What is the number 1 semi truck brand?

American truck brand

Freightliner Trucks is a US semi truck manufacturer.[1] Founded in 1929 as the truck-manufacturing division of Consolidated Freightways (from which it derives its name), the company was established in 1942 as Freightliner Corporation.[2] Owned by Daimler AG from 1981 to 2021, Freightliner is now a part of Daimler Truck subsidiary Daimler Truck North America (along with Western Star, Detroit Diesel, and Thomas Built Buses).[3]

Freightliner produces a range of vans, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks;[1] under its Freightliner Custom Chassis subsidiary, the company produces bare chassis and cutaway chassis for multiple types of vehicles. The company popularized the use of cabover (COE) semitractors, with the Freightliner Argosy later becoming the final example of the type sold in North America.

The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon (the city of its founding); vehicles are currently manufactured in Cleveland and Mount Holly, North Carolina and Santiago Tianguistenco and Saltillo, Mexico.[4]

Legal controversy

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As of December 2020, Freightliner is under a court order to improve safety, and was fined $30 million by the NHTSA after an investigation found that Freightliner had failed to recall dozens of known safety defects in its vehicles.[5] In 2019 alone Freightliner was forced to issue safety recalls 24 separate times by the NHTSA, and there have been over 100 recalls total on its flagship truck, the Cascadia. The Judge found that Freightliner had no system in place to track faults, and ordered $5 million of the fine be applied to upgrading outdated paper-based systems and converting to recall software used by other automakers for decades.[6]

As of May 2021 Freightliner has at least three open investigations against it for electrical issues, including several fires.[7]

Several weeks after the fine was issued by the NHTSA, Freightliner CEO Roger Nielsen was replaced by John O'Leary, a senior executive from Mercedes Benz trucks, and former CFO of their parent company Daimler Trucks.[8]

History

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Founding (1930s)

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Freightliner traces its roots to 1929; following the founding of Consolidated Freightways (CF) in Portland, Oregon, company founder Leland James set up a company division to produce semitractors for company use. Developed in a CF maintenance facility, Freightways Manufacturing used Fageol vehicles as a starting point for the design, placing the cab above the front axle. Shorter in length, the new Freightways truck allowed for CF to use a longer trailer and remain in compliance of the stringent length laws of the time.

In line with the company name, during the 1930s, Freightways Manufacturing began to brand its truck production under the "Freightliner" name. In addition to their shorter length, the trucks underwent weight reduction using aluminum instead of steel to maximize use of engine power (needed to climb mountain grades in the western United States).

In 1942, Leland James renamed Freightways Manufacturing as Freightliner Corporation; as part of the launch, the company debuts the first truck with an all-aluminum cab.[2] Shifting to military production during World War II, Freightliner resumed truck production in 1947.[2] In 1949, Freightliner sold its first vehicle outside of CF (to Portland-based forklift manufacturer Hyster); the vehicle is preserved in the Smithsonian collection in Washington, D.C.[9][10]

As it largely existed as a subsidiary of a trucking company, Freightliner sought to establish a distribution network for its product line, allowing for higher production volumes and reduced costs. In 1951, Freightliner entered into an agreement with White Motor Company of Cleveland, Ohio.[11] One of the largest truck manufacturers in the United States at the time, White sold Freightliner COEs under the "White Freightliner" co-branding (all vehicles produced for CF were Freightliners).

In 1953, Freightliner introduced a cab with an overhead-mounted sleeper (further shortening the cab).[12] The first-generation "shovelnose" cab was retired for 1954 in favor of the taller, flatter "WFT" design; as an option, a "Mountaineer" 4x4 system was offered.[12]

For 1958, the cab design was updated to tilt forward 90 degrees, increasing access to the engine.[12]

1960s

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White Freightliner WFT

To reduce import tariffs imposed by Canada (later removed by Auto Pact), Freightliner opened its first Canadian manufacturing facility in 1961, in Burnaby, British Columbia.[13] To increase production in the United States, assembly plants were opened in Chino, California and Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1969, a second facility was opened in Portland for parts production.

