When we asked our Facebook community, “Do you remember your first truck? What was it?” hundreds of drivers shared memories spanning decades. Some could still list every specification, while others remembered exactly how that first truck made them feel, proving that the truck that starts a career is often the one drivers never forget.

Every Truck Had a Story

Reading through the responses, it quickly became clear that drivers don’t just remember what they drove. They remember the details that made those trucks unforgettable.

For Doc Cornwell, it was a GMC Cracker Box powered by a 6-71 Detroit rated at 238 horsepower. He still remembers how much noise it made and the small orange flame that occasionally came out of the exhaust stack. Bob Lake also got his start in a 1966 GMC Crackerbox with a 238 Detroit and a 10-speed transmission, while Harold Peru recalled taking his road test in a 1969 GMC Crackerbox. Three different drivers mentioned nearly the same truck, showing just how common those classic GMCs once were.

Other drivers immediately thought of trucks that looked very different but left the same lasting impression. Ronald Sagnip remembered his 1979 Kenworth cabover with an 8V92 Detroit Diesel, 15-speed transmission, heated mirrors and an air-ride cab, while Dennis Hughes learned in a 1975 Freightliner cabover with a 290 Cummins and a nine-speed transmission. Joey Grubbs also began in a 1978 International Transtar 4070 with a 290 Cummins and a 10-speed transmission, another reminder that cabovers introduced countless drivers to life on the road.

Learning the Hard Way

Several comments also reflected just how much trucking has changed over the years. Features many drivers now take for granted simply weren’t available when these careers began.

Robert Rumfield looked back on his 1969 International Transtar, remembering there was no power steering or air conditioning, although he joked that the air-ride seat felt like a luxury at the time. Todd Radke described his 1978 Peterbilt cabover as having no power steering, no air conditioning and a Bostrom hydraulic seat, while Lesli Wash Hopkins remembered a 1972 Kenworth cabover with “Armstrong steering,” no air ride and air-powered windshield wipers. Reading those stories today offers a glimpse into how much effort it once took to spend a full day behind the wheel.

More Than Just a Truck

As the conversation continued, it became clear that many drivers weren’t talking about equipment as much as they were remembering milestones.

Donnie Becktold said he thought he was “big time” when he climbed into a 1984 Peterbilt 359 with a walk-in sleeper, 400 Cat engine, and 15-speed transmission. Anthony W. Contelli shared that his 1978 Kenworth Aerodyne cabover is still part of the family, adding that his daughter later drove it to both homecoming and graduation. Those stories show how a first truck often becomes connected to memories that extend well beyond a driver’s career.

Some Things Are Worth Holding Onto

Not every first truck has disappeared with time.

Penny Lang shared that she still owns her 1975 Kenworth, while Dennis Ternent said he bought his 1970 Kenworth W900A in 1978 and continues driving it every day. Skip Tool also noted that he still has the ¾-ton Chevrolet he purchased more than 50 years ago, proving that some trucks become permanent reminders of where a journey began.

Why Those First Trucks Still Matter

Among the hundreds of responses, one comment captured a feeling shared by many others.

Harry Yeager reflected on buying a 1972 International Transtar with a 903 Cummins, explaining that the challenges of learning to operate and maintain it eventually became the lessons that shaped his career. Looking through the conversation as a whole, that perspective seemed to tie everything together. Drivers remembered horsepower, transmissions, and paint colors, but what stayed with them most was what those trucks represented: the beginning of a profession, the confidence earned through experience, and the memories that remain long after the miles have passed.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 12, 2026

The post You Never Forget Your First Truck”: Drivers Share the Rigs That Started It All appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

From the 1960s into the early 1980s, they hauled freight across the Interstate Highway System, lined truck stop parking lots, and filled dealership inventories. Nearly every major truck manufacturer built cabover models because they solved one of the industry’s biggest challenges at the time: fitting as much trailer as possible within legal length limits.

Today, conventional tractors dominate North American highways. Cabovers never disappeared completely, but they became a much less common sight. The shift happened gradually as regulations changed, truck designs improved, and fleets began placing greater value on driver comfort and operating efficiency.

When Shorter Trucks Meant Longer Trailers

For years, federal and state regulations limited the overall length of a tractor-trailer combination. Every foot occupied by the tractor was one less foot available for the trailer.

