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

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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.

The potential risk involves insufficient tightening of the seat pedestal and seat belt coupling, which could jeopardize the safety of passengers by failing to hold them securely during operation.

To rectify this situation, authorized dealers will inspect and replace the seat pedestal along with ensuring that all attachment bolts are securely tightened, free of charge to truck owners. Notifications are scheduled to be dispatched by September 27. For inquiries, truck owners are encouraged to contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 using recall number SC0469. For more information, the NHTSA reference number is 24V-567.

Owners also have the option to reach the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.safercar.gov for further assistance.

Source: Truckers News

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A Special 40th Anniversary Celebration

To honor this landmark anniversary, the Mack Trucks Historical Museum will be featured at the biennial Trucktoberfest, hosted at the Mack Experience Center each October. This event will provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich history of Mack Trucks, which has played a crucial role in significant historical events and infrastructure projects.

“Since its inception in 1900, Mack Trucks has been involved in everything from World War I to major infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Hoover Dam and the New York City subway system,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president, global brand, and marketing. “We are proud to have the Mack Museum showcase all of these landmark construction projects, as well as Mack’s 124 years of achievements.”

A Unique Collection of Operational Vehicles

The museum showcases 30 operational vehicles, all meticulously restored and maintained by dedicated staff and volunteers. Highlights include a 1909 Mack tourist bus, which saw service in Chicago and New Orleans, and the iconic 2006 Mack Granite military truck, Megatron, from the 2011 film “Transformers, Dark of the Moon.”

An Archive of Unmatched Historical Records

Beyond its vehicle displays, the museum boasts an archive of over 40 million pages of records, chronicling Mack’s history and its pivotal role in the evolution of American trucking. Visitors can explore these records to gain insights into the technological advancements and historical significance of Mack Trucks.

“Not only do we preserve and catalog the Mack legacy, but we also share the importance of our vehicles to the function of the world,” said Doug Maney, Mack Museum curator and lead caretaker. “Each year, we answer more than 1,500 questions about Mack, from dealers seeking to service an older truck to hobbyists asking about vehicle parts. It is an honor to maintain Mack history by providing this information.”

Memorabilia and Tours

The museum also features a wide array of memorabilia, including a 20-foot Bulldog statue from Mack’s former headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Tours are available by reservation on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Source: Truckers News

Photo: Mack Trucks Historical Museum

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“Mack is committed to making the industrial and product investments we need to be a North American market leader,” said Stephen Roy, global president of Mack Trucks. “The expansion of the RVO plant will help us grow in a strategic market segment and support our sustainability goals.”

The announcement was made by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin during an event attended by state and local officials at RVO. To support the project, Youngkin approved a $255,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund, resulting in an anticipated creation of 51 jobs. Roanoke County offered incentives totaling $842,420.

Mack’s investment will be allocated to equipment, tooling, and a substantial 72,000 square-foot building expansion, expanding the facility to a total of 352,000 square feet. Construction is set to commence in April, with the expansion expected to conclude in Q4 2025. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership collaborated with Roanoke County Economic Development and the Roanoke Regional Partnership to secure the project.

The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will facilitate employee training activities, and Mack stands to benefit from the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for new full-time jobs generated by the project.

“Customer demand for the Mack MD and MD Electric continues to grow beyond our expectations,” Roy said. “This investment and expansion will well-position Mack Trucks for the future.”

RVO, where all Mack medium-duty models are produced, saw an increased need for space due to the introduction of the diesel-powered Mack MD Series in 2020 and the Mack MD Electric in March 2023. The MD and MD Electric models, available in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings, have respective Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds and 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax (FET). Mack Trucks’ expansion signals a proactive response to the growing demand for their innovative and environmentally friendly truck models.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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“The turn signals may be positioned incorrectly, reducing their visibility,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in an Aug. 29 letter. “As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, ‘Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.’”

In February 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a final rule on adaptive driving beam technology. This technology aims to enhance driving visibility and reduce accidents on the road.

Mack’s Product Safety Working Group has recently identified a potential non-compliance issue related to certain chassis extensions and hood variations. In response, the company is taking proactive measures to rectify the situation and ensure the safety of their customers.

To address this concern, dealerships are offering a free and hassle-free solution. They will be adding additional turn signal lighting to the affected vehicles, ensuring compliance with the new regulations. This means that owners of the impacted vehicles can have peace of mind knowing that their safety is a top priority.

To keep everyone fully informed, notices have already been sent out to all dealerships from September 1. In addition, owners of the affected vehicles can expect to receive notifications by October 17, providing them with all the necessary details and instructions for the solution.

Source: Trucking Dive

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