A lot of us wonder what a semi-truck is. If we already know what that thing is, the next thing I’ll ask is what the best brands are. I can guarantee you, these questions have pretty simple answers.
Best Semi Truck Brands
If we’re running a business relating to deliveries, shipments, or anything that deals with transportation, semi-trucks are the vehicles to go. They are strong enough to hold our supplies. They can carry heavy loads to various places we could run our business in.
These trucks are the most sought out vehicles in handling big businesses, especially when it comes to industrial work. This is why purchasing or renting semi-trucks is one of the main concerns that most entrepreneurs deal with when they are beginning to establish their large businesses.
If we have decided to buy a semi truck for our business, we just took a great step when it comes to upgrading it. On the other hand, the only problem we’ll face is choosing the right semi truck brands for our business.
There are a lot of semi truck brands out there, and it is important that we choose the right one. They will be one of our greatest tools for our business, and their high-quality functions can help us in a lot of ways.
For us to understand the importance of these semi trucks, we need to have a quick catch-up about them first.
About the Author
I’m Josh and I created this website to talk all about trucks. You can trust my 10+ years of experience to help you find the right brand for you.
What Are Semi Trucks?
Semi trucks are vehicles that are separated into two units. Instead of being a big truck which is undetachable, semi trucks are a combination of a tractor unit and one or more trailer units. They are mostly used by businesses to carry their large shipments or freights. Which are quite useful for traveling long distances.
A semi trucks tractor unit usually has two to three axles. However, for those tractor units built for loading heavy-duty materials and construction machinery, they may have at least five axles. In addition, most of them are lift axles.
The layout for one of the most common tractor-cab has a forward engine, a steering axle, and two other drive axles. The fifth-wheel trailer that accompanies most tractor trucks is movable fore and aft. As a result, this allows adjustments when it comes to the weight distribution over the rear axles.
These trucks names and combinations vary on which country we are in. In North America, the most utilized combinations are semis, semi trailers, big rigs, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, semi-tractor trailers, semi-trailer trucks, and 18-wheelers.
The Different Styles of Semi Trucks
There are different styles of semi trucks out there, and each one of them has their specific strengths when it comes to our business. To know more about these styles, I am going to take a more in-depth look at these prime movers that tow tractor trailers.
Flat Roof Sleeper
A truck sleeper or sleeper cab is a semi truck that has a compartment attached to its cabin for our truck driver or drivers to rest and sleep in. Also, it usually has separate compartments for bunk and storage. This semi truck has a flat roof, which means there is less room for headspace.
Mid-Roof Sleeper
This semi truck has a compartment attached to its cabin for our truck driver or drivers to rest and sleep in. It is a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, and it is usually capable of holding a bed, a tv, and a few storage compartments. The mid-roof sleepers top or roof is slightly higher, and it is more rounded. This allows our drivers and passengers in enjoying the privilege of more headroom and space.
Raised-Roof Sleeper
A raised-roof sleeper is a kind of semi-tractor that has a compartment attached to its cabin for us driver or drivers to rest and sleep in. Unlike the other sleepers, these sleepers offer a high-quality sound system, flat-screen tv, and a side storage tower. The raised-roof sleeper is the semi truck that has the highest roof. Thus, this ensures more headspace for our drivers, leading to a more comfortable driving experience.
Day Cab
Day cab semi-trucks are tractors that are perfect to use for day trips. They do not have sleeping compartments since they are meant for our drivers and businesses who are used to traveling during the day. A day cabs purpose is to haul or hook up plenty of large loads for short trips that will usually take a single day to complete.
These are the different types or styles of semi trucks. In gathering more data about it, we could search for articles that explain more of their specializations and beneficial qualities for our business. This way, we will be able to make the right choice when it comes to purchasing our own semi truck or trucks.
The Difference Between a Semi Truck and an 18-Wheeler
The word semi-truck refers to the truck or tractor that contains the engine. With or without a semi-trailer, these trucks can run on their own.
Whereas, an 18-wheeler refers to the combined engineering of a semi-trailer and a semi-truck. Once connected or joined together, they form a tractor-trailer unit called an 18 wheeler, hence the name. Its name was 18-wheeler because of the total number of wheels the tractor-trailer unit has when connected.
Different Types of Trailers for Semi Trucks
There are different types and styles of trailers we can use for semi trucks. To know more about them, check out this list of commonly used trailers today.
Flatbed Trailer
A flatbed trailer is perfect for carrying bulks of cargo and containers to and from shipping terminals and facilities. It has no roof nor walls on either side, and it is carefully constructed with steel frames to fortify its hold. Like its name suggests, this trailer is mainly flat and well-utilized for transportation.
Lowboy Trailer
A lowboy trailer is a semi-trailer with a drop deck. With its low ground clearance, this trailer is best for shipping oversized equipment or other items that exceeds the normal height requirements when it comes to transportation. Some of us also call it a double drop, low loader, low-bed, and a float, depending on the location you are in.
Refeer Trailer
A reefer trailer is a refrigerated semi-trailer that is designed to transport materials or perishable goods that are quite temperature sensitive. This trailer is best for the ice cream and meat industry today. Aside from frozen goods, reefer trailers can also carry heated products.
Conestoga Trailer
A Conestoga trailer is a type of trailer for transporting our precious cargo without compromising our integrity and quality. It features a sliding tarp designed to cover the cargo without damaging it. This trailer is mostly used for specialized shipping.
Step Deck Trailer
A step deck trailer as a trailer that has an upper deck and a lower deck. The lower deck drops down after clearing the tractor unit, and it can carry taller loads than the usual flatbed trailer. It also has a ramp for unloading, and it is sometimes called a drop deck trailer.
Dry Van Trailer
A dry van trailer is a semi-trailer that has enclosures on all sides to make sure that its content will be protected from the outside. It is specially designed to carry sensitive , palletized, or loose freight. Unlike flatbed trailers, it cannot carry extra large or oversized shipments. It can only transport items that are limited in size due to its enclosed design.
Power Only Trailer
A power only trailer is a trailer provided by a trucking service, and they do the transporting for us. Moreover, they will haul the items we need to pick up, and they deliver it to the specific location we want it to be.
Extendable Double Drop Trailer
An extendable double drop trailer is mostly used for freights that are too long for standard double drop trailers. Depending on the weight of the materials, this trailer could have 2 to 3 axles.
Stretch Double Drop Trailer
This semi-trailer is used to carry or transport oversized shipments. It allows us to load its deck with cargo or materials that are over 10-feet tall. It is designed with a longer piece at its middle and back portion, which is known as the well, that is measured at 25-29 feet.
Stretchable Single Drop Trailer
Much like extendable double drop trailers, stretch single drop deck trailers are meant to carry loads that are too long for traditional or standard trailers. Its length extends for over 35 to 63 feet, which makes it the ideal trailer for overlength shipments.
Removable Gooseneck Trailer
Removable gooseneck trailers are semi-trailers that truckers usually used for shipping our large equipment. In addition, the front of this trailer is detachable, making it easier to load equipment without the use of a ramp.
Stretch Removable Gooseneck Trailer
The stretch RGN is specifically for carrying items or loads that are too long for the standard removable gooseneck trailer. Its functions are the same as the regular RGN. The only difference is its length.
Sidekit Trailers
Sidekit trailers are semi-trailers that are often affordable and easy to manipulate, thanks to their removable sides. Therefore, their structure can provide support and weather protection for any kind of cargo, and their tent-like coverings complete the shielding they need from any external materials that may cause damage to them.
Specialty Trailers
Specialty trailers, like the name suggests, are trailers used for special uses, such as temporary housings, concert stages, and transportable dressing rooms. Most of these trailers are custom-made.
Multi-Car Trailer
Multi-car trailers are the trailers used to transport numerous commercial vehicles from one place to another. They are mostly used by our car companies in delivering units to designated dealerships.
The 15 Best Semi Truck Brands You Can Buy
1. Mack
Mack is a well-known company when it comes to semi-trucks. With their functional designs, tough construction, and reliable performance, we can certainly use our trucks for any job, day or night. As they said on their website, their machines can make us legendary.
Here are the semi-trucks offered by Mack:
- Mack Anthem
- Granite MHD
- MD Series
- Pinnacle
- LR
- Granite
- Terrapro
Moreover, to know more about Macks semi-trucks, we can visit their website and take a look at them for a more detailed understanding.
2. Kenworth
Kenworth produces and delivers a variety of semi-trucks as one of the leading trucking services in the world. They create heavy and medium-duty trucks that are specially made to assist in our businesses. In addition, with excellent engineering and designs, their trucks provide comfort for us drivers, and they maintain a good record for fuel-efficiency. Kenworth makes sure that they will be a great investment on our part by providing these qualities
Here is a list of Kenworths truck models:
- W990
- T680
- T880
- K270 & K370K270E & K370E
- T170, T270, T370
- T440 & T470
- T800
- W900
- C500
In addition to this, gather more information about Kenworths semi-trucks by checking out their website and check out their selection of excellent machines.
3. Peterbilt
Peterbilt is a recognized by the industry for offering reliable and efficient semi truck. It is a North American commercial vehicle manufacturer that has been in the industry for about 80 years. Its truck’s durability has been tested and proven. Thus, making it stay as one of the well-known semi truck manufacturers for decades.
Here are two semi trucks that Peterbilt offers:
- 579
- 389
4. International
International truck’s owner is Navistar International Corporation. It offers a complete line up of vehicles from medium duty to heavy duty trucks. From start-up business to upscale ones, International trucks can help you with your business a lot. Aside from trucks, they also offer parts and services that is available in their network of 1,000 outlets in United States, Mexico, Canada, and Brazil. They also have 60 dealers in more than 90 countries around the globe.
Here are a few series of medium duty truck models from International:
- VR
- HV
- Durastar
We can also customize our own truck depending on our needs. Visit the International website to know more.
5. Volvo
Volvo trucks are part of the Volvo Group of Companies and famous as one of the leading manufacturers of heavy trucks and engines globally. Its semi-truck models offer high-tech perks like advanced-driver assist systems (ADAS). For instance, include collision warning, automated emergency braking, cruise control, and lane departure warning. Volvo offers great quality and advanced safety systems classifying them as one of the best choices when we are investing in semi trucks.
Here are some semi truck models from Volvo:
- VNL 300, 400, 740, 760, 860
- VNR 300, 400, 640
- VNX 300, 400, 740
- VHD 300 AB, 300 AF, 400 AB, 400 AF
Know more about Volvo semi trucks by visiting their website and along with other products they are offering.
6. Mercedes Benz
Mercedes Benz, a subsidiary of Daimler, is popular for its luxurious vehicles. In 2018, Mercedes Benz set a record as the largest selling premium vehicles around the globe. They sold around 2.31 million passenger cars. Mercedes Benz is also offering us commercial vehicles such as vans, trucks, buses, coaches, and ambulance. This automotive brand pride itself on providing premium quality vehicles- passenger or heavy one.
Hence, they are setting a high benchmark in the industry by selling trucks with reliable and exemplary safety technology systems. Here are some of their semi truck model perfect for long-haul journeys:
- Actros
- Axor
Get to know more about Mercedes Benz by clicking this link.
7. DAF
DAF Trucks N.V. is a Dutch technology and truck manufacturing company in Europe. It is a wholly own by subsidiary of PACCARR Inc. , a premier manufacturer of light and medium and heavy commercial vehicles.
In addition to the typical areas wherein truck manufacturers focus their attention mostly on, DAF also prioritizes innovation just as equal. Specifically observed with their efforts in reducing global CO2 emissions and the overall improvement of air quality.
If we want to know more about DAF and their innovative trucks, check out their website here.
