PENN TWP — Moving product from one location to another often requires various modes of transportation.

However, one method is most commonly used in hauling goods — trucks.

“It’s a key part of the system,” said Tad London, human resources manager for McClymonds Supply and Transit in Portersville.

McClymonds operates more than 450 trucks at its different businesses. It also owns barges and rail cars for hauling needs.

London said, like trains, ships and airplanes, tractor-trailers and other trucks offer specific advantages in getting goods from one place to another.

“It’s quick and it’s versatile,” he said. “Our road system connects a lot of points.”

London last month presented information on trucking to the Boy Scouts at Hunter Truck Sales headquarters in Penn Township. It was part of a truck transportation merit badge the scouts were seeking, and his lesson included a tour of the tractor-trailer shop.

He spoke about the extensive maintenance needed to keep trucks running safely and cost effectively.

Perhaps the most important part of that is preventive maintenance.

“Our trucks come in once every two weeks for service,” London said. “They also have an annual inspection.”

Regular oil changes and grease work are vital to keeping the big trucks operating properly.

London said preventive maintenance is always cheaper and safer than waiting for a problem to grow worse.

“We want to catch the little stuff before it becomes big stuff,” he said.

Durability is important since the cost of a truck engine is about $30,000.

The overwhelming majority of trucks used for hauling run on diesel engines.

Diesels have the power and torque needed to haul heavy loads, London said.

“They also last longer and require less maintenance,” he added. “They’re more reliable — 150,000 miles on a truck means it’s just broken in.”

London said it is not uncommon for a truck to have 500,000 miles on it before needing any major components replaced.

Gasoline engines, more commonly found in passenger vehicles, typically begin to reach their life span at 200,000 miles.

Gas engines are cheaper to manufacture, London said, and also offer convenience due to the number of gasoline stations.

“You will find yourself low on fuel, looking for a place to fill up, and you will find a station with no diesel,” London told the scouts.

London stressed the importance of safety in the business.

“Safety is critically important,” he said.

London said truck accidents cost a company about $91,000 on average.

Mechanical repairs, traffic fines, insurance claims and freight cost account for the costs of an accident.

“It adds up,” London said.

To help reduce the likelihood of an accident, London said companies aim to keep rigs well maintained.

London said trucks can be used to ship a variety of products in large quantity.

“You can put just about anything in a truck,” he said.

While trains and ships can haul a large amount of cargo, their destinations are limited to rail lines and sea ports.

Airplanes, which are great for getting goods across the world quickly, also are limited by the need for an airport and they cannot carry large amounts of goods.

London said planes, trains and ships can move products great distances quickly, but trucks are needed for local deliveries.