1970s

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1974-1976 White Freightliner WFC120 Freightliner FLT cabover (1976–1986)

White Motor Company became troubled in the 1970s. Expansion into appliances and agricultural equipment consumed capital without producing a return, and the relationship with Consolidated Freightways became frayed. In 1974, the distribution agreement was terminated, and Freightliner Corp. began life as a freestanding manufacturer and distributor. Many of the first dealers were from the White Motor Co. network, but some entrepreneurs also signed up to represent the trucks without the White Motor Co. franchise as a complement.

At the same time, the company introduced its first conventional model, an adaptation of the high COE mainstay product. High COEs accounted for well over 50% of the US market in those days, owing to overall length regulations that limited the bumper-to-taillight dimension of a semitrailer unit to 55 ft on interstate highways. Conventionals were popular on western roads due to more convenient ingress/egress, better ride, and easier access to the engine for servicing.

In 1979, a new plant in Mount Holly, North Carolina, and a parts manufacturing plant in Gastonia, North Carolina, were constructed, both in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Volumes continued to increase.[14]

The year 1979 marked a consequential event in the evolution of Freightliner, and of the whole trucking and truck manufacturing industries. President Carter signed bills into law deregulating transport both on the ground and in the skies. Deregulation changed the economics of trucking and removed the system of regulated carriage that protected carriers, instead allowing more competition.

1980s

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a Freightliner FLC-120 A Pushed back axle Freightliner FLC-120 Freightliner FLC-112

Three years later, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 relaxed weight and length standards and imposed a new excise tax on heavy trucks and the tires they use. No longer was the overall length of semitrailer combinations restricted; rather, only the trailer was specified, to be not greater than 53 ft in length. Individual states retained more restrictive overall length laws, but fundamentally, the rules had changed forever.

Consolidated Freightways, a traditional, unionized carrier that flourished in the era before deregulation, realized it was in a fight for its life. In May 1981, it sold its truck manufacturing business and the Freightliner brand to Daimler-Benz, allowing it to concentrate its management attention and financial resources on its traditional trucking business. Around this time, the Chino and Indianapolis plants were closed permanently.[15] Consolidated Freightways continued carrier business until 2002, when it ceased operation on Labor Day weekend.

In 1985 Freightliner introduced a new Medium Conventional series (FLC112), using the passenger portion of the cabin from the then recently introduced Mercedes-Benz LK. Mercedes cabins gradually became used for a number of Freightliner trucks. In 1989, Freightliner acquired a standing plant in Cleveland, North Carolina, near Statesville, that had been producing transit buses for German manufacturer MAN.

1990s

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Freightliner FLD 112 Freightliner FLA COE

In 1991, parent company Daimler-Benz withdrew from the medium-duty truck segment, shifting its presence to Freightliner. Serving as the replacement for the aging Mercedes-Benz L1117, the Business Class made its debut. Also called the FL series, the Business Class was a downsized version of the FLC112, sharing its cab with the Mercedes-Benz LKN cabover. Along with a lighter GVWR, the FL was given a shorter hood with two headlights. The first all-new entry in the medium-duty market in over a decade, the model line met with success.

Another pronounced downturn in the industry's fortunes necessitated drastic measures to restore Freightliner to financial health, and Dieter Zetsche, now the chairman of Daimler-Benz's Board of Management, was dispatched to lead the project as CEO. The Burnaby assembly plant was closed, replaced by a new facility in St. Thomas, Ontario. Cost reduction programs across the company restored profitability when the market rebounded. Significantly, production also commenced in Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico, about 30 miles (48 km) outside Mexico City, in a plant owned by Daimler-Benz. At that time, the plant was also producing buses, Brazilian-designed medium-duty trucks, and compact Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

Following the introduction of the medium-duty Business Class, Freightliner saw further evolution to its model range. For 1996, the company introduced the Freightliner Century Class, its first completely new Class 8 conventional in over 20 years. A year later, the company began production of cowled bus chassis, with the FS-65 derived from the medium-duty Business Class. For 1999 production, the Freightliner Argosy debuted; directly replacing the FLB, the Argosy consolidated four previous Freightliner COEs into a single model range. The first clean-sheet COE design from Freightliner since the Daimler acquisition, the Argosy largely eliminated the engine intrusion into the cab, sharing many body components and electronics with the Century Class conventional. In 1997, Freightliner acquired the truck-producing division of the Ford Motor Company and rebranded it as Sterling.[16]

