Obviously enough, I'm very new here, but I have been reading intensely for a while. There is, no pun intended, "truckloads" of information about all of the various makes, models, companies and so forth. I'd like to continue with Thanks. Thanks to all that supply the wealth of info and share your knowledge. 550 and Bullhaulerswife are among my favorite reads. My hat's tipped to you both.

Now for a question... or two, perhaps three. lol

I've been reading, studying, researching, and so forth. From what I gather, nothing short of seat time will be more beneficial than all the reading in the world. Personally, I think a combo of both will work best, but my dilemma is this: New or Used (less than 500k)?

Everyone has different expectations of creature comfort, so let's take that out for a bit. Detroit being owned by FL, I guess you can't get a Detroit in anything other than an FL. Paccar is Paccar, so a isn't a 387 just a different looking t2000? What I'm getting at is this: If side by side, a Volvo and an FL for example, are both spec'd with the same Detroit, same tranny, and same rears, aren't they essentially the same truck with a different look? In theory, they should get the virtually the same mileage and be equally dependable, so am I being overly simplistic here or are they truly different?

Now, about looks: I love the look of the Classic trucks. I also love the look of a nice Harley, and only because it's not the bike for me, I wouldn't buy one, but I sure don't put them down just because I wouldn't own one. The point is, though I love the look of a 379 Pete, economically, they just don't make sense to me. When I'm home and hanging out with my kids, I won't care less what that truck "looks" like sitting at the shop. I'll care about the difference between 4.5-5 mpg and the supposed 7 mpg from the aero trucks. New or dependably Used, which makes more money? That's the real question I have. Thanks to all who read my rambling and more thanks to those choosing to answer.

Well to answer your question about the volvo vs freightshaker, i would choose the shaker. Reason being is there are more dealers around just in case you need a part, the electrical in the shaker is also better.

As far as classic vs. aero and the whole fuel millage thing is ridiculous, a 379 or a W9 can get 7mpg, mine is right now, the reason why you always hear the aero trucks are getting 7+ is because they are company trucks hauling 1 pallet in the trailer and are governed to 62mph! While 90% of the time a W9 or 379 is owned by a O/O who is running 70+mph and grossing 80k lbs to make any kinda money. TRUST ME ON THIS as i have friends who run volvos with isx's and shakers with detroits, when we run west doing 70+mph tugging 80k lbs we get the same millage, NO TRUCK WILL GET 7MPG DOING 70+MPH WITH 44K LBS IN THE BOX RUNNING OVER THE MOUNTAINS NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS!

Then come a nasty head wind in new mexico and i leave them sitting still while blowing smoke in their faces lol.

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LOAD EM LIKE RAIL CARS, DRIVE EM LIKE RACE CARS!!!!

LOL, yeah, I somehow figured that. On another bright note, I finished reading my DOT material and sat for the written exams here today, so now I have a permit at least. Hey, I did say I was new here...... Truth is I drove for a company that hauled gypsy wagons years ago and should've gotten my license grandfathered in when I could've but just didn't really think I'd need it. Oh well.... on to a road test....

Hey gotta start somewhere!

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LOAD EM LIKE RAIL CARS, DRIVE EM LIKE RACE CARS!!!!

Yo Dude, be Very Careful about what you consider "information". We all know what they say about opinions, and that what most of this "information" is...

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"Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday"

On the subject of fuel mileage, when will we know what the fuel mileage is on the new trucks. At this point all one can do is ask driver's what kind mpg their getting and evaluate from there. I've only been able to talk with a couple of driver's of the newer trucks that are suppose to get higher fuel mileage.

One guy L/O, out of Amarrilo, TX, hualing beef to CA, had a 2009 Volvo, 16L, automatic I, 12sp w/overdrive, said he was getting 7 at 70, and he said the truck wasn't broken yet. He discribed his truck and his runs as basicly a flat land. This was the highest I have heard. There were a couple other Volvo, L/O & O/O that said they were getting 6.5 - 7 mpg heavy loads.

I have only had the chance to talk with one Prostar driver because there new to the road. He was coming from GA. He said it had 45,000 miles on it and he was getting 7-7.5 mpg at 52-62 mph, and 6.5 + mpg at around 70 mph. This truck had a 40,000 lb load.

All a person can do is ask around. I guess a one won't really know until one drives the truck.

What they have to do is take millage and divide by gallons, them fancy computers are way off. I have a friend with a 630 volvo and a isx, he gets 5.2mpg running west. People who say 7mpg at 70mph with 44k lbs are full of shat, or are in denial especially with 08+ engines.

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LOAD EM LIKE RAIL CARS, DRIVE EM LIKE RACE CARS!!!!

Good morning all. The update goes like this: Drove with a friend of mine yesterday and hauled a load a short trip load of sod. Trucks have come a long, long way since I last spent time in one. I have my road test scheduled with the State for Thursday next week although it may happen sooner through a third party tester here a little closer to home.

The bigger news is through a friend of a friend sort of thing who found out about my upcoming licensing, I was offered a job yesterday, pending the outcome of the road test of course, with a small, family owned business located 10 miles from my house pulling refers regionally and hauling their products to their customers. The pay is very workable for the time being though not great, but the home time is outstanding as I'll only be away two nights a week. Everything else I can run out and back in 11 or less. I don't know if it's just the Irish in me or what, but I'm feeling real lucky, and blessed, at the moment.

Since the above was "off-topic" here's the "on-topic" part: I also ran across a truck. The current owner owns the farm where I keep horses. Due to my payment history of boarding fees etc, and the fact he doesn't market the truck correctly to sell it, the guy offered me the following truck and terms:

1999 Freightliner, Base Model FLD 120, Model 13204 according to the tell-tale sticker in the glove box, N-14 460 Cummins, Fuller 10spd Autoshift, Meritor 355 rears if memory serves, 70" raised roof sleeper, 265" wheel base with Air-Slide & virgin rubber all around. The truck has near 1m miles on it, but appears to be a good shape with no real evidence of damage I can see. It does have a clean Car-fax if that truly means anything. Anywho, the truck appears to be straight. I can pick this up for $12,500 with payment terms to the current owner and paying over the next 18 months. He will assign title and transfer to me now rather than later.

Good or bad opportunity, equipment or price concerns, please offer your thoughts, ideas, concerns, questions, and opinions. As always, I appreciate them.

500, I know you've been having trouble keeping your thoughts all bottled up inside, so here's your chance to let it all hang out and get it out of your system. lmao

Maybe you'll have a chance to talk to a Prostar driver youself and get enough info to tell what the mileage really may be.

people have a nasty habit of telling you the BEST mpg they ever got whenyou ask them about there lileage. it's not a reliable source of information