ELD Mandate has been a pioneer in bringing to the forefront some cutting-edge trucking technologies that have proved to be a game changers for the trucking industry. Our technology solutions in the form of the Tail Light GPS Trackers, Smart Dash Cam...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The FTR Transportation Intelligence has estimated that 483,093 Class 8 (heavy-duty trucks) were sold in North America in 2018. For an owner-operator planning to start a trucking company, having a good truck is vital. The prospect of buying a new truck can be exciting as well as exhausting. With many different makes and models available in the market, it can be a task to decide which semi truck brand will be the best for a new owner operator. There is no universal choice that will suit all owner-operators. In this aspect, one size does not fit all. Finding the perfect truck depends on a number of factors.
Owning a truck can be a large investment. Thus, the decision has to look to the future. The truck should give solid service to the trucking company for at least a few years. The lifespan of an average truck is 10-12 years, but many owners do not keep a truck for that long. A truck is traditionally used for 5-6 years or 600,000 miles on average for long haul service. Most big trucking companies replace existing trucks with newer models after 3 years. They do this in an attempt to attract new drivers and retain old ones. This can help the trucking company to retain reliability, while keeping maintenance costs down. An average diesel truck generally comes with a warranty of 250,000 miles or 2 years. This warranty can be extended to 4-5 years or 500,000 miles. Generally, major trucking companies sell trucks when they have run for 400,000 to 600,000 miles. These used trucks are usually sent to the market where smaller companies/owner-operators buy them. The smaller trucking companies use these trucks until major maintenance is required. Most trucks can run for about 1,000,000 miles before major engine work is needed. This may vary depending on the make and model. If trucks are maintained diligently, they can run for a life-time. But that does require constant replacement of parts. The first truck can also be very special for many. Thus, it can be useful to weigh all options to find the perfect truck.
A understanding of what the owner-operator intends to do with the trucking company is important. A vision of the company will help in deciding on the right truck to start a trucking company with. Some of the many factors is what type of hauls the trucking company intends to undertake. Most trucks are categorized according to the hauls they do. A trucking company that plans to do short-hauls or daily hauls will not need a heavy-duty truck with a sleeper. While, a trucking company which plans to do long-hauls cannot operate with a simple truck. It's cab has to be well equipped with a sleeper among other requirements. This will ensure that the truck driver can rest comfortably inside the truck so that hotels are not required each night. Also, for long haul trucks deciding a truck manufacturing company that offers prompt and reliable technical and mechanical support can reduce stress for the driver/owner. Read more on all the other things that are required to
Here are the best truck brands for a new owner operator starting a trucking business:
KENWORTHHistory
Kenworth Trucking Company was established in 1923. It was named after the surnames of the owners—Harry. W. Kent and Edgar K. Worthington. However, its journey began years before. In 1912, the brothers George and Louis Gerlinger established Gerlinger Motor Car Works in Portland, Oregon. It was a car and truck dealership. In 1915, they had introduced their own truck, Gersix. It was steel framed and had the power of an in-line six-cylinder engine. Having this type of engine was a first for any commercial vehicle. It was ideal for logging. In 1916, the company relocated to Tacoma in Washington. It then came to the notice of Edgar K. Washington, a Seattle based businessman. He bought the company in 1917 along with his business partner Captain Frederick Kent. The company was renamed to Gersix Motor Company. Captain Kent retired from the company in 1919 and his son Harry became the new partner. In 1923, the Gersix Motor Co. was reincorporated to Kenworth, by joining 'Ken' and 'Worth'. Kenworth was bought by The Pacific Car and Foundry Company (PACCAR) in 1945.