In 1999, Freightliner built its one-millionth vehicle. The Century Class conventional model family was expanded, adding the Columbia conventional.[17] While sharing the same cab structure, the Columbia is developed primarily for fleet applications (though both model lines become popular with owner-operators).[17]

Company diversification

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The 1990s were a busy era for truck manufacturers in general, and for Freightliner in particular, under the leadership of flamboyant James L. Hebe, a former Kenworth sales executive who joined the company in 1989. During the decade, Freightliner made numerous acquisitions to further diversify itself:

1995 – Oshkosh Custom Chassis in Gaffney, South Carolina became Freightliner Custom Chassis, producing the underpinnings for walk-in vans used by companies such as UPS to deliver parcels and Cintas for uniform laundry services; diesel recreational vehicles; conventional school buses; and shuttle buses. The Oshkosh and Freightliner partnership has dissolved, and Oshkosh is no longer affiliated with Freightliner.[18]

1996 – American LaFrance was purchased; a 130-year-old manufacturer of fire apparatus, it was Mr. Hebe's first employer. American LaFrance had fallen on hard times and was moribund at the time of the acquisition. At the end of the year, Freightliner acquired the rights of the heavy-truck product lines of Ford Motor Company.

1997 – As a result of the Ford heavy-truck acquisition, Freightliner created Sterling Trucks (using a long-dormant nameplate once owned by White Motor Company). Intended primarily as vocational trucks, the Sterling product line consisted of rebranded versions of the Ford Louisville/AeroMax and Ford Cargo.

1998 – Freightliner acquires bus manufacturer Thomas Built Buses, based in High Point, North Carolina. Sterling-brand trucks entered production in St. Thomas, Ontario (sold concurrently with the final Ford heavy trucks).

2000s

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Freightliner Columbia (left) and Century Class (right) Freightliner Business Class M2 Freightliner Argosy

At the beginning of the 21st century, Freightliner was part of DaimlerChrysler, following the 1998 merger of its parent company with Chrysler; several changes in 2000 were made by the merged company that affected Freightliner. Canadian-based Western Star Trucks, a premium truck manufacturer was acquired in its entirety, giving Freightliner a third truck brand (along with assembly plants in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Ladson, South Carolina). Originally an entity of General Motors, DaimlerChrysler acquired Detroit Diesel, integrating its operations within Freightliner.

Coinciding with the fragile economy, Freightliner was awash in used trucks it could not sell; following the rapid expansion of the previous decade, Freightliner was left with multiple poor-performing operations outside of its core truck brand which was in decline in a poor economy. Seeking new leadership, DaimlerChrysler installed former company CFO to begin a turnaround for Freightliner. By 2002, the Kelowna Western Star plant was closed (shifting to Portland), along with a Thomas facility in Woodstock, Ontario (consolidating entirely to High Point).

For 2002, the Freightliner product line underwent multiple updates. For the medium-duty segment, Freightliner introduced a second generation of the Business Class, the Business Class M2, ranging from Class 5 to Class 8 severe-service conventionals. In place of the cab derived from Mercedes-Benz, the M2 was designed entirely by Freightliner. The Century Class model family was expanded further, debuting the Freightliner Coronado premium conventional. Styled similar to the FLD132 Classic XL, the Coronado shared its cab structure and technology with the Century Class and Columbia, marketed towards owner-operators.[19] In a further expansion of the vocational model line, the Freightliner Condor was introduced as the first low-entry COE; competing with the Autocar Xpeditor, the Condor was developed nearly entirely for refuse applications.[20]

In the early 2000s, the operations of Freightliner subsidiaries would undergo multiple changes. Following the acquisition of Western Star Trucks, Freightliner consolidated production of American LaFrance in the previous Western Star plant in Ladson, South Carolina; the attempt to integrate production of specialized emergency vehicles into a company noted for high volume production capabilities proved unworkable.[21][22] While remaining the fifth-largest manufacturer in the emergency vehicle segment, American LaFrance was sold in 2005 to private equity fund, with DaimlerChrysler retaining ownership of the Ladson factory.