Cabovers offered a simple solution. By placing the driver above the engine instead of behind it, manufacturers eliminated the long hood found on conventional trucks. The shorter tractor allowed carriers to maximize trailer length while remaining within legal limits, making cabovers a practical choice for long haul freight.

As a result, manufacturers such as Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, International, Mack, and White all offered cabover models that became familiar across the country.

The Rules Changed

The biggest turning point came during the 1980s.

Federal highway regulations gradually shifted away from limiting the overall length of a tractor-trailer combination and instead focused on trailer length. Once carriers could legally operate longer trailers without relying on an exceptionally short tractor, one of the cabover’s biggest advantages began to disappear.

Conventional trucks suddenly had room to compete on other strengths.

Drivers Wanted More Space

Long haul trucking was also changing.

Drivers were spending more time on the road, and truck manufacturers were responding with larger sleeper cabs, improved seating, better insulation, and more storage. Conventional tractors offered engineers more flexibility when designing those features because the engine sat ahead of the cab rather than underneath it.

Ride quality improved as well. With the front axle positioned farther ahead of the driver, conventional trucks generally provided a smoother ride over rough pavement than many cabover models.

For fleets trying to attract and retain experienced drivers, those improvements became increasingly important.

Manufacturers Continued Improving Conventional Trucks

During the 1980s and 1990s, manufacturers invested heavily in aerodynamic designs that reduced wind resistance and improved fuel economy.

Long, sloped hoods became more efficient than the boxier cabover designs that had been common for decades. At the same time, easier engine access simplified routine maintenance because technicians could raise a hood instead of tilting an entire cab forward.

No single improvement replaced the cabover. Together, they made conventional trucks the better fit for most over-the-road applications.

Cabovers Still Have a Place

Although they are no longer the standard choice for long haul trucking in North America, cabovers continue to perform jobs where a compact design is an advantage.

Refuse collection, municipal services, airport operations, fire apparatus, and some heavy vocational applications still rely on cabover trucks because they can maneuver more easily in confined spaces than conventional tractors.

Outside North America, cabovers remain the dominant design in many countries. Narrower roads and stricter vehicle length regulations continue to make shorter tractors the practical choice throughout much of Europe and parts of Asia.

A Lasting Part of Trucking History

Cabover trucks helped shape modern trucking during a period when every inch of trailer space mattered. As regulations evolved and conventional tractors became more comfortable, more aerodynamic, and easier to maintain, fleets gradually changed direction.

While they no longer dominate interstate highways, cabovers remain an important part of trucking history and continue to prove their value in specialized applications where maneuverability matters as much today as it did decades ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were cabover trucks so popular?

Cabovers allowed carriers to maximize trailer length when overall vehicle length limits were more restrictive than they are today.

Are cabover trucks still made?

Yes. Several manufacturers continue producing cabover trucks for vocational applications and international markets.

Why are cabover trucks common in Europe?

European vehicle length regulations and narrower road networks make compact truck designs more practical than conventional tractors in many situations.

Are cabover trucks harder to maintain?

Routine engine access typically requires tilting the cab forward, while conventional trucks generally provide easier access by raising the hood.

Do any American fleets still use cabover trucks?

Yes. Cabovers remain common in refuse collection, municipal fleets, airport operations, and other specialized applications where maneuverability is more important than long haul comfort.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 15, 2026

The post Why Cabover Trucks Fell Out of Favor in North America appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Although manufacturers operate additional facilities for engines, components, and specialty vehicles, the following plants are among the largest and most important final assembly locations for Class 8 trucks in North America.

Cleveland, North Carolina

Freightliner’s Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant has become one of the busiest heavy-duty truck assembly facilities in North America. Operated by Daimler Truck North America, the plant is best known for building the Freightliner Cascadia, a model that has led the North American Class 8 market for years.

The facility has expanded multiple times since opening, reflecting continued demand for Freightliner highway tractors. In addition to final assembly, Cleveland serves as a key production center within Daimler’s broader North American manufacturing network.

Dublin, Virginia

Volvo Trucks builds nearly all of its North American highway models at the New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia.

The plant opened in 1975 and has grown into Volvo’s largest truck manufacturing facility worldwide. Today it assembles the VNL, VNR, VNX, and VHD while incorporating advanced robotics, automated material handling systems, and modern quality control processes throughout production.

