The best Semi Truck manufacturers are constantly changing the concept of trucks. Not only do they differ in types of freight but they also differ in the implementation of technology and features.

Thanks to the online world, the buyers can choose the type of truck by visiting the manufacturer’s website.

In addition, they can learn about the newest models of the best Semi Truck nationally and internationally before it is even available on the market.

What is more important is that trucks are also changing the fuel options which makes the demand for the best semi truck even higher.

Having said this, if previously semi trucks used diesel, nowadays are more options of natural gas available.

Moreover, there are different types of truck cabins which an owner-operator can look at online and choose the best semi truck with the cabin the most suits him.

And the best part about the semi trucks is that regardless of the freight class, these trucks can handle an unimaginable number of tons.

The Battle of Best Semi truck Manufacturers

With all this to consider, the question must be answered: which truck manufacturer is the best? It seems that Freightliner, Volvo, and Kenworth, have all managed to maintain their prestige in this market.

Looking at the distribution of the 3 manufacturers, the majority of the used trucks fell between years 2011 and 2013.

Additionally, 56.8% of the used Freightliners within a twelve-year range on the market during Q1 2016 were model years 2011, 2012, or 2013.

The same years for Kenworth showed 53.2%, 53.0% for Peterbilt, and 69.8% for Volvo.

International had the smallest percentage of their used trucks between those three model years at only 47.4% which was primarily due to a larger amount of older models for sale than the other manufacturers.

The average age for Freightliner in the first quarter of the past four years was down to 5 years in 2016.

International was the highest as 6 years followed by Peterbilt and Volvo both at 5 years of age with Kenworth averaging the lowest aged trucks on the market at 4 years old.

Among these five manufacturers, Peterbilt and International were identical in their percentage of market share for day cab trucks each at 32%.

For sleeper cab trucks, International again held the highest percentage at 41% followed by Volvo at 38%.

Given its impact, International clearly had the largest volume in Q1 with 36.8% market share leaving Kenworth at the bottom with only 8.4%.

Let’s take a closer look at each manufacturer’s best features to help you decide which truck is right for you and your company.

Freightliner

Freightliner is a company which has nearly a century of experience in the truck manufacturing industry.

With a wide range of trucks that can handle different and multiple jobs, I must admit they truly offer some of the best semi truck types.

Having mentioned the variety of trucks, they offer the market the following:

• On-highway
• Medium duty
• Severe Duty Trucks

The title as the top-seller of semi trucks in America says a lot about their popularity among buyers on the market.

As an illustration, on average, they sell over 190,000 trucks on annual basis.

Freightliner not only is famous on the market but also known as the largest manufacturer of the best semi truck.

The company is founded back in 1942 and is constantly investing in innovative technology and the future of trucking.

For instance, there is a Super Truck with a cutting edge technology as well as aerodynamic style.

Regarding the over the road options, there are a day cab, a sleeper cab and a crew cab option. Additionally, these long-haul models are aerodynamically efficient in order to get the best drive produced by the engine.

On average, the best semi truck generates 350 to 600 horsepower which is not helpful but perfect for the large hauling.

Illustrating all these amazing features, there is no wonder Freightliner has a price increase.

Medium Duty Trucks

Talking about capabilities, the Freightliner trucks can haul from light to medium cargo.

However, what makes them quite interesting among the buyers is their ability to transport enormous loads.

As a matter of fact, they have the power to transport extreme loads while moving with the speed of a fire truck or ambulance.

The versatility of the trucks ranges from the capability of horsepower of around 200 to 500 making them quite efficient vehicles for small businesses.

A Freightliner medium truck is considered as the best semi truck because of its capacity to handle the toughest loads which are challenges to maneuver.

Yet, these lightweight trucks can operate with a horsepower output of 280 to 300.

Safety Features

Once the trucks are completely created from the engineering studio, they are put through a rigorous physical testing.

As an illustration, the testing studio provides capacity and safety testing as well.

The vehicles are tested whether they can prevent accidents which correspond to complying with FMCSA, DOT or DOL regulations.

This is due to the importance of obeying the Hours of Service (HOS) together with the safety laws.

Fueling Options

As mentioned above, what makes a Freightliner vehicle the best semi truck model is its variety of gas use.

In addition, a natural gas is the most alternative choice for the Freightliner editions.

In other words, it is available for sleeper and day cab on the long haul models

The main benefit of the natural gas use is that it allows trucks to leave a smaller footprint of carbon and fuel conservation.

Unique Features

Creating the best semi truck editions, Freightliner uses a cutting-edge technology used to coordinate several factors.

As such are the engines, the transmissions as well as the axles to work together and make the truck move in a more efficient way.

Running on Detroit Powertrain, it also involves a bumper mounted radar and a camera which is mounted on each truck on the windshield.

This is a feature which protects drivers and makes it easier to cope with the TSA or BLS regulations.

What is even more extraordinary about the features is that it improves the uptime and at the same time minimizes the trucking costs of a transportation company.