For 2006, the Sprinter van underwent a redesign (for the first time); final assembly shifts to the former American LaFrance facility in Ladson, South Carolina. While sold nearly exclusively as a cargo van, the Freightliner Sprinter is also offered as a passenger vehicle (alongside Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters).

After 2006 production, Freightliner ended sales of the Argosy cabover in North America. The first company to produce a fully tilting cab, Freightliner was the final truck manufacturer in North America to offer a Class 8 cabover. The Argosy remains in production in North America, sold exclusively for export.

In the summer of 2007, DaimlerChrysler was split, with the Freightliner parent company reorganizing itself as Daimler AG. Freightliner begins production of trucks in Saltillo, Mexico. On January 7, 2008, Freightliner LLC was renamed Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA), operating as the parent company of the Freightliner Trucks brand, alongside Sterling, Western Star, Detroit Diesel, and Thomas Built Buses.[23][24]

For 2008, the company introduced Freightliner Cascadia, a new-generation Class 8 conventional. Intended as the successor to the Century Class and Columbia, the Cascadia consolidated the two model lines; while styled as a scaled-up M2, the Cascadia was optimized for fuel economy, safety, and reliability. Within the vocational model line, the Condor low-entry COE was discontinued.[20]

In 2009, Freightliner began production of natural gas versions of the Business Class M2 in its Mount Holly facility.[25] In March 2009, DTNA discontinued Sterling Trucks,[19] citing substantial model overlap with Freightliner and decreasing market share (in spite of multiple product launches).[26] The closure of Sterling also brought a closure of the St. Thomas plant.[27]

2010s

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Freightliner EconicSD

Following the closure of Sterling, the Freightliner model line underwent a transition. While the M2 remained unchanged, the FLD 120/132 Classic/Classic XL were discontinued for 2010; after the model year, the Columbia and Century Class were also discontinued (in North America). In line with the Argosy, production of the Century Class shifted entirely to export. The Coronado long-hood conventional was joined by the Coronado SD (developed primarily for vocational applications[28]).

In 2010, Freightliner introduced its first diesel-electric hybrid vehicle, based on a M2 106.[29]

Freightliner New Cascadia

For 2011, the company debuted the SD model family. Alongside the Coronado SD introduced the previous year, two new models were added, the 108SD and 114SD, derived from the M2 model family.[28] In 2012, Freightliner celebrated its 70th anniversary, unveiling the Revolution concept vehicle.[30] Constructed of carbon fiber and plastic, the cab featured a redesigned layout. Intended for use by a single driver, the passenger seat was replaced by a jumpseat (converting into a sleeper bed); to optimize trailer hookups, the design included a rear access door.[31] As a result of increased demand for the Cascadia, parent company DTNA announced plans in 2012 to expand its workforce at its Cleveland, NC facility.[32] Alongside the Cascadia, nearly 20% of trucks produced by the plant (including the Argosy and Century Class) were exported to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.[32]

Freightliner Cascadia

In 2013, Freightliner expanded its alternative-fuel lineup, adding a natural-gas version of the Cascadia.[25] Introduced as a premium option for the Cascadia, the Cascadia Evolution further enhanced aerodynamics and fuel economy (distinguished by its full rear wheel covers) and improved interior features. The Coronado was added to SD model family, renamed the 122SD.[33]

On August 22, 2014, the Cleveland plant built the 3 millionth vehicle of Daimler Truck North America, a 2015 Cascadia Evolution. At the time, Freightliner employed 2600 workers at the facility and 8000 employees in North Carolina.[34]

In May 2015, the Freightliner Inspiration was unveiled near Hoover Dam.[35] The first road-licensed autonomous semitruck,[35][36] the Inspiration was loosely based on a Cascadia. A Level 3 autonomous vehicle, the autonomous driving system was equated to the autopilot system of an airliner or a Tesla (requiring operator presence).[35]

