International vs Freightliner...

The Columbia generally will not hold up as well as the Century or Intl 9xxx. Internationals are easy to work on, easy to find new and used parts for, and cost effective over their lifetimes. FL is fairly easy to find parts, but not always the easiest to work on, depending on the setup.

Which is better? I guess that would depend on what the conditions it will be operated in, how long you plan to keep the truck, and if you plan on doing a lot of the maintenance yourself. Engine/tranny/rearend combinations are just as critical to determine which is better. I have a 2006 International 9400i that, in my operation, a Columbia or Century would not be a better choice. For other people, the FL might work out better for them.

 

Pablo-UA.

I can't believe you are becoming a trucker! If it is only for the love of it then I say go for it. If you are doing it as a business then I think you are wasting your talents. I'm not saying truckers don't have talents (I was a full time driver for 8 years). You just have very good technical knowledge that is in extremely high demand in certain parts of the world.

Any way good luck , you know which truck would work for you.

 

International is able to take more abuse than Freightliner. Don't know why, it just is.

 

I have been around a lot of FL and Intl trucks over the years. I really haven't seen that much difference except in small areas. I do know that Internationals generally held up better in Alaska, in my experience, during the 10 years I drove up there.

That being said, I will give FL the benefit of the doubt when it comes to quieter cab until maybe recently with the ProStar. Internationals do have air bag suspension and shocks on sleepers.

International has primarily been looked at a just a fleet truck that JB Hunt or some local company would buy. You might say it is the black sheep of the industry in some regards. I have driven several Internationals and own one now. No contest. For ease of working on it, ease of getting reasonable priced parts, overall durability, and just plain getting the job done in a relatively cost effective way, I will not trade my International.

But then, I view a truck as a tool to get a job done. Not an extension of my male anatomy to impress anyone with. I keep it well maintained, have some nice graphics on it, no extra lights to look like a rolling casino, etc. It is quiet enough for me. I don't expect a truck to be as quiet as my living room at home. I also want to be able to listen to everything going on for any sound that might indicate a problem.

But that is not for everyone.

 

depending on where you will operate, Freightliner has a bigger service and dealer network.