Thus, taking advantage of Freightliner dealerships across the US, your company is more likely to become as one of the most reputable trucking business.

Volvo

When you first hear of Volvo, I assume you immediately imagine their automobiles with their exquisite engine features.

Having said this, have you ever had the chance to check on the power of the Volvo best semi truck models?

To illustrate, there are classes at Volvo which are divided based on route length rather than load type.

The company of Volvo specializes in creating trucks for long-haul use.

What you can expect from Volvo is a possession of elegant and classy design beside their functionality specifications.

Volvo significantly took over the market as a reliable manufacturer of best semi truck editions in 2016.

Thanks to the large increase in demand among buyers, the company grew as the most popular best semi truck producers.

In addition to the above-mentioned, the market follows heavy-duty trucks in America.

Although Volvo is a Swedish producer of semi trucks, it is among the best American truck brands as well.

To put it in another way, it is known as the 2nd largest heavy-duty manufacturer in the world, including dump trucks.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the company is known as one of the most preferred choices on the market.

Great Cab Amenities

Being made for long distance routes, Volvo vehicles can take from one to more days of driving. As an illustration, their sleeper cabin is the best proof of it.

In addition, they are made for comfort equal to a hotel room and can save your company from trucking expenses during overnight routes.

Volvo trucks are made for long trips that can take one or more days to complete.

Their sleeper cabs look more comfortable than a lot of hotel rooms, which can save costs for companies who send their drivers on lots of overnight routes.

Volvo’s sleeper cabins in the best semi truck models make long distances easier to handle. They reduce distractions which reduces road accidents and makes it easier to cope with SAFER regulations.

I-Shift Transmission

The I-shift transmission is considered to be the Volvo’s trademark. It helps adjust the acceleration of trucks and makes the routes a breeze.

What is more important is that it has the right shift in speed and engine load customized in a way to save fuel.

Remote Diagnostics

What makes Volvo as one of the best semi truck manufacturers is their remote diagnostics technology.

It doesn’t matter where you are or what the problem is since the capabilities of this technology will keep you safe on the road.

It is about a Premium Tech Tool which is an app allowing you to test and diagnose the problems.

Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance

Same as Freightliner, Volvo offers natural gas options as an alternative to their classy engines.

When it comes to implementing a smart technology, they were also involved with EPA on SmartWay.

Due to the remarkable engines and technology, Volvo has created a dealership over the world. These dealerships are in fact, an attractive alternative to using their maintenance and repair services.

Kenworth

Kenworth is known as the best semi truck manufacturer which uses the latest computer technology.

Not only they do this to make their models look unique and stand out from the competition, but increase safety as well.

Kenworth implements technology in their edition for almost a century and PACCAR is one of them.

For instance, their W900 model has a classic and distinguished interior and exterior with 600 horsepower.

Due to their outstanding design and capacity, they remain among the most popular on the market despite the price increase.

Furthermore, their models are so gracefully made that even their older editions are among the most wanted to this day and are still available for resale.

Driver Amenities

Some of the Kenworth long-haul models are known as aerodynamic and have sleeper cabs.

They are known as spacious in order to make the drivers feel like home while still being on the road.

This is due to their latest innovative technologies which use a navigational system for Google applications use.

For example, one such model is the T800. By taking a glimpse of the vehicle you will be amazed, but once you look at the futuristic design, you will feel like you are in a space shuttle.

Not to mention their management applications which allow the drivers to keep track of the upkeep maintenance and fuel economy.

You will feel like you’re in a futuristic truck in this model and their others as well.
Management applications allow drivers to track upkeep, regular maintenance, and fuel economy.

Variety of Vocational Capabilities

The various capabilities of the best semi truck models make the machines able to handle any job.

For example, there is a Bodybuilder feature which allows you to customize the trucks to your specific needs for business.

Having said this, there are a lot of Kenworth trucks which can handle loads that other vehicles cannot.

With this intention, their models are perfect for carrying extreme transportation loads.

Powertrain

If you have previously heard about a PACCAR powertrain then you definitely know its capability.

With regards to this, it enables vehicles to get the axles, the engines and the transmissions work together and smoothly as a power team.

More importantly, they provide companies with fuel economy with minimal upkeep requirements regardless of the mileage.

Repairs and Diagnostics

Kenworth uses a web-based diagnostics tool to help drivers determine the source of a problem while on the road.

Drivers can then take a truck to any dealership in the country, which they can locate using an app, for repairs and maintenance.

Known Internationally

The trucks are found all around the globe and are an internationally recognized brand. It is worldwide known that the company is one of the best semi truck manufacturers.

Their sustainability on the road makes truck drivers hungry for keeping the engine running. Not to mention the interior as well as the exterior design of the trucks – they are simply stunning in every word sense.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best semi truck to start your business or keep it going, the above-mentioned factors should always be considered.

In addition to this, the specifications are something to always keep in mind because trucks are the greatest investment in trucking companies.

Each manufacturer is different and has its qualities and therefore, you need to opt for the vehicle suitable for your needs.

In that way, you will find the best semi truck for your company.