How freightliners are made

Funny how everybody rags on Freightliners but they are probably the best moneymakers in the business. Whats the point of spending 30k extra $ for a Peterbilt with a #### european engine?

 

That's the statutory rate you speak of which no company pays. The "effective rate" which is considerably less, is what companies pay. I think the driving force behind the exodus is cost-of-labor. Those low-level wages they pay in other countries won't suffice because of the cost of living.

 

LOL,.. being the owner of a Columbia and having been in nothing but KW's and Petes previously. Its a twisted branch.

On the one hand,.. The Columbia (CAT C15 powered) has been a really good truck for the most part. Cosmetics and interior dont pay the bills. The important money making features have been rock solid.

But as my wife put it ever so delicately,.. my truck is as ugly as a cross between a Pug dog and a Schitsu.

There is a prestige and feeling of self importance when hauling in a Pete or KW. At least thats how I felt. Plus they ride and handle much better than the wishy washy ride my Columbia has. Dont get me wrong,.. I have learned to appreciate and respect my Columbia. It was cheap and easy to get into. But after a while you discover that you could have sunk the money into something you really wanted and in the end,.. a truck is a truck. As long as its well maintained and spec'd right,.. it will make you money.

Hurst

 

Dont forget the all important consumerism. China and other places have struck a gold mine in building disposable junk. Gone are the days of taking your appliances to the shop or calling a service repair man to the home. Its cheaper and easier to just buy a new one.

I am guilty of this myself. Who has time to fuss with a broken vacuum cleaner or Fridge not working right? Meh,.. its easier to call the store,. tell them what model fridge,.. washer.,. furniture,. what ever you want,.. give them your credit card info,.. and in 1 - 2 hours it will be at your door.

When home I shop almost exclusively online now. I cant be bothered to walk around a store anymore. My wife and her mother do all the dept store and grocery shopping. I havent tried on clothes in a fitting room in years. I have 2 tailor made suits,.. both are over 10 yrs old. The rest my wife brings home,.. if it doesnt fit,.. she takes it back or donates it to Goodwill.

How ridiculous is all of that? I would never have imagined my life would turn out like this when I was younger.

Hurst

 

The bottom line is the " bottom line".

 

That went right over my head. Not sure I understand your meaning?

Hurst

 

Hes just saying it is what it is. He is right. Bottom Line is bottom line

 

I thought it was something like that. Difficult to interpret sarcasm or humor sometimes.

Hurst

 

No, not humor nor sarcasm, just reality. Simply saying whether you are a consumer or company, it's about the dollar. For the consumer, you want max value for the dollar you spend so you can retain more of your disposable income. For the company, it's lowering the cost of doing business to maximize its' profit margin.

 

The sad thing is, our military strength what has given so many other nations the ability to thrive. Does any one honestly think western Europe would be speaking anything but German today if not for the industrial might of 1940s america? Free enterprise capitalism did that. Not high taxes and government provided healthcare.