2017 volvo vs 2017 freight liner what would you buy

Wow most of you have to be drivers, because the truth is that it does not matter what brand you "give" a driver, it is what drive train fits your needs.

I selected two brands of trucks to buy new, Mack and western star.

Why?

Because I want to lower my operating costs by grouping pm and general parts together to keep on hand. And also dealer coverage is important, macks are not a big deal, fl dealers work on them and so does Volvo dealers. Ws trucks are the same, no issues with getting service, but the one Volvo I had which was a good truck, servicing it was a pia and no one would touch it outside of hack mechanics and the Volvo dealer for serious problems.

All the trucks are spec'd for the job they do, all of them have pretty much the same drive train in the groups, like the dryvan/reefer trucks are one spec and the hh trucks are another.

So you spec for the work, then select the drive train and then look for a truck that has a package around that drive train. And do not worry about what the driver wants, he is there to drive it, not marry it.

 

That was some coldhearted truth. It makes complete sense but still that was some heartless, business minded ####. Even I get to that that point, I'm not saying is ask the driver what truck he wants but I'd want him to have the things I would have for myself in the truck. I.E. inverter, fridge, tv mount, and enough cabinet space and a comfortable bed just so myself or whoever hops in that truck can be comfortable away from home

 

The amenities are secondary, the first and only concern is your bottom line.

Don't get me wrong, all my trucks have large sleepers, before the truck gets on the road, there are things added, like a good inverter and some mods to the sleeper for other things. I so concern myself with driver's health and well being but I don't run out and buy a truck they want or desire, that's my decision.

 

I'm not saying it's what you typed, but what I read in the first post sounded like the driver didn't matter. But that clarification makes a world of difference. Because most companies don't give a solitary #### about their drivers

 

Drivers lives matter!

 

I have owned both. Crapcadia with DD15. 2012. Had it one year almost bankrupted me. Luckily had a big down payment on it from my previously paid off truck so I could get out of it. Had a used Pete briefly, it burnt to the ground. Then I bought a 2013 volvo 780. D13 455 eco torque ishift. Best riding, quietest truck on the road. Lots of storage, kept it 3yrs 9 months 730k kms. Not a single emission related issue. Had a ling term issue when I first got with the traction control light being on and the dealer/volvo/bendix sorted it out at my convenience, took awhile, but they waited on me every time so I didn't have any down time. I only sold it to stay home for a while with my wife as she had a medical issue or I would still be in it.
I now have a 2012 columbia glider. It's been a bit of a Hassell getting the bugs out and Maki g it quieter and more comfortable but it was fairly cheap and it's VERY cheap to work on. I don't want another payment and I'm slowing down so no new truck in my future. But. If I was going to buy a new truck tomorrow. 780 all day. I have had 5 of my own trucks and drove countless others. I can do 13hrs behind the wheel of a 780 and feel as fresh as when I started. That makes you more attentive and better able to handle situations coming at you. Rough ride and noise wears a driver down during the day. I'm no way able to pile the miles on I see to, or feel as good at the end of the day as I did with the Volvo. This is my .02 cents, I'll set flame shields at 100% now.

 

Of course they do but that doesn't mean you need to get them an apartment on wheels because it is comfy for them.

By the way, I thought I was doing good as an owner, I take care of business and treat them with respect, I back them up when any issue arises with a couple exceptions and I have about a 1% turnover annually which is about 99% better than the megas. They make more money that I do per truck, they get vacations and holidays off but most of all they run their own show with exceptions of the delicate.

 

I wasn't throwing any shade, as long as you look out for your guys. I'm not going to tell you what your doing is wrong. You're farther down this road than I am at this point

 

My measly 2 cents worth since I have had both. Getting Volvo repairs are difficult because not all shops familiar with them. Parts sometimes difficult to obtain. Waiting list at dealerships to get into shop.
Freightliner is sort of the big rig equivalent of a Ford. The guy in the Farm-all garage can usually help you out with an emergency fix until you get her home.

 

Cascadia is a Columbia, especially if were talking 2017 and we are not talking gliders. Even if your talking the years they were produced together, it is obvious the Crapcadia is a slightly upgraded Columbia.

Volvo is way underestimated as a truck in my opinion. Ergonomics, comfort, and safety were all ahead of the other manufactures when they came out. Freight shaker and Paccar tried to imitate the Volvo with the
Crapcadia and the 680/579.

I have heard the argument about Volvo dealers over and over. The thing is, all dealers hire complete tools for mechanics. Car dealers are no different.

Volvo and Mack are the same company and same servicing dealer network so I don't know how that is even an argument.