Makes of Semi Trucks: A Comprehensive Guide to the Industry

Semi trucks come in a wide range of makes, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most popular makes of semi trucks include Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, International, and Volvo.

Freightliner is known for its reliable and fuel-efficient engines, making it a top choice among long-haul drivers. Its Cascadia model is a popular option for those who need a truck that can handle long distances.

Peterbilt, on the other hand, is famous for its stylish designs and luxurious interiors. Its 389 model is a favorite among drivers who want a comfortable and powerful truck.

Kenworth is another well-respected make, offering a range of models that cater to different needs and budgets. Its T680 model is a popular choice for those who want a truck that's both powerful and efficient.

International trucks are known for their durability and reliability, making them a great option for drivers who need a truck that can withstand harsh conditions. Its LT series is a popular choice for those who want a truck that's both rugged and efficient.

Volvo trucks are known for their high-quality engines and advanced safety features, making them a top choice among safety-conscious drivers. Its VNL model is a popular option for those who want a truck that's both powerful and safe.

Scania and Iveco are two well-established brands in the semi-truck industry. Both companies have been around for over a century, with Scania founded in 1891 and Iveco in 1975.

Scania's global presence is impressive, with a significant market share in Europe and a strong following in other parts of the world. Their trucks are known for their reliability and durability.

Iveco, on the other hand, has a strong reputation for producing high-quality, fuel-efficient trucks. Their Eurocargo model is a popular choice among small to medium-sized businesses.

Scania is one of the largest truck manufacturing companies in the world. They've managed to sell off over 81,000 trucks in the last year.

These new trucks are surprisingly fuel-efficient, consuming 10% less fuel than usual.

Iveco is an Italian-based truck manufacturing company controlled by the Netherlands-based company of the same name.

With over 134,300 semi-trucks sold in the last year, Iveco has experienced unprecedented growth in sales in Europe.

This growth has cemented its place as one of the leading semi-truck manufacturing companies of 2020.

Iveco's success in Europe is a notable achievement, and the company will likely continue to be a major player in the truck industry.

It's worth noting that Iveco's parent company is based in the Netherlands, which has likely played a role in the company's international success.

PACCAR is a medium and heavy-duty truck manufacturer.

They design and manufacture trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, Leyland Trucks, and DAF nameplates.

PACCAR is a Fortune 500 company.

They offer customer support for their trucks.

PACCAR designs and makes powertrains for their vehicles.

They also provide information technology support to their customers.

In addition to manufacturing trucks, PACCAR distributes truck parts to their principal customer-facing business.

Daimler Trucks is the largest semi-truck manufacturing company in the world, with a total truck sale volume of 415,100.

Daimler Trucks is a subsidiary of Daimler AG, a German-based truck manufacturing company, and is based in Portland, Oregon.

Daimler Trucks produces a wide range of trucks under different names, including Western Star, Mercedes Benz, BharatBenz, Mitsubishi Fuso, and Freightliner.

International Trucks, on the other hand, is a leading producer of medium and heavy semi trucks founded in 1902.

International's trucks are sold through a network of nearly 1,000 dealer outlets in the US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

Daimler is a German-based truck manufacturing company with a subsidiary in Portland, Oregon. Daimler Trucks is the largest semi-truck manufacturing company in the world.

Daimler Trucks produces a wide range of trucks under different names such as Western Star, Mercedes Benz, BharatBenz, Mitsubishi Fuso, and Freightliner. With a total truck sale volume of 415,100, Daimler Trucks is a well-known manufacturer of commercial vehicles, heavy-duty, and semi-trucks.

Navistar International is a leading producer of commercial trucks founded in 1902. They own the International brand and have a network of nearly 1,000 dealer outlets in the US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

Their trucks are sold through a network of 1000 outlets in the USA, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. This extensive network allows Navistar to reach a wide range of customers.

Navistar International is an American holding company that makes International brands in commercial trucks, IC Bus schools, and commercial buses. They also make workhorse brand chassis for motorhomes and step vans.

Their market share in the US commercial trucking industry is 11%. This shows their significant presence in the market.

The Navistar trucks are known for their performance, especially power and performance. This makes models like Lonestar particularly apt for deliveries like cattle, horses, and other livestock.

Based in Lisle, Illinois, Navistar has 16,500 employees and a 2021 annual revenue of $3.3 billion.

Volvo and Mack are two of the most reputable semi truck manufacturers in the world. Volvo is a leading Swedish heavy truck and engine manufacturing company with a 10% market share in the USA.

Volvo ranks fifth in the USA but second worldwide for heavy-duty truck manufacturers. This indicates its significant presence globally.

Volvo owns MACK Trucks, a well-known truck manufacturer, expanding its product line.

