CALL US: 630-504-6126
Things You Didn’t Know About Freightliner Trucks
Share this Article:
WRITTEN BY: BLOOM SERVICES
If you have been an Over-the-Road (OTR) trucker for any amount of time, you will be familiar with the Freightliner truck. But, are you aware of the history of the Freightliner? Freightliner was founded in 1942 by Leland James. At the time, Leland decided to build his truck components out of aluminum which at the time was met with skeptics. At the time, trucks were built using steel, however Leland’s innovation ultimately was copied by other manufacturers. The first Freightliner model was the Model 600, nicknamed the “Shovel Nose” due to its unusual shaped grill.
The first Transcontinental Sleeper Truck
1953 Freightliner
In the 50s, Freightliner debuts the B42 truck, it was their first cab-over sleeper capable of pulling a 35-foot trailer. Later in the decade, they produced more overhead sleeper models, with WF64 for OTR use. The WF64 was novel for its ability to use multiple types of fuel, Gasoline, Diesel, and propane. In the 70s, the iconic Freightliner Powerliner, equipped with a 600 horsepower engine. Today the Powerliner is highly sought after by restoration enthusiasts.
Top Spot for Class 8 Trucks
As of December 2021, Freightliner owns the top spot for Class 8 trucks with a 37.7% market share. In second place is Peterbilt, with a 14.8% market share. Freightliner dominates the Class 8 truck market, meaning if you see a semi-truck it is most likely a Freightliner. The Freightliner Cascadia is one of the most popular models, known for being the quietest of the sleepers in the industry and an HVAC system that doesn’t require the truck to idle.
Freightliners are Movie Stars
Freightliner trucks have been featured in many movies over the years. The FLD-120 has been featured in Lethal Weapon 3 in 1992, and X-Men the Last Stand in 2006. However, the most famous Freightliner that appeared in a movie is the “Pork Chop Express”. The FLC-120 “Pork Chop Express” stared in the 1986 movie Big Trouble in Little China, co-staring Kurt Russell. Just remember what Jack Burton says about driving the “Pork Chop Express”, “Like I told my last wife, I says, “Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides that, it’s all in the reflexes.””
Bloom Services, INC
Here at Bloom, we provide Freightliner Cascadias on our Rental and Lease-Purchase Program. They come equipped with powerful inverters, fridges, and a HVAC system that doesn’t require the truck to idle. The Freightliner is one of the most fuel efficient trucks on the road. If you have a Class A CDL and want to long-haul, Bloom Services is hiring OTR truckers. Our drivers take home $3,000 + a week after all expenses.
office & Parking depot
5120 Belmont Rd Unit K, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
Hours of operation
Mon - Sun: 7am-5pm