Question on International trucks

Good place start.... with a question, (sorry to be long winded but I figure I should draw a complete picture)

Alittle background first. I have been operating straight trucks for 24 years and the past 17 years for 1 customer. Besides an bunch of cars and vans, I currenting operate 5 2008 International ProStar full service lease single axle straight trucks with the Cummings ism engine. Between the 5 trucks I do 1.071 million kilometers (665,000 miles) per year. Full service leases so i dont pay a dime for any repairs/maintenance. 99.9% all highway driving, in Canada...yes cold cold winters. Winter temps are ave around the -30ish range. I haul max 10,000 lbs per trip on the""milk" runs.

When I got these truck the DPF emissions/re-gen "stuff" was an absolute nightmare. 5 years later still have re-gen issues/ filters plugging up.

My truck leases are up soon and the trucks are going back, thank God. The leasing manager has spec'd out new Pro Stars with the Maxxforce N 13 370HP engines with 10 sp auto trans.

Couple of questions,

How are these Maxx force N 13 engines performing with the Urea (DEF) system? I have heard International is no where near the technological point to where they should be, and there has been alot of problem? IS this accurate? ANy good or bad thoughts about the maxxforce?

A fellow I know who leases Hino's and swears the 358 model (around 35,000GVW) has a better and more advanced UREA system? 12 mpg, Can anyone comment? I was told trucks can be flipped after 2 years and replaced with new one, and I'm thinking Hmmmmm Hino I wonder if they are an option.

Lastly I went to Western Star dealer and having a truck spec'd out with a cummings? I wont do another 5 years of leases with all the problems the 2008 Cummings ISM gave me. Surely there must be someadvances in the past 5 years??


Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks