The History of Freightliner: Since 1929

[@7viewerlogic670]

FLD 120's were very good trucks. Maneuverable with the set back axle but still had a big hood. Big cab. Rode very well with the one piece cab+sleeper on air ride.

[@truckingresources4240]

You are right. In my opinion it may be the best "work horse" truck ever!!

[@Hydrostream1972]

THUMB NAIL.. 👍 THE LOOK... WHEN TRUCKS WERE REAL TRUCKS. FREIGHTLINER 😊

[@ScootertheMover]

My Classic XL, does just fine for me. Great video.

[@keith3328]

Rode in a Columbia with my dad when he worked for Smith Transport. Hated that Columbia. Like the FLC, FLD series. The Coronado is a sweet rig too. Great video Rob

[@toddstepan7712]

The FLD120 set back axle Silver Streak with the 70" raised roof sleeper was and still is one of the best aerodynamic trucks made. Easy to work, great maneuverability, & great fuel mileage.

[@truckingresources4240]

No Doubt!! I love seeing them getting restored now.

[@FURST420]

CF also made its own trailers - they owned a company named “Road Systems”. They really had their shit together ! I worked there from 1987- til the end in 2002, when they intentionally ran us into the ground

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you for the info. I didn't realize they made trailers also!!

[@ljreed8671]

The road tractors were air starters no ignition key flipped a toggle switch and push the air start button. Management got caught trying to spy on workers in the locker room in California was the story we got. The company didn't want to lose to the union in the lawsuit so they did run it in the ground for what Conway couldn't handle in freight.

[@LittleTruckerBear]

@@truckingresources4240 the more i read about them, im starting to think CF was bankrupted on purpose

[@derrickzenner9300]

I love freightliner trucks. Especially the very low dash height on the century trucks. Back in cdl school in 1996 us students were drooling over the new fld trucks.

[@truckingresources4240]

I was too. I remember when a small company that my dad worked for bought one brand new. In fact, when the senior driver got that new FLD, my dad got his late 80s FLC.

[@DMTruckSpotting]

WFT stands for White Freightliner Tilt cab; the WFs were non-tilt and this designation also applies to the Shovelnoses. Early Shovelnoses made before the White Merger were the A64 & B42

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you so much for that info. I thought about it for a while and White Freightliner Truck was all that I could come up with. Thanks again.

[@DMTruckSpotting]

@@truckingresources4240 my pleasure

[@chrisknight691]

2018 bought a used Freightliner 2013 Cascadia it's a special order truck with a Cummins mid roof 10 speed Manual full lockers on r 24.5 it's been really good truck to me.

[@truckingresources4240]

That's great!! I'm glad it's working out for you!!

[@LittleTruckerBear]

great video. IMO they died when they got rid of the classic. your story’s are very enlightening. keep them coming!

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you so much for the kind words. There's a lot more to come!!

[@fighter4christ7]

Thanks for the history always enjoy listening to your knowledge on these topics. Don’t know how you know all this it really is pretty cool. All freightliners (Cascadias) I’ve driven were all extremely reliable. Except the one I leased of course has to be the worst one of all time. Day 3 the entire electrical system (Sam cab) went out and then constant aftertreatment problems. It was clear the truck was never maintained well and it was going to begin to cost me. Turned that right in.

[@jonbradstephens]

Excellent overview. Thank you.

[@dennisrutherford6973]

Love the history lesson

[@truckingresources4240]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. There's lots more to come!!

[@gavinpennington407]

I think it would be an intriguing video if you did the history on Cat motors in class A trucks, if possible.

[@truckingwithcliff]

I drove for sitton motor lines when they were in business and all their freightliners had cats In them. Might look into that trucking company for a video

[@truckingresources4240]

You are right. They are on the list for the future!!

[@truckingresources4240]

I did not know they were a CAT company. I remember them. Didn't they get sold to one of the mega companies?

[@truckingwithcliff]

@truckingresources4240 I heard they just shut their doors because of all the regulations but I left before several years before then. They were a really good company to work for and they were strict on several things and all the safety guy and I think even the owner went out and drove atleast once a month or so if my memory serves me

[@derrickzenner9300]

Completely agree with you on your Columbia vs century comments.

[@truckingresources4240]

I just never understood why they did it.

[@jim-zx7gz]

Con met was a company owned by CF that manufactured wheel hubs and some radiator components...they actually sold parts to Paccar at one time Before the tilt cab was made....the engine was mounted in frame that sat inside the the frame....you could slide the engine out in front of the truck for overhaul work. It was called a sled...

[@grafton3073]

I didn’t know that. That sled is a cool idea.

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you so much for the info. That actually sounds incredible. Do you know if you could slide the tranny out with it? Like, Drop a driveshaft and unbolt some mounts?

[@ClutchTrucker]

Just bought a 2018 Cascadia. I’ll let you know what I think after driving it awhile

[@michaelscordo256]

Lunge alert!!!

[@kylemorice4870]

Oh youll love it if it wasn't fleet spec. But maybe even if it was it all depends.

[@truckingresources4240]

Thanks for the comment @ClutchTrucker. I have seen some of your videos and thought that I was subscribed but I wasn't....I am now!!

[@michaelheisey2869]

I heard that the Columbia bigger grill was to help with engine cooling. I wasn't a fan either. And oddly enough, I own a Mack specifically because all the components are manufactured by Mack. And, I am a huge fan of the Coronado. I don't understand why they never seemed to get popular. Another interesting video, Rob.

[@truckingresources4240]

Is your Mack a pre Volvo Mack? I am planning a video on them in the future but since Macungie is so close I think I'm gonna go there. I might even reach out to them to see if anybody wants to help me with the history. I've tried this a few times now with other companies to no avail lol.

[@michaelheisey2869]

It's a 2008. First year for the MP8 engine, which I've been told is a Volvo designed engine built in America. Also first year for the DPF filter. If you get a chance, go to the Mack museum in Allentown. There's years and years of history there. The guide there was the guy who designed the air ride cab. The trucks are interesting, but the guys were more interesting. As a side note, the more Volvo gets involved, the worse it gets. They stopped making manual transmissions which ended my loyalty. Now they are talking about a Mexican manufacturing plant. Sweden can stick to bikinis, and leave the trucks alone.

[@hawkeyetec]

Dd series engine is a rebadged mercedes. I have seen the mercedes emblem on all the oem parts that i have changed. On my 2015 cascadia dd15. 60 series all the way... Fld eady to work on. Durable. Cascadia, to many made drivetrains fragle. Better but it will put a owner op out of business unless its a factory glider. 2017 and older. Saw a 1996 volvo with a c16 . A beast of a truck dedicated to a 9 axel trailer. I drove a variety of argosy. Auto hauler. Best for getting into major urban areas. 7 mpg just a good trucks. S60 series or cat 15 liters. Electrical issues were the pass side harness pigtail going into the cab. Replace or bypass problems solved. Made in usa. Was the standard. Miss it. We need to complete again to have an even keiled economy. Cascadia hoods are a problem. Grilles like to fall off after replacement...no fun. Overall would buy a glider if they started making them. 60 series only. No more dd for me. No more technology until they do proper r and d.

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you for all of the info. I never drove an Argosy but always thought they were pretty cool. Now that you say that about the problems they had, I did remember hearing that it was a wiring harness issue.

[@hawkeyetec]

@@truckingresources4240 flb had the same issue. Just hard wire the pigtail wiring....going into the cab.

[@kylemorice4870]

Ok your wondering about cascadias. I have driven both the original body style and the facelifted body style. They can be comfortable. On the old ones the jakebrake was a button on the steering wheel and the stages if i remember were a rocker switch on the dash mine was a manual and it shifted smooth. The jakebrake was a little gutless but otherwise smooth ride. So that was a 2016. I currently drive a 2018 cascadia and i like it too. Its still a fleet truck just like the one before but its an automatic and it has more accomodations such as a refrigerator and a table. The jakebrake is on the column mounted shifter and you slide it down to set the stages of the jackebrake. Ill say the 2018s jakebrake has more kick to it. How they handled both can turn pretty tight compared to a longhood. Both have a comfortable ride as they can get for a short wheelbase id say. I hope this helps.

[@truckingresources4240]

It helps a lot. Thank you so much for all of the info.

[@scottycollins1829]

Gr8 FOOTAGE & TRUCKIN HISTORY!!!!!!📽📹🎥📸😎🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🫡📢📢📢📢📢📢📢📢📢🇺🇸🫱🏻‍🫲🏾👍🏾

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you as always, sir!!

[@crazytrucker09]

You should follow “Clutch trucker”

[@truckingresources4240]

I watched one of his videos a long time ago and thought I did subscribe. Thank you so much for reminding me of him!!

[@djrabbitthomasclark5383]

Where can I order one of those Patriot Specialized hats??? Mr Taylor needs to feel the love too!!

[@truckingresources4240]

LOL, He is still on vacation so I do not think he even saw the video yet. I am looking forward to seeing some of his footage from over there!!

[@stanleybaker8707]

My second favorite truck,number 1 Marmon.

[@truckingresources4240]

Amen to that!! Marmon, the Rolls Royce of trucks!!

[@raymondcooper2836]

I agree I loved my 57p

[@wyatt12358]

Liked the old long hood FLC

[@Hondabill]

Only freightline I drove had white above it think it was a 1974 I was just 18 couldn’t leave the state of Arkansas I would have worked for free I was so happy

[@truckingresources4240]

For sure. I would have worked for free when I was 18.

[@jackmoorman6925]

Love the videos and he got that catch phrase from Matthew McConaughey😂😅

[@truckingresources4240]

LOL, I know that. I love that movie. I was talking with Brett about it recently. Did you know that was the first words He ever said on camera and it was a total improv?

[@stanleybaker8707]

Have you ever seen twin stick garage?

[@truckingresources4240]

I love twin stick. I am a huge fan of his. I am a little bit behind on his videos but I loved the 359, the A model tribute truck and I really loved the trip he took to GA Smokey and the Bandit filming locations.

[@sandasturner9529]

It's a truck, and it's a-rollin'

[@ni1469]

Reading the thumbnail made me say f@$! No and chuckle. Cascadias are good as long as you only want to keep them for 2 oil changes and want to feel like your in an m1 Abram’s every pothole you hit. I also refuse to call a dd series a Detroit

[@spkernal]

Drove Cascadias for 3 years.Really like them. Switched jobs and now I drive a T680. It's junk. In the shop about every 6-8 weeks. It's a small private carrier and when they decide to turn these over I'm going to push for Freightliners.

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you for the review!!

[@moneymikeslickwill8749]

Great video loved the info stayed for the dad jokes

[@truckingresources4240]

I'm not even a dad but I do have some horrible jokes!!

[@scottsmallwood8965]

My Cascadia does good by me. It's not cool to look at like an old Pete but it gets on down the road and has a comfortable sleeper.

[@truckingresources4240]

As an old Pete owner I'm pretty sure you get better mileage too. Be Safe out there!!

[@georgewilson1184]

I know all about Freightliner trucks courtesy of Leland James the Man that started Consolidated Freightways I sure wish you would watch some C.F. Company videos like the story about C F one I think you will find it very interesting check it out and I think you wil like & see CF in a new light

[@truckingresources4240]

Do you know that I did a history on CF?

[@georgewilson1184]

Yes I saw that video you did on CF I loved it I loved that company I watch these older videos on how positive their Labor force was but they are from different parts of the country I worked with some great drivers & dockmen out of the Chicago terminals but Chicago also had a lot of unsavory people in the system at times at some terminals around Chicago Land there was always a dark & gloomy aura hanging overhead and people you wish would just be gone their negativity was beyond reproach they openly would admit to sabotaging freight and vandalizing company vehicles

[@Ricky_Bobby_Company]

Love only the Classic XL and Columbia. Alright Alright Alright 😎

[@elgordo496]

It's tough and dependable but, just ride rough!

[@richardeckert6130]

Great video had a old fld great truck bought it used with a Boyson head rack and trailer great truck run that thing for 6 yrs be safe my friend.

[@truckingresources4240]

I really don't know anybody that had one but didn't like it. I had a horrible one but that wasn't Freightliners fought. It had a horrible yellow engine in it called the 3176. Huge nightmare but the truck was great.

[@richardeckert6130]

@@truckingresources4240 mine had a Cummings

[@oreoninja3035]

yo nice meeting you

[@truckingresources4240]

You Too!!

[@crazytrucker09]

Once they moved manufacturing to Mexico quality has declined.

[@ljreed8671]

Great story but one fact is wrong Consolidated Freightways was not in financial trouble when it sold Freightliner. The Government told CF “ they were a monopoly for manufacturing their own trucks and selling them with having a freight carrier “. Daimler enters the picture to buy Freightliner. Daimler has cheapened the Freightliner over the years with mass production cheaper parts only to push sales Early Freightliner’s were driver friendly with it’s features and very much rebuildable I’m a former driver CF closed it doors because of a pending lawsuit for invasion of privacy in terminals in California trying to get union information not for the lack of freight. CF had money that’s how the ConWays started. Conway East Conway South East South West Conway Eastern got the Union then shut down after they organize a strike for more wages. The sale to XPO was all Conway CF upper management who got big money for their retirement from the sale.

[@brianporch220]

NHTSA is National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you so much. I knew I wasn't totally right but I forgot to look it up between the research and the filming.

[@richardeckert6130]

That hat was so funny🎉

[@truckingresources4240]

Richard, have you watched any of Patriots videos?