Denton, Texas

Peterbilt’s Denton manufacturing plant has been the company’s primary assembly location since the early 1980s.

The facility produces both highway and vocational trucks, including the Model 579, one of Peterbilt’s best-known long-haul tractors. Denton also houses engineering, testing, and administrative operations, making it one of the company’s most important campuses.

Chillicothe, Ohio

Kenworth’s Chillicothe Assembly Plant remains one of PACCAR’s largest truck manufacturing facilities.

The plant assembles a range of on-highway and vocational models while using robotic welding systems, automated paint operations, and extensive inspection procedures. Continuous upgrades over the years have helped the facility keep pace with changing production demands and manufacturing technology.

Macungie, Pennsylvania

Mack Trucks has built commercial vehicles in Pennsylvania for generations, and its Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie continues that tradition today.

The plant assembles the Anthem, Granite, Pinnacle, LR, MD, and TerraPro model lines for customers across North America. While Mack’s products have evolved considerably, the company’s long manufacturing history remains closely tied to Pennsylvania.

More Than an Assembly Line

A finished truck represents the work of far more than a single factory.

Before reaching final assembly, engines, transmissions, axles, wiring harnesses, braking systems, electronics, interiors, and other major components are produced at facilities throughout North America. Final assembly plants bring those components together before each truck undergoes inspection, testing, and quality verification.

Although the names on the hood differ, every manufacturer follows the same basic goal: producing trucks that can withstand hundreds of thousands of miles in demanding commercial service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many truck manufacturing plants located in the southern United States?

Many manufacturers expanded into the South because of available land, transportation access, established supplier networks, and a skilled manufacturing workforce. Proximity to major interstate highways and distribution routes also supports efficient delivery throughout North America.

Are heavy-duty trucks built only in the United States?

No. Heavy-duty truck manufacturing takes place in both the United States and Mexico. Modern production relies on facilities in both countries, with components moving across borders before final assembly.

Do manufacturers build every part of a semi truck themselves?

No. Most heavy-duty trucks contain components supplied by hundreds of specialized manufacturers. Assembly plants receive those parts before completing final assembly and inspection.

Which truck plant has been operating the longest?

Several facilities have decades of manufacturing history. Volvo’s New River Valley Plant opened in 1975, while Mack has maintained truck manufacturing operations in Pennsylvania for well over a century through various facilities.

How many trucks can a modern assembly plant build?

Production varies by manufacturer, staffing levels, demand, and model mix. Large heavy-duty truck plants are capable of producing hundreds of trucks during a typical production week.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 13, 2026

The post The Largest Truck Manufacturing Plants in North America appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Source: WIT

From Childhood Fascination to Industry Leadership

Christine’s passion for all things motorized began at an early age. Growing up, she was surrounded by the hum of the trucking world. Her father operated a Husqvarna saw shop located behind the iconic Jubitz Truck Stop. Coincidentally, this was just steps away from the Freightliner dealership where Christine has built her career over the past decade.

Reflecting on her early experiences, Christine shared, “The trucking industry was always coming and going in the backyard of my pre-CDL life. I had stars in my eyes pretty early on and eventually went to IITR Trucking Driving School to make it official.”

A Proven Career on the Road to Excellence

Christine kick-started her career in October 2014 at Premier Truck Group, and her impact has resonated across the dealership. She wears many hats, providing top-tier diagnostic support while assisting management, service technicians, service writers, and foremen. Her work spans across new and used sales, collision, and service departments—always ensuring exceptional customer service.

Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Some of her accolades include:

• Being named one of Premier Truck Group’s 2024 Winning Women

• Receiving the Premier Truck Group’s Safety Excellence Coin #056

• Earning an honorable mention at the Jubitz Truck Light Parade

Advice to Women in Trucking

Christine has empowering advice for women already in—or considering entering—the trucking industry.

“Do it. Always trust your intuition, be patient with yourself, believe in your greatness, be bold, and communicate with confidence. Support, don’t compete. Make a great playlist to get through it and get over it.”

Congratulations to Christine Iva Britton, WIT’s Member of the Month!

Source: The Trucker

The post Christine Britton Honored as WIT Member of the Month appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Kenworth: A Classic Choice for Many

For Jared M. Goodman, Kenworth is a top contender, though he’s quick to defend another brand as well. “Kenworths have always been my favorite, but I think Volvos get a bad rap. Auto shift Volvos shift faster than other automatics I’ve driven, and they turn a lot tighter too,” he says. Whether it’s the comfort, durability, or overall performance, Kenworth trucks continue to have a loyal following.

