommunications. Essentially a crane truck (boom truck) fitted with an auger for drilling; Digger Derrick trucks are versatile, cost-effective trucks that can increase productivity at your job site. Benefits of owning a Digger Derrick truck include: Versatility Digger Derrick trucks are extremely versatile pieces of equipment. Crane trucks mounted with augers for drilling into the ground, Digger Derrick trucks can perform any job a standard boom truck can perform, including replacing utility poles, trimming trees and working on power lines. Additionally, the mounted auger means these trucks can perform tasks which traditional boom trucks cannot, including boring into the ground and digging holes for concrete foundations. Productivity The versatility of a Digger Derrick truck also makes it one of the most productive pieces of equipment available on the market. Because a Digger Derrick truck can double as a standard boom truck, it reduces the amount of equipment needed on a site, both increasing cost savings and eliminating the time it takes to substitute equipment during tasks. Digger Derrick trucks also reduce the need for manual labor when breaking ground, and can drill through hard rock quickly and efficiently, upping the productivity at the job site. Safety Digger Derrick trucks are relatively easy pieces of machinery to operate once proper safety courses and certifications have been completed. Additionally, the trucks eliminate the risks associated with other means of…

This February our featured truck is Bucket Truck #7371! A 2005 Ford F550 truck fitted with a Terex  HR37M boom, Bucket Truck #7371 is a high-quality, versatile bucket truck capable of performing light- and medium-duty applications. This powerful Ford model features a fiberglass body, beacons, spotlights, and A/C, and is mounted with a boom with a working height of 42’. With 116,000 miles and a selling price of $37,900, Bucket Truck #7371 is one of the best models on the market. Check it out at our Channelview location today before it’s gone! Atlas Truck Sales specializes in the sale of high-quality reconditioned Bucket Trucks and Digger Derrick Trucks. Visit us today to find the truck that’s best for your business.