8. MAN
MAN Truck & Bus has long established its place as one of the most-renowned commercial vehicle manufacturers in all of Europe. Their genuinely impressive product portfolio includes trucks, buses, vans, and coaches for us to own in our business. Not only that, but they also provide services regarding cargo and passenger transports.
Here are some of their most noteworthy trucks:
- TGL
- TGX
- TGM
Visit their website today for more information.
9. Iveco
Iveco, or Industrial Vehicles Corporation, is a commercial truck manufacturing that was formed back in 1975. Hence, the company is conceiving through the collaboration of five pre-existing European brands. Its main headquarters is currently standing on Turin, Italy and is a subsidiary of the CNH Industrial brand.
Iveco’s main devotion and commitment in delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility, integrated with high-end tech solutions in respect to both the environment and us consumers.
Know more about the high-quality trucks of Iveco by proceeding to their website using this link.
10. Western Star
Western Star has their eyes set on delivering our truckers with the most cost-efficient trucks there is today. They are making it a mission to let us know that they value our money as equal as we do. Furthermore, with their top quality control measures and unparalleled construction frameworks, we can be sure that what we invest with them will sure pay off in the near future.
Here are some of Western Star’s most in-demand trucks:
- 6900 TS
- 5700 XE
- 4800 SB
In case of further information regarding Western Star and its amazing products, kindly proceed to their website using this very link.
11. Isuzu
Isuzu has played a major role in the world as a manufacturer of light and heavy commercial vehicles in addition to producing top-quality diesel engines. It prides itself as being able in providing us tremendous technological prowess on top of their capability to meet various social demands. This is as evidenced by their claim and established place as the top selling low cab forward truck in all of America ever since the start of the 90s. Here is a quick look of Isuzu’s most recognizable trucks:
- FTR Diesel – GVWR
- NPR Gas – GVWR
Give their website a visit to know more. Follow this link to head directly to their site.
12. Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, or the MFTBC, is an integral subsidiary of the Daimler Truck AG. This well-recognized brand has its home base set on Kawasaki, Japan. Additionally, It manufactures great quality trucks, buses, and industrial engines for over 170 different markets all over the world.
Their products ranges from the light duty trucks up to the heavy duty big rigs. To get a better perspective of the amazing trucks they produce, here are some of the company’s highest-selling trucks:
- Canter
- Fighter
- FZ
We may head directly to their website for further information and view the complete list of their products.
13. Freightliner
As the company’s tagline dictates, Freightliner plays no games. It means business. Freightliner trucks are specifically designed and engineered to be efficient and reliable in addition to its excellent fuel consumption. In addition to this, Freightliner trucks mission is to render their every product as a bonafide smart investment.
Here are a few samples of their top-quality products:
- M2 106
- 122SD
- Cascadia
For further information about the company and the products Freightliner provides, head on to their website using this link.
14. Scania
Scania trucks make it a point to remind us that they are able to create and nourish businesses. In addition, its ability to provide unparalleled performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency, Scania trucks also gives effort to know and understand our business. Increased profitability is practically promised with Scania’s dedication to learn our ventures on top of providing excellent quality products.
Here is a quick peek to the catalog of truck products Scania provides:
- P-series
- R-series
- V8
- Crewcab
Visit their website today to know more about the products and the company itself.
15. Hino
Hino trucks and buses success story have seen them expand across more than 90 countries and region over the years. Thus, their emphasis in support of the working lives of every person is only paralleled by the focus they dedicate to meet our every need of our potential customers. Furthermore, they make it a point to incorporate precautionary measures with the latest environmental technologies to best-fit their every product.
Here are some of the trucks Hino has in store for us:
- Hino 300, 500, 600 series
Lastly, we may head on to their website right now for further information.
Conclusion
Every semi-truck brand has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Some may appear ahead of the competition but may also still lack something in a specific area. There is no perfect semi-truck brand – no brand that is beloved by most of us.
That being said, it is for us to decide which we’ll patronize and support. Here is but a suggestion of the 15 most recognizable brands out there. We hope to have helped providing our fellow truckers or drivers to have a clear picture of which brands you may trust.