Continuing on with the Vocational Truck Weekend, and I have to ask this question… How many of you are aware that the two biggest truck companies in the states are both European? Daimler owns Freightliner and Western Star trucks (they also owned the Sterling Trucks Brand — a set of vehicles created from the acquisition of the Large Commercial Ford Truck Brand, mixed in with other smaller trucks from Chrysler and Mitsubishi — until that enterprise was shut down in 2009) and is the largest commercial truck producer. Volvo Trucks (which owns Mack and now UD Trucks) is the second largest producer of Commercial Trucks. Freightliner was acquired by Daimler in 1989, and quickly dispatched the poor selling Mercedes-Benz truck line in 1991, and replaced them with the Freightliner Business Class FL series. The Business Class FL took a Mercedes Benz LNK Mid-Range European Cabover, added a conventional look, and was the first all new medium truck design in over a decade.

When I buy used trucks, I take a look at competing brands to see if there are any bargains out there, and Freightliners are truly a competitive produce. So lets take a look at some of the Freightliners that I have purchased. The above image is a 2004 Freightliner FL-70 equipped with a Caterpillar C-7 Diesel producing 210HP. It has a 6-Speed Manual, Air Conditioning, Air Ride Seat, AM FM Radio, with a 22ft Box, and a rear liftgate. This was also the last year for the Freightliner FL Series, as the new M2 was introduced in 2004, and was more modern with an all aluminum cab. So, why would I purchase this perticular truck, with an odd color palette? Well, the mileage says it all, at only 43,000 miles, and the miles are accurate as I have the maintenance records from new. It was a lease vehicle based in the midwest. The truck is barely broken in, and should provide a very long life to the next owner at a bargain price. See the listing here.

This is a 2005 Freightliner M2 Business Class, equipped with a Mercedes-Benz Diesel (235HP), a 6-speed Manual, and a very unique flatbed body. This truck was used buy a plumbing supply busienss, and delivered pipe to job sites all over upstate New York. It only has 129,000 miles on the odometer, and the truck is very unusual. There is also a rear liftgate on the bosy, as well as a couple of strap tie downs. See the listing here.

This is a 2007 Freightliner M2 Business Class, equipped with a Caterpillar C-7 Diesel (210 HP), a 6-speed Manual, but it also has a rear air-ride suspension package. Other features include an Air Ride Seat, tilt and telescoping wheel, power windows, heated mirrors, cruise control, dual fuel tanks, and it only has 87,000 miles under its belt. A 24ft body, and a rear liftgate completes the package. When I purchased it, I knew the color was suppose to be blue, but no one made me awary of the red and orange, but with this mileage and these features, who cares. See the listing here.

This is a 2008 Freightliner M2 Business Class, equipped with a Cummins ISX Diesel (230HP), a 5-speed Allison Automatic, and a unique 16ft body. The body is what initially attracted my attention, as it has a side entrance, and a 4,000 pound capacity rail type liftgate. This was leased by an Office Supply Company, and it covered only 78,000 miles. The truck also has a set of Aluminum Wheels, dual fuel tanks, fog lamps, and a rear backup camera. Take a look at the listing here.

My job is unique, and it is kinda fun from time to time. So, what do you think of these Freightliners, and let me know if you find this series of postings tedious.