Peterbilt: A Brand That Stands Out

When it comes to the truck that’s built to last, James Hutchinson doesn’t hesitate to say, “Peterbilt & Kenworth, no question.” It’s clear that for many, Peterbilt’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship is hard to beat. Chris Burke agrees, “Peterbilt with a Cummins” is his go-to choice, combining the best engine with a solid truck body. And for Wendy Clark, it’s Peterbilt all the way. “Peterbilt!!! King of Trucks!!” she exclaims.

Freightliner: A Practical Pick for Long Hauls

Paul Trotter shares his preference for the Freightliner Cascadia, especially for long trips. “It’s very roomy and comfortable for an over-the-road truck, and corners a lot better than some trucks I’ve driven.” Meanwhile, James Gravina backs up Freightliner’s performance, saying, “Freightshaker all day long with DD15 DT12.”

Mack: Tough and Ready for Any Job

Bob Howell praises Mack trucks, saying, “Mack! It’s the only one you can buy with all Mack parts. Motor, transmission, rear end—nothing pieced together.” Dan Bennett also echoes his admiration for Mack, adding, “W900,” a classic in the Mack family.

Western Star: Built Like a Tank

Larry Starr confidently states, “Western Star is the best-built truck.” And for Randy Collier, it’s all about the W900. “I’ve driven them all and I will pick a W900,” he says. There’s no question that for many, the rugged build and durability of Western Star make it a top contender for their favorite.

Volvo: A High-Performance Option

While Volvo trucks may not be for everyone, Antonio Perez swears by them. “Volvo with a Cummins motor” is his ideal choice, and David Blair adds, “Volvo, with a nice big old Cummins under the hood.” These trucks, especially when equipped with Cummins engines, are seen by some as the perfect combination of power and efficiency.

International: A Personal Favorite for Some

Lamel J. Sternberg has fond memories of his time in older International models. “Older International. 4070, 9670, and 9300,” he reminisces. Despite some mixed opinions on newer models, the older International trucks still have their place in the hearts of many veteran drivers.

The Old Standbys: Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner

For many drivers, it all comes down to personal preference. Scott Krauss shares his love for the old-school Freightliner models, saying, “Peterbilt or Western Star or an old-school Freightliner. Don’t want anything new.” Randy Lee, a former Freightliner parts maker, agrees: “I made parts for Freightliner when they were in NC, so Freightliner.”

When it comes to trucks, drivers have their personal favorites for good reason. Each brand offers something unique, from comfort to performance to durability. It’s evident that there’s no shortage of loyalty and pride among drivers, with each brand having its dedicated following. Whether it’s the nostalgia of older models or the appeal of the latest designs, what’s clear is that every truck has its place in the hearts of those who drive them.

The post The Battle of the Best Trucks: Truckers Share Their Top Picks appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In a stunning surprise for the trucking industry elite, legendary British rock band Def Leppard took the stage at the 2024 Daimler Truck Customer Appreciation Event. The performance unfolded at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, captivating an exclusive audience of over 1,000 on October 14.

Source: (Seth Cllevenger/Transport Topics)

Daimler Truck, the renowned manufacturer behind Freightliner and Western Star trucks as well as Detroit engines, orchestrated this private concert in conjunction with the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition.

Formed in Sheffield, England, back in 1976, Def Leppard delivered a powerful 90-minute set featuring their groundbreaking albums Pyromania and Hysteria, along with a blend of classic tracks and recent releases.

Show-Stopping Performances Through the Years

The Daimler Truck Customer Appreciation Event concerts have been a tradition since 1976, showcasing a remarkable lineup of musical legends:

• 1976: Jazz greats Oscar Peterson and Charlie Byrd

• 1979: Johnny Cash

• 1995: Elton John

• 1999: Celine Dion

• 2014: Eagles

• 2015: Paul McCartney

• 2016: Rolling Stones

• 2017: Jason Aldean

• 2018: Carrie Underwood with Florida Georgia Line

• 2019: Luke Bryan with Maddie & Tae

• 2021: Bon Jovi

• 2022: Billy Joel

• 2023: Chris Stapleton with Sting

The setlist for the evening featured arena rock staples like “Foolin’,” “Love Bites,” “Rock of Ages,” “Photograph,” “Armageddon It,” concluding with an encore of “Hysteria” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”

The event’s entertainment lineup remained a secret until Daimler Truck North America CEO John O’Leary unveiled the band, flanked by David Carson, DTNA’s Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, and the retiring global chief, Martin Daum, who recently concluded his tenure as Daimler Truck’s CEO.

