“Relationships are important,” says Michael DeCaro Sr., president of DeCaro Trucking. “Our customers and suppliers are the reasons we’ve been successful.” Established in 1978 by DeCaro with a single cargo van used to deliver small packages to the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, Newark, N.J.-based DeCaro Trucking now fields 15 Hino straight trucks, six Mack CH tractors and a variety of trailers.
From its 11-door terminal, including two inside bays to accommodate 48-ft. trailers, DeCaro specializes in handling airfreight from New York City’s major airports. It also offers expedited pick-up and delivery service for time-sensitive freight, as well as hauls of ocean containers from nearby ports.
Long-term support
DeCaro attributes a large part of his company’s growth and success to service it has received since 1979 from Franks Truck Center (Hino of Bergen County) in Lyndhurst, N.J. “The length of time we’ve done business with them speaks for itself,” he states. “Their sales and service departments have always been there to support us.”
The first Hino trucks to join the DeCaro Trucking fleet were 2008 models. Growth led to the addition of one 2010 model. Currently, after three years and 120,000 miles of service, the 2008s are being replaced by 2012 model year vehicles.
“We have had to keep some of our 2008 Hinos a bit longer than originally planned because the earthquake and 
tsunami in Japan last March disrupted the supply of new trucks,” DeCaro explains. “We never considered looking at other vehicles, though. These trucks have proven to be the best medium-duty models for our operation, for the price and the five-year/250,000-mile warranty coverage.”
Standard equipment
All of DeCaro’s Hinos are Model 338 Class 7 trucks. The 2012s on order are 33,000-lb. GVW models with Hino’s EPA 2010 certified J08E series 8-liter diesel engine rated at 260 HP and 660 ft./lbs. of torque, 13% more torque than previous versions. Standard equipment includes Allison automatic transmissions and and exhaust brakes.
DeCaro trucks also are fitted with 24-ft. Morgan dry freight bodies with roll-up rear doors. The bodies feature aluminum side and roof panels, steel I-beam sub frames, a laminated hardwood floor and plywood interior wall linings.
Maxon Tuk-A-Way liftgates are also standard on the DeCaro truck fleet. The 2,500- to 3,000-lb. capacity gates are designed so the platform folds and stows under the body for use at loading docks and extends for curb delivery and pickup operations. The model in use at DeCaro features a torsion-assisted flip-over system for the wedge platform, ¼-in. thick diamond plate extension plates, and a weather-sealed pump box.
Informed choices
“We monitor the performance and cost effectiveness of our vehicles closely and use that information to make informed specification decisions,” DeCaro relates. “We constantly monitor fuel efficiency, for example, as well as maintenance costs. In both those cases, Hino trucks and the service from the dealer have been very competitive.”
Handling all maintenance for the DeCaro truck fleet is Hino of Bergen County (Franks Truck Center). The dealership, which has been in the truck business since 1930, provides preventive maintenance and repairs, paint and body services, towing and road service, alignment services, federal and state inspections and a machine shop. Its 30 service bays are staffed by ASE-certified technicians, including specialists in truck engine and drivetrain repairs.
“It’s all about quality products and the service behind them,” DeCaro says. “We’ve had many of the same customers for over 30 years and many of the same suppliers, as well. Those relationships are worth a lot to us as we strive to provide a full service package of transportation to our customers.” 
DeCaro Trucking Truck Specifications
Model: Hino Model 338, Class 7; 33,000 lbs. GVW
Body: Morgan dry freight
Liftgate: Maxon Tuk-A-Way
Engine: Hino J08E series 8-liter diesel; 260 HP; 660 ft./lbs. of torque
Transmission: Allison 2500RDS six-speed automatic
Front Axle: MFS-12 series reversed Elliot I beam, 12,000-lb. capacity
Front Suspension: taper-leaf springs, shock absorbers
Power Steering: TRW
Rear Axle: RS21-145 series, full-floating, single reduction, single-speed, 21,000-lb. capacity
Rear Suspension: semi-elliptic main springs
Brakes: full air, dual circuit, “S” cam type, automatic adjustment; antilock brake system
Parking Brake: spring brake
Exhaust Brake: electric-pneumatic
Batteries: (2), parallel connection; 1,200 CCA
Alternator: Delco 130 amp
Starter: Denso
Tires: 295/75R22.5
Wheels: Alcoa polished aluminum
Lighting: Truck-Lite LED
