If you ask ten different drivers which brands of semis are the best, you will likely get ten different answers. Everyone has their preferences and favorites, and every brand has pros and cons.
It’s important to evaluate the trucks for your fleet based on the needs of your company and your drivers. Talk to your drivers and find out what features are the most important to them. It may not be possible to keep every driver happy, but they will appreciate you asking for their input.
When comparing semi-truck brands for your fleet, consider the following factors:
Peterbilt is known as one of the most reliable and rugged semi truck brands, and it makes up about 13% market share.. Drivers and owners alike are drawn to Peterbilt because of their focus on fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. They focus on medium-duty trucks that have aluminum bodies. If your fleet is hauling a lot of heavy-duty loads (vehicles over 26,001 lbs), this brand may not be the perfect fit for you.
The Peterbilt brand is owned by PACCAR and offers the most alternative fuel options on the market. Their iconic logo can be found on a variety of trucker merchandise.
Freightliner is easily the most popular semi truck brand among both carriers and drivers. It is the best-selling brand in the industry, and the Freightliner Cascadia was reviewed very favorably by Smart-trucking.com. Freightliner dominates the market in the US, selling over 190,000 trucks per year.
Freightliner cabs are beautifully designed and have great fuel efficiency since the cabs are so aerodynamic. Freightliner also paid close attention to noise reduction in the cab, which is especially critical for many truckers who sleep in their cabs while driving OTR. Not to mention that their prices are lower in comparison to the competing Peterbilt and Kenworth models.
Freightliner Trucks is an American truck manufacturer and a division of Daimler Trucks North America. They manufacture several models and styles of commercial trucks from on-highway, medium-duty, severe duty, and natural gas vehicles. Soon they’ll be rolling out their new line of all-electric commercial vehicles.
While Freightliner, Peterbilt, and Kenworth are the most popular truck brands in America, Volvo and Mack trucks are also worth looking at when deciding which brands are right for your fleet.
Mack, Volvo’s class 8 truck manufacturer, is a very high quality brand. Their GuardDog Connect functionality helps drivers stay alert and awake on the road and ensures you get to your destination safely. Mack’s focus on safety, fuel efficiency, and new technology has sales on the rise, making it the second highest in sales behind Freightliner.
Worldwide, Volvo ranks second for heavy-duty truck manufacturers. They don’t get as much love in the US as their American competitors, but that doesn’t mean they lack quality. They are every bit as durable, safe, and fuel efficient as the American brands, and they have a proven track record on the international market.