Before the concert, DTNA introduced the latest generation of its flagship Freightliner Cascadia model within the MCE exhibit hall at Music City Center.

Reflecting on nearly 50 years of tradition, Daimler Trucks highlighted the origins of their customer appreciation events, tracing back to 1976 when Freightliner Corp., then a subsidiary of Consolidated Freightways, invited ATA conference attendees to a jazz concert by Oscar Peterson and Charlie Byrd in Washington, D.C. Over the decades, these events have featured legendary performances across genres including rock, pop, country, and jazz, with memorable acts spanning from Johnny Cash to Elton John and Celine Dion.

Source: Transport Topics

The post Def Leppard Electrifies Daimler Truck Event with Iconic ’80s Hits appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The recall affects several specific 2025 truck models, including:

• Freightliner 108SD: Assembled between April 22 and June 26

• Freightliner 114SD: Produced from May 20 to July 2

• Freightliner Business Class M2: Manufactured between April 22 and July 20

• Freightliner Cascadia: Created from April 15 to July 11

• Western Star 47X: Built on June 21

As a response to this safety concern, DTNA has confirmed that affected dealers will provide free replacements for the faulty tie rod assemblies. Notifications will be sent to owners of the impacted vehicles by mail starting September 29. Owners with concerns are encouraged to contact DTNA’s customer service at 800-745-8000, citing recall reference number F1007.

For additional support, vehicle owners can also reach out to the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or explore more details on the NHTSA website.

Source: Truckers News

The post Daimler Trucks North America Issues Recall for Potential Steering Defects appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“We are excited to have Love’s Freightliner ExpressPoint network fully online, less than a year after announcing our partnership with DTNA,” said Eric Daniels, vice president of total truck care for Love’s. “Love’s Truck Care and Speedco technicians have received comprehensive training from their local Freightliner dealer to provide quality customer service, maximizing uptime for the drivers who keep America running.”

Freightliner ExpressPoint offers a range of services at participating Love’s locations. These include light mechanical warranty repair work, roadside warranty emergency services, and approved field service and recall campaigns specifically tailored for Freightliner trucks.

The comprehensive warranty repair services cover areas such as HVAC, fuel systems, external engine components, brakes, and suspension, among others.

“We show full commitment to our customers’ uptime by expanding select service offerings with more than 400 Love’s Truck Care and Speedco locations to Freightliner customers,” said Paul Romanaggi, chief customer experience officer and general manager of service for DTNA. “The strategic partnership with Love’s and our robust Freightliner Service network charts a course that ensures reliability and efficiency to increase customer profitability keeping their trucks running.”

This collaboration between Love’s Truck Stops and DTNA aims to enhance the convenience and accessibility of maintenance services for Freightliner drivers, ensuring that they receive quality support for light repair work at various locations across the nation.

Source: The Trucker

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Distinguished guests, including John O’Leary, President and CEO of Daimler Truck North America, were in attendance to witness the occasion. Mike Gerdin, President and CEO of Heartland Express, gratefully accepted the truck on behalf of the company.

“Heartland Express has been a long-standing partner of Daimler Truck and Freightliner and we’re very pleased to present their 10,000th truck,” said O’Leary. “Our relationship goes back decades, and we look forward to a long and successful future together.”

“Heartland Express and Freightliner have been working successfully together for a long time and this is a huge milestone for our company,” said Gerdin. “We rely on our equipment to keep our drivers safe and allow us to provide award-winning service that we are known for across our industry. Our drivers love Freightliner for their comfort, reliability, and safety. We want to thank Daimler Truck North America, Freightliner, McCoy Group, and Truck Country for their partnership over the years.”

Headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa, Heartland Express stands out as an irregular route truckload carrier serving customers across the United States and Mexico. The company places a strong focus on regional freight and ensures on-time service to help their shippers achieve their strategic goals and satisfy their valued customers.

Source: Truckers News

Photo: Heartland Express

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