For 2017 production, Freightliner introduced a second-generation Cascadia, adopting elements of the design from the Inspiration autonomous vehicle.[37]

For 2018, Freightliner debuted the EconicSD low-entry COE. Intended largely for refuse applications, the model line is an adaptation of the Mercedes-Benz Econic.[38]

In September 2019, parent company Daimler announced that it would be halting "its internal combustion engine development initiatives as part of its efforts to embrace electric vehicles."[39]

2020s

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As of May 2022, the MT-series step van (called MT50e) is available as an all-electric vehicle,[40] and so are school buses built on Freightliner's chassis. Also, the eCascadia, an all-electric semi-truck by Freightliner, was handed to customers for field tests in 2019, then officially premiered in May 2022.[41] An all-electric variant of the M2 box truck has undergone field tests. In 2022, Freightliner revealed an update for the M2 Business Class series.[42]

Models

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Models of Freightliner trucks over the decades have included:

Freightliner Class 8 Trucks Model Family Name Production Years Cab Configuration Notes WFT (White-Freightliner) 1958–1976 Cabover/COE

• WFC (White-Freightliner)

• WFC 120

1974–1976 Conventional First White-Freightliner conventional

120-inch BBC

• FLA-Series

• FLA
• FLA 104
• FLA 104 64
• FLA 75
• FLA 7542T
• FLA 8662
• FLA 8664T
• FLA 9664
• FLA 9664T

c.

 1987

– 1997 Cabover/COE

• FLB-Series

• FLB
• FLB 100 42T
• FLB 104 64
• FLB 9664

c.

 1987

– 1997 Cabover/COE

• FLT-Series

• FLT
• FLT 6442
• FLT 9664
• FLT 7564

1976–1986 Cabover/COE Largely the same as WFT COE, renamed to reflect the discontinuation of White Motor Company distribution. FLL-Series 1976 – c.

 2000

Low-entry COE Low-cab forward COE, intended for vocational applications.[43] Argosy

• North America: 1998–2006
• Global: 1998–2020

Cabover/COE COE derived from C-Series structure

• FLC-Series

• FLC
• FLC 120
• FLC 120 64
• FLC 120 64 T
• FLC 120 84

1977–1987 Conventional Model update in 1984

Setback axle version produced 1984-1987

FLC112 is unrelated, part of Business Class

• FLD-Series

• FLD
• FLD 112
• FLD 120 42 S
• FLD 120 64 ST
• FLD 120 64 T
• FLD 120 HD
• FLD 120 SD
• FLD 120 SFFA
• FLD 132 64T Classic XL
• FLD-SD
• FLD 120

1987–2010 Conventional "Aerodynamic" conventional with skirted sides and curved bumpers and fenders.[44] 112 and 120-inch BBCs

Classic series (using FLC hood) introduced in 1990 (see below)

FLD SD (severe-duty) is equipped with "Classic" (non-aerodynamic) hood and fenders

• Classic Series

• Classic
• Classic XL

1990–2010 Conventional FLD-based conventional with "traditional" hood design.[44]

Classic = 120inch BBC

Classic XL = 132-inch BBC

Replaced by Coronado

• C-Series

• Century Class (C120)

• Century Class
• Century Class S/T
• Columbia (CL120)

• Coronado (CC132)

• Coronado SD
• 122SD

• Cascadia (CA125)

• Cascadia Evolution
• New Cascadia
• eCascadia

1996–present Conventional Replaced FLD-Series in multiple phases

Century Class and Columbia replaced FLD 120

Coronado replaced Classic/Classic XL (FLD 120 SFFA/ FLD 132)

Cascadia (2008) replaces both Century Class and Columbia; second generation of model line

New Cascadia (2017) is third generation of model line.

eCascadia is the electric variant

• SD-Series

• 108SD AB
• 114SD AB
• 114SD AF

2011–present Conventional Severe-service/vocational variants of the M2 Business Class

Also includes 122SD (Coronado since 2013)

Freightliner Medium-Duty (Class 5–7) Trucks Model Family Name Production Years Cab configuration Notes

• Business Class (FL-Series)

• FLC112
• FL50
• FL60
• FL70
• FL80
• FL106
• FL112

1985–2007 Conventional First-generation Business Class, shares cab with Mercedes-Benz LKN Condor 2001–2013 Low-cab COE Developed nearly exclusively for refuse applications.