Volvo is a leading Swedish heavy truck and engine manufacturing company in the world, with a 10% market share in the USA and a global reputation for vehicle safety. It's a brand you've likely heard of, even if you don't know much about 18-wheelers.

Volvo has a long history in the truck industry, dating back to 1928 when it introduced its first truck, the LV4, and quickly found success in the European market. It sold its first 500 trucks in just six months.

Volvo's presence in North America began in 1981 when it acquired White Motor Company assets and rebranded as Volvo Trucks North America. Today, Volvo owns a 10% market share in the USA and ranks fifth in the country, but second globally, for heavy-duty truck manufacturers.

One of Volvo's standout models is the VNL, which features state-of-the-art amenities like a digital information display and infotainment system in the dash, stalk-mounting shifting, and a comfortable, modern-looking sleeping space. The VNL is also fuel efficient, with a peak torque of 1,950 lb-ft and up to 500 horsepower.

Volvo has also made a commitment to electric vehicles, with the introduction of the Volvo VNR Electric, which has a 275-mile range and can charge up to 80% in 90 minutes. This is a major step forward in the industry, and a sign of Volvo's dedication to innovation and sustainability.

Mack, one of the most well-known names in trucking, was founded in Brooklyn, New York at the turn of the last century.

Mack has a reputation for prioritizing durability over driver comfort, which truckers appreciate for its ability to make long hauls in tough conditions.

Mack's first truck was built in 1905, and it quickly gained a reputation for its durability during World War I when the British military used the Mack AC model as a front-line supply vehicle.

The company adopted its current name, Mack Trucks, in 1922 and added the bulldog hood ornament to all models in 1932.

Mack makes up around 8.4% of the semi-trucks in the U.S., which combined with the rest of its 10% market share, makes Volvo responsible for over 18% of the big rigs in America.

The Mack Anthem is a Class 8 tractor with up to 505 horsepower under its hood and a comfier cab than previous Macks, with a ceiling height of over seven feet in the sleeper and modular cabins.

Mack has been part of Volvo Trucks North America since 2001, when Volvo Group acquired Renault Vehicules, Mack's former parent company.

The Mack Pioneer, a Class 8 highway truck launched in 2025, is part of Mack's strategy to gain market share in the long-haul tractor market.

Freightliner has a rich history that dates back to 1929 as part of Consolidated Freightways. It launched as an OEM in the early 1940s.

The company's founder, Leland James, was a pioneer in truck lightweighting, and he spun off Freightliner from Consolidated Freightways in 1942 to build trucks with aluminum instead of steel.

Freightliner's distribution across North America grew significantly after it teamed up with White Motor Company in the 1950s, and it retained most of the White dealer network when White faced financial troubles in the 1970s.

Freightliner manufacturers are known for their heavy-duty 8 class diesel trucks as well as 5-7 class trucks.

Freightliner holds a significant 40% of the commercial truck market share in the USA, selling around 190k trucks per year.

Their Cleveland, MT, and Holly facilities employ over 3000 workers.

Freightliner manufactures a range of trucks, including highway, medium-duty, severe duty, and natural gas trucks.

Their trucks come with top features for drivers and a very affordable price tag, making them a popular choice.

Freightliner trucks are built to handle all types of loads, with engine horsepower ranging from 350 to 600 horsepower.

Their trucks also offer day, sleeper, and crew cab options.

Freightliner has recently introduced an all-electric commercial truck, the eCascadia and eM2 106, under their e-mobility brand.

Freightliner has a rich history that spans over nine decades. The company was founded in 1929 as part of Consolidated Freightways. Freightliner launched in the early 1940s and was acquired by Germany-based Daimler AG in 1981.

Freightliner was a pioneer in truck lightweighting, with Leland James spinning off the company from Consolidated Freightways in 1942 to build trucks with aluminum instead of steel. This innovative approach helped Freightliner establish itself in the market.

Freightliner's distribution across North America grew after it teamed up with White Motor Company, the largest heavy-duty OEM at the time. In 1974, Freightliner became its own manufacturer and distributor, retaining most of the White dealer network.

The Freightliner Cascadia is the most popular Class 8 truck model in the U.S., with over a million units sold since its debut in 2007. The Cascadia has undergone significant redesigns over the years, with the latest third-generation model introduced in 2018.

Freightliner launched its all-electric commercial truck, the eCascadia, in 2022, with a range of up to 230 miles and the ability to recharge up to 80% in under 90 minutes.

Dongfeng is headquartered in Wuhan, China, and has become one of the largest semi-truck companies in the world.

This company controls over 11% of the total market, which is a significant share.

Dongfeng has sold over 369,000 semi-trucks in the last year, a notable increase from its 2016 sales.

The company's sales volume is expected to rise in the years to come, thanks to its diversification into the manufacture of other trucks.

There's great expectation that Dongfeng's sales will continue to grow, making it a major player in the semi-truck industry.