my first truck

Freightliners are less expensive over all and have the largest market share of all the class 8 manufacturers. Getting repairs on the road and parts should be relatively easy considering that TA truckstops are authorized freightliner shops with many parts stocked ahead of time.
However, if you want a smoother riding truck with a better resale value then I would suggest a 3 or 4 year old Volvo. They are usually built stronger overall and seem to hold up better than the freightliners.
Columbias have also had many issues with their electrical systems from what I have heard and the plastic dashes are very cheap.

 

why not just get a paccar product?? they make 2 of the best brands out there.....kenworth and peterbuilt....plus they look cool.....lol