Also produced by Sterling Trucks and American LaFrance.

Available in a semi.

EconicSD 2018–present Low-entry Low-entry COE derived from Mercedes-Benz Econic COE

Replaces Condor

• Cargo

• FC70
• FC80

1999–2007 Low-cab COE Continuation of Ford Cargo production, adapted to FL-Series chassis

Also sold by Sterling (SC7000/SC8000)

• Business Class M2

• Business Class M2e Hybrid
• Business Class M2 106
• Business Class M2 112
• Business Class M2 106V
• Business Class M2 112V

2001–present



2001–2011 Conventional Second-generation Business Class, Freightliner-designed cab
M2 106 - 106-inch BBC
M2 112 - 112-inch BBC

106V and 112V replaced in 2011 by SD Series

Other Freightliner Vehicles Model Family Name Production Years Cab configuration Notes

• MT-Series

• MT-45
• MT-55
• MT50e

c.

 1995

– present Step-van chassis Produced by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation

MT50e is the electric variant

Freightliner Sprinter 2001–2021 Full-size van Badge-engineered version of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; first company to sell the model line in North America.

Sold as cargo van (completed in United States from CKD kits) and passenger van (imported from Germany).

Mercedes-Benz announced Freightliner Sprinter sales will be discontinued as of December 2021.[45] The Sprinter will continue production and sales through the Mercedes-Benz brand.

• FS-65

1996–2006 bus chassis Cowled bus chassis designed from the Business Class FL chassis; based on FL60 and FL70.

• S2

2001–present Cutaway-cab/chassis Cutaway cab version of Business Class M2 10.

• C2

2003–present bus chassis School bus chassis designed for the Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 body.

See also

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References

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Media related to Freightliner vehicles at Wikimedia Commons

7 Largest Semi Truck Manufacturers In The US

The largest semi truck manufacturers in North America include: Daimler Trucks North America, PACCAR Inc, Navistar International Corporation, and Volvo Trucks North America.

However, these four leading manufacturers in the world make up the country’s top 7 heavy duty truck brand names.

Below is a brief overview of the top USA heavy duty truck manufacturers with links to their current models.

Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturers

Daimler Trucks North America

Daimler is most famous for their automotive division that makes Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz AMG, and Maybach. However, their truck lineup in the US is no slouch either. Daimler Trucks of North America makes Freightliner and Western Star trucks. They also made Sterling trucks that were discontinued in 2009. Freightliner is currently the largest producer of heavy duty vehicles in the country.

Brief Freightliner History

Freightliner was founded in 1942 by Leland James in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company initially focused on producing trucks for the military during World War II.

After the war, they transitioned to building commercial trucks. In the 1980s, Freightliner introduced the first aerodynamically designed cab, which significantly improved fuel efficiency.

Today they make electric trucks, medium duty, natural gas, on highway, and severe duty trucks.

Freightliner marked its 80th anniversary in 2022.

Freightliner On Freightliner trucks.

“Since Freightliner began manufacturing lightweight and durable trucks in 1942, our continuing commitment to innovation, technology and responsive customer relationships has made Freightliner one of the most respected names in the industry. “

For a look at their current lineup of semi trucks click here.

For a current look at the CharterTrucks.com used Freightliner inventory click here.

Brief Western Star History

Western Star Trucks started operation in 1967 and called Cleveland, Ohio their home. The trucks are manufactured in Canada. By the turn of the century, Western Star was purchased by Daimler and moved its headquarters to Portland Oregon.

Western Star is best known for making trucks that serve the vocational industry.

Western Star On Western Star Trucks

“The moment you put one in gear you get it: Western Star trucks mean business; these trucks were born to work.”

For a look at their current lineup of semi trucks click here.

For a current look at the CharterTrucks.com used Western Star inventory click here.

