5 Best Semi Trucks for Truck Drivers
When trying to determine what’s the best semi truck brand for you and your specific driving needs, there are a couple main components truckers often consider. Each major brand has aspects that it is best known for, so at the end of the day, it really just comes down to what’s most important for you.
To find the best brand of semi truck for you, we recommend considering the following when comparing the top 5 most popular semi-truck brands:
- Safety
- Life span
- Reliability
- Price
- Fuel options/fuel efficiency
- Horsepower
- Design
- Technology
- Resale Value
Each component is important, but no brand has the highest mark in all categories, so make sure to determine what is most important for you and take your time choosing. Now let’s dive into the best 2021 semi trucks.
Freightliner
So what is the most popular semi truck? Throughout the trucking world, most would argue that this top spot goes to Freightliner. Not only is it the top selling truck in the industry, the Freightliner Cascadia was also named “best truck in the industry” by Smarttrucking.com.
Freightliner is best in class for a reason. Both the design and fuel efficiency go hand-in-hand as the design of the cab makes it more aerodynamic. Another important aspect of the design is that Freightliner paid close attention to noise reduction in the cab, a major draw for drivers.
Mack
Another top contender for best semi truck company is Mack, Volvo’s class 8 truck manufacturer. With its fuel efficiency continuously improving, sales of Mack trucks are on the rise, making it the second highest in sales behind Freightliner.
Mack trucks are most known for their focus on safety. Their GuardDog Connect functionality helps drivers stay alert and awake on the road and ensures you get to your destination safely. Additionally, Mack is known for its high-quality and new technology.
International
Navistar International was founded in 1902 and has been producing trucks ever since. It holds about 11% market share within the U.S. market. With a variety of different models, International has a truck for whatever your needs are.
The LoneStar model is best known for its unique crosshatch grill design, while the TranStar offers lightweight models that are better for fuel efficiency. Additionally, the lightweight versions are known for having great handling and drivability.
Peterbilt
Peterbilt is specifically focused on medium-duty and heavy-duty models. Known for being rugged and one of the most reliable semi trucks, Peterbilt is another very popular semi truck brand in the U.S. The Peterbilt brand is owned by PACCAR and offers the most alternative fuel options on the market.
In a world that is consistently more focused on the environment, Peterbilt sets itself apart when it comes to fuel efficiency and fuel alternatives. It is also well-known for being safe and reliable, two factors that both drivers and owners love.
Kenworth
Like Peterbilt, Kenworth is also owned by PACCAR. Some view Kenworth’s models as the ideal owner-operator vehicle. They are highly focused on both design and technology, making Kenworth models desired for their form and function.
One of the big draws of Kenworth trucks is that they are designed by truckers. You notice this when driving a Kenworth because it’s clear that they’ve thought of everything. While they are also known for their design, they aren’t known for their fuel efficiency, so it just depends on what you value most.
Conclusion
With each company offering unique features, it’s hard to really claim that there is one best semi truck brand. It really just depends on what is important to you. Not sure which one to choose? Our team of highly trained experts is here to answer any questions you have. Or better yet, sign up for one of our CDL training courses to learn everything you need to know about truck driving.
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