[@richardeckert6130]

@@truckingresources4240 yes I have watched his video

[@Donald-jm4hi]

The cabover and FLD the best trucks they ever built. Cascadia is a good truck after the bugs are worked out from the factory. No quality care off the line anymore.

[@truckingresources4240]

Unfortunately, I'm hearing that about a lot of trucks these days.

[@zilphapeatce]

How old is too old to drive Orr?

[@dadsqch]

I've driven a cascadia on and off for 5 years, I did two ears in a Kenworth t680 and hated it. My current company I tried out a 579 and I can't stand it, talk about computer issues. They've got a brand new cascadia waiting for me at the terminal that I should be moving into next week and getting out of this Pete

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you for the review. I hope you enjoy your new truck!!

[@dennisreed3382]

Never liked a freightliner. Always seem to have the steering wheel offset from the driver seat a bit.

[@toddstockton67]

I drive a day cab 2023 single axel Freightliner it's a nice truck but it beats the hell out of you on bumps

[@miggster324]

14:30 *long comment ahead* The Freightliner Columbia was a marketing strategy by Daimler Mercedes Benz to have a more diverse fleet with more choices for buyers and companies. Daimler, being smart as they are, wanted to try using unique headlights, like a car, unlike the Century that still use sealed beam headlights. With that said, the Columbia had the SAME EXACT HEADLIGHTS as the 1st generation Mercedes Benz ML Class (W163). The Freightliner M2 utilized the same headlights, but were kept in a larger capsule to try to differentiate. Very great marketing strategy to keep a diverse fleet. That idea honestly brought forth the Cascadia. Back to the 1st gen Mercedes Benz ML. On the ML forums, owners upgrade to the Columbia headlights (housing and all) because of better output. Not only that, newer Columbias came with HIDs and were all lot better then the HIDs that came out in the SUVs. On the topic of Mercedes, the turn signals/running lamp combo on the FLD120 is the SAME EXACT LIGHT as the Mercedes Benz E-class W124. Very interesting stuff. I love my freightshakers and I love my Detroits. Daimler acquisition probably one of the greatest things to happen to Freightliner. Loved this video and a huge fan of your channel!

[@truckingresources4240]

Thank you so much for the info. I had forgotten about the shared headlights and I never knew about the FLD's sharing with the E-class. As soon as you said it I could picture it, didn't even have to look up a picture. I am going to have to use that as a trivia in an upcoming history video!!

[@miggster324]

@@truckingresources4240 looking forward to that!

[@truckingwithcliff]

With this DPF and DD15 engine yea theyre building junk it doesnt seem the interior or even external along with suspension doesnt seem to have longevity

[@stuartloggins3691]

Not so great. I had 2 Coronado trucks lose the steering. The last one almost killed me.

[@truckingresources4240]

Oh my gosh. That is crazy!!

[@stuartloggins3691]

I got fired because the steering went out and it wrecked

[@dalemarshall625]

Cheap made

[@screamingeagle4525]

Your mask producing and ignoring their problem with the one box and they should be class action lawsuit against them

[@MarkBerg-tk8js]

Ran white freightliners on International Transport 1964 to 67 335 and 4x4, two man , had qtr Rochester MN , mn had a fierce railroad lobby in them days, kept overall length as the rule and kept Double bottoms out for years. Still at it, run day jobs, loading and unloading trailers. Furthest I go from Grand Rapids is to west Fargo. . I remember coming outa la area and passed the super chief climbing cohone pass . Goin 75 down the hi desert the train went by us like we were up o. Jacks! Mark Berg south of Bigfork MN

[@wyatt12358]

The FLD was ok except for the doors. The COLUMBIA WAS AN ABSOLUTE POS! CENTURY WAS A LITTLE BETTER. do not know anything about the CASCADIA. They are with WESTERN STAR now I would lean more towards the WESTERN STARS for quality.

[@truckingresources4240]

Unfortunately, I have heard from some die hard Star Car fans that their quality has declined horribly in the last 5-10 years. So sad!

[@wyatt12358]

@@truckingresources4240 FREIGHTLINER kind of quit trying to market with the 1 man driver owner op fancier trucks. Now they just go for the big fleet CHEAP STRIPPED TRUCKS. The quality also went down when they bought FORD AND STERLING. I have a 4900 2014 WESTERN STAR GLIDER WITH A SERIES 60 12.7 I THINK ITS A DD4. ITS A PRETTY NICE TRUCK. My cousin runs it for me and I have a PETE 386 THAT I RUN MYSELF. I am more of a PETE KW, IH GUY. Wish the MARMONS WERE STILL MADE. Never have driven a MACK.