Need some guidance on selecting a truck please.

Hello all,

First a little background. I'm an ex truck driver who now works for big oil. My wife has a trucking permits business, so she knows the ins and outs of IFTA, IRP, Motor Carrier authority etc. Her father also has two trucks with his own authority, though profitable, his bottom line suffers because of his lack of understanding basic business fundamentals.

I'm looking to reenter the business with my own truck and authority, and I'm currently in the research stage. I'm trying to get some guidance on the best truck for my situation. Truck will be used for long haul out of state mostly refridgerated goods.

I want:

Value based truck
Great fuel economy (though this is probably more motor dependent)
Not very heavy
Priced around $30k

I've been looking at the Freightliner Century as a starter truck. I realize its no flat top Peterbilt, but i'm trying to emphasize value. I'm trying to gather some info on the best truck/motor/tranny combo that will get me the best value as well as excellent fuel economy. Also I'm trying to educate myself on the latest smog laws... are there any specific model year trucks that I want to avoid? For example 2006 or older?

Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Eddie

 

Also, with the correct truck/motor/transmission/rear axle ratio is 6 mpg a possibility?

Also, whats a good middle of the road number I can use for the average monthly miles a single driver can be assumed to run (lower 48)?

I'm trying to get some numbers together for an estimate of income/expenses etc.

Eddie

 

Thanks guys. I found the 18 wheeler section of the forum that is full of good info. So much info that now I'm even more confused. Did alot of reading on the Cummins VS Caterpillar, and it looks like for the truck I'm leaning towards (Pete 387 or KW T2000), there are more available with the C15 CAT.

So now I'm thinking PB 387 VS. KW T2000 with a 475 hp CAT with a 13 speed and 3.25 or 3.55 gears. I'm striving for over 6 mpg.

Thanks.

Eddie

 

Thanks Robbie. Since I'm based in California I will need to buy at least an 05-06 to be compliant until 2014. If I manage to pull off an 07 I'm good until 2023.

I'm still doing engine research. I was leaning towards CAT, but then read about how they are getting out of the trucking business all together. I've read about the headaches of the Cummins ISX.

I guess tomorrow will be spent researching the Detroit motors. It seems that all of the 07's in my price range are 10 speed Freightliner Century/Columbias with Detroit motors.

Is there a big MPG difference with the 10 speed VS. 13 speed?

Thanks.

Eddie