PACCAR Inc. Trucks

Paccar Inc. is a heavy duty truck manufacturer that produces both Peterbilt and Kenworth semi trucks.

Peterbilt and Kenworth have a storied history in the trucking industry. Both brands are well known for producing some of the most iconic and reliable heavy duty models to grace our highways and construction sites.

Brief Peterbilt History

Peterbilt Motors Company was founded in 1939 in Oakland, California, by T.A. Peterman. The company started by building customized truck bodies on existing truck chassis. However, in 1939, they introduced their first conventional-style semi truck, which set the stage for their iconic design.

For a look at their current lineup of semi trucks click here.

For a current look at the CharterTrucks.com used semi truck Peterbilt inventory click here.

Peterbilt on Peterbilt Trucks

“Peterbilt products and services incorporate leading technologies. By working with world-class supplier partners, Peterbilt leverages industry expertise to design and manufacture advanced vehicles, vehicle systems, powertrain components, hardware and software, all fully integrated to deliver outstanding performance and value.”

Brief Kenworth Semi Truck History

Kenworth is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2023.

The Kenworth Truck Company was founded in Seattle, Washington, by brothers George T. and Louis Gerlinger, Junior. Kenworth trucks are often characterized by their distinctive grilles and customizable features.

Their headquarters are in Kirkland, Washington.

Kenworth on Keworth Trucks

“Since 1923, our customers’ toughest transportation challenges are what brings out the best in Kenworth.”

For a look at their current lineup of semi trucks click here.

For a current look at the CharterTrucks.com used Kenworth inventory click here.

Navistar International Corporation

Navistar is best known for its International brand of trucks, which offers a diverse range of trucks for various applications and industries.

Brief International SEMI Truck Manufacturing History

International Trucks, officially known as International Truck and Engine Corporation, is a brand that has been associated with several companies over the years.

International began in 1902 when the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company started producing motor trucks. The company eventually evolved into International Harvester Company (IHC) and became known for producing a wide range of agricultural and commercial vehicles. In the 1980s, the truck division became Navistar International Corporation, focusing on trucks and engines.

International on International Truck Brand

“Uptime isn’t only about building trucks that stay on the road. It’s about building trucks that drivers want to drive.”

For a look at their current lineup of semi trucks click here.

For a current look at the CharterTrucks.com used International inventory click here.

Volvo Trucks North America

While a Swedish company, Volvo Semi Truck is a notable player in the North American truck market. Volvo Trucks of North America produces both Volvo and Mack trucks.

Brief Volvo SEMI Truck History

In February 1928, the very first Volvo left the same assembly line – in a building near where the Volvo Trucks headquarters are located today. The story of Volvo isn’t just about the process of building, creating, developing, and refining our vehicles, It is also a story about the development of the truck in general.

Volvo on Volvo Truck Brands

“Our core values, quality, safety, and environmental care have been guiding us from the start – and they continue guiding us into the future.”

For a look at their current lineup of semi trucks click here.

For a current look at the CharterTrucks.com used Volvo inventory click here.

Brief Mack Semi Truck History

Mack Trucks was founded in 1900 by Jack and Gus Mack in Brooklyn, NY, and was originally known as the Mack Brothers Company.

The Mack Trucking Company has been producing heavy duty trucks for decades, but they may be best known for their iconic Bulldog logo and hood ornament.

Mack On Mack Trucks

“At Mack, we design, build and deliver the tools and services that support your business success and achieve the results you desire. When you succeed, so do we.”

For a look at their current lineup of heavy duty trucks click here.

Expect More Choices When It Comes To Heavy Duty Trucks

With the emergence of the electric truck, the truck industry is seeing more players entering into the heavy duty space. New class 8 commercial vehicles manufactured by Nikola and Tesla could disrupt the heavy duty trucks industry if they can gain adoption and market share.

If the electric truck becomes part of the mix, the trucking industry could see more choices. Questions remain on whether the new electric semi trucks can create a strong dealer network, whether electric motors can move heavy loads, or whether they will have the range and reliability the trucking business demands.

Only time will tell.