Which Truck?

worry about weight and then about fuel economy. Or is it the other way around?

if you are looking to do heavy haul, then you will want to start to spec the truck based on high torque drive lines and with a heavy duty axle and possibly a pusher axle in front of the drives.

Then you'd likely want a T800 or something stout like that.

 

Thanks for your service and best of luck on your new endeavors. As you get out there on the road and start noticing the heavy haul guys like Anderson and others, you'll begin to see certain common pieces of equipment and can extrapolate from there. Talking directly to those guys when the opportunity presents itself is the best thing you can do to gain the best insight. I suspect most will point you towards the "full hood" trucks like the W900. Wether it's because of the "prestige/macho" factor or real performance, longevity, and/or functionality, I can't say.

 

Why sounds like a Job for a Mack Titan
http://www.titanbymack.com/

<<<< ------- That Guy might be a wee bit partial to Macks though

 

I know a guy who has a Mack Titan heavy specs and that thing is a monster. Real nice truck. Highest truck I ever had to climb in.

 

Ah yes. There is nothing like walking the dog. The Bulldog to be more specific.

 

Semper fi brother. I was in the same position as you. I EAS'd last year and wanted to go the o/o route. but with fuel prices and all these outlaw outfits that run cheap freight its really hard to find your niche. Im sure you can with due diligence. I suggest spending a year getting some kind of experience in the transportation industry..LTL or TL. This business is ruthless and myriad regulations to keep up with it.

Ive loved trucks since I was a kid, been in this field since I left the Corps and Im ready to hang it up already. But good luck in yuor endeavors

 

Welcome home, and Semper Fi.

As mentioned by Century Class, give yourself some time in this industry before putting down that down payment. Recon the situation first. There are heavy haul that will love your military background. Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) is one, and they have heavy haul for later on after you get some time under your belt. Also, some people I know have gone over to them and love them. One of them is Airborne, so if he can make it there and like it, I know you can. He's an O/O, and from what they've told me, they're pretty straight up with them through their lease program.

TMC would be another military oriented flatbed hauler that you might like, and they're a good start to get your time under your belt. There are others so research, but if heavy haul is your goal and you want to start there, ATS is probably your best bet as the other outfits want heavy haul time under your belt, not just Tractor/trailer.

Either way, for insurance purposes and your own sanity, put some time in the industry before you jump.

As far as Driver comfort you haven't mentioned the Volvo 780 in your list. That truck is the best for driver comfort and functionality, in my opinion, YMMV.

As far as vehicles the internals are the more important especially for a future in heavy haul. Working for one year in a flatbed operation should key you into what you need to look for. The opinions on vehicle type is subjective, the hoods(900, Coronado) are a bit stronger and durable but can be inefficient without tweaking, the 800 is a good strong set back axle for that maker, and the 660 is more fuel efficient, aerodynamic setback axle for that brand also. The Peterbilt is similar to the 660 for fuel/strength. Don't discount Mack, Internationals and Volvos either. You have trade - offs with each choice so actually drive some for a year for someone else and study your specs for the vehicle you want. Talk to drivers and O/O's that do that and get their input. Best way to learn.

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We're glad to have you. Enjoy and ask away, someone will help.

 

That's easy yep w900 without question! Go big or go home!