These Are the 3 Top-Rated Trucks for Long-Haul Transportation

Building a private truck fleet gives producers absolute control over logistics, cost, branding and data analytics, reducing reliance on third-party carriers to transport goods over vast distances.

Freight vehicles require significant capital up front, so be selective and consider models from established brands. Here are three top-rated trucks for long-haul transportation.

1.     Kenworth T680 Next Gen

Sold through hundreds of local dealers across the United States and Canada — including Inland Kenworth — the Kenworth T680 Next Gen features an optimized aerodynamic design for better fuel efficiency. It has driver-centric features to promote comfort and ergonomics, and autonomous capabilities to enhance fuel economy across diverse terrain conditions, help avert crashes and ensure cargo safety during long-haul truck transportation.

This diesel truck features an industry-first 15-inch high-definition digital instrument cluster that displays all the information the driver needs to operate the vehicle more safely and supports dozens of customization configurations. Its steering wheel has integrated spoke-mounted tactile controls, allowing the trucker to keep eyes on the road, keep the wheel straight and experience less arm strain.

The Kenworth T680 Nex Gen is available in three advanced driver assistance systems packages. All tiers include the Bendix^® Fusion^™ system supported by a forward-looking camera. These options enable fleet managers to choose from different price points when adopting autonomous functionalities.

Key Features

• PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 diesel engines
• TruckTech+ fleet maintenance platform
• Sleeper options with luxury-hotel-quality amenities

2.     Peterbilt Model 579

Peterbilt designed the Model 579 to be a highly profitable Class 8 truck throughout its operational life cycle. Its low-rolling-resistance tires and advanced aerodynamic design achieve considerably better fuel efficiency than older versions. The brand’s solid reputation generates strong demand for its secondhand units, allowing fleet owners to maximize this model’s residual value down the road.

SmartLINQ uses machine learning to detect downtime events on the engine and aftertreatment and prompts proactive repairs. The tech performs remote diagnostics, monitoring over 800 engine and emissions systems codes 24/7 and alerting key stakeholders about causes for concern upon detection. Over-the-air software updates via the PACCAR Solutions Portal or the PACCAR app keep electronic systems secure and bug-free, reducing dealer visits.

The truck manufacturer has Platinum Service Centers across North America, which have premium amenities for truckers, extended service hours, genuine PACCAR components and TRP aftermarket parts. Fleet managers can also enroll employees in the Peterbilt Technician Institute through third-party schools to gain expert knowledge of the Model 579’s intricacies.

Key Features

• PACCAR TX-12 PRO automated transmission
• Halogen headlights
• 80-inch UltraLoft sleeper

3.     Freightliner Fifth Generation Cascadia

The Fifth Generation Cascadia from Freightliner offers superior fuel economy compared to the previous model and is also one of the top-rated trucks for long-haul transportation in its own right. This truck has the most aerodynamic exterior among all Cascadias and optional features such as optimized drive wheel fairings, further reduce drag and control lift.

This model’s standard business intelligence tools include geofencing, remote lock and unlock capabilities, remote updates, and virtual technician support. Freightliner offers an upgrade to install Detroit Connect Video Capture 2.0 on the truck, enabling manual and automatic recording functionality. Dealers can prewire Fifth Generation Cascadia with third-party telematics devices for an extra fee.

Extended OPTIMUM coverage prolongs the service life of Freightliner trucks. This optional protection is suitable when the base warranty or extended truck chassis coverage expires. It entitles owners to OEM-backed services with no claim cap, deductibles and coverage limits.

Key Features

• Detroit DD13 and Detroit DD15 engines
• Detroit Assurance^® Suite of Safety Systems
• Detroit DT12^® and Eaton Cummins Endurant™ automated manual transmissions

Comparing Top-Rated Trucks for Long-Haul Transportation

Learn more about the Kenworth T680 Nex Gen’s, Peterbilt Model 579’s and Freightliner Fifth Generation Cascadia’s safety features, the regulations and standards they comply with, and the size of their dealer networks.

Evaluating Trucks for Long-Haul Transportation

Consider these factors when choosing tractor-trailers:

• Freight suitability: Think about the nature of the cargo and the type of terrain dominating the routes to find a semi-trailer truck with the appropriate body style, specialized equipment and payload capacity for the job.
• Compliance: Ensure that the specifications of an 18-wheeler — engine design, axle configuration and gross vehicle weight rating — meet federal, state and municipal regulations to move freight without breaking the law.
• Total cost of ownership: Calculate a long-haul truck’s potential acquisition, operating and indirect costs, including downtime and insurance premiums and resale value to determine the vehicle’s return on investment over the period it is part of the fleet.
• Safety features: Note all the modern safety technologies built into a tractor-trailer to assess its accident risk, which affects operating and indirect costs throughout its service life.
• Driver comfort: Look for essential amenities like ergonomic seating, a roomy sleeper cab, a comfortable mattress, high-quality entertainment equipment, and reliable connectivity options to support driver wellness during lengthy trips.
• Tech integration: Determine if a heavy-duty truck has built-in telematics hardware and which third-party tracking devices it is compatible with to enable continuous monitoring and remote fleet management.
• Sales model: Check whether a manufacturer sells directly to end users or relies on an extensive dealer network to handle sales and provide after-sales services.
• Financing: Explore in-house financing options with flexible terms to make a long-haul truck purchase more convenient and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the most common questions about long-haul truck transportation.

Q: What Kind of Truck Is for Long-Haul Transport?

A: Trucks designed for long-haul transport feature powerful engines to sustain high speeds while carrying heavy loads, specialized equipment to safely move specific cargo and comfortable living quarters to allow drivers to rest appropriately. They also have aerodynamic designs to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Q: What Are the Different Types of Long-Haul Trucks?

A: Trailers generally define long-haul trucks. The most common types pulled by tractor-trailers are dry vans for nonperishable goods and refrigerated containers for temperature-sensitive items. Flatbeds are open trailers optimized for hauling bulky cargo, prioritizing easy loading and unloading. Tanker trucks have cylindrical tanks designed for transporting dry bulk such as grains and powders or large quantities of fuel, chemicals or other liquids.

Q: What Are the Top-Rated Trucks for Long-Haul Transportation?

A: The Kenworth T680 Nex Gen, Peterbilt Model 579 and Freightliner Fifth Generation Cascadia are highly rated trucks for long-haul transportation. These models have excellent fuel economy, advanced safety features, comfortable sleeper amenities and high resale value. Their manufacturers have designed them to exceed today’s stringent emissions and safety standards and meet stricter future regulations.

Invest in Top-Rated Trucks to Maximize Long-Haul Transportation Profitability

The Kenworth T680 Nex Gen, Peterbilt Model 579 and Freightliner Fifth Generation Cascadia are great additions to the aging fleets of players in the manufacturing industry. Calculate each model’s total cost of ownership and explore financing options to see which one offers the best value.