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My 1996 FLD 120 70" Mid Roof served me well as I started Business |
This weekend, I was playing around looking through Freightliners website and came across information regarding “Real Cost of Ownership” (
RCO). I had to chuckle to myself as this wasn’t news to me. The information written here is exactly why I purchased a Freightliner to begin my business years ago. Today, Freightliner is still focused on maximizing your return on investment.
The
Cascadia Evolution is all about offering the lowest RCO possible. When purchasing a truck, there is a lot more to consider than just the price itself. Other factors include: fuel efficiency, reliability/uptime, maintenance, ergonomics, insurance, driveline selection, tires and even mud flaps. The sleeper, refrigerator and microwave are also important considerations as well. Without a
sleeper provided on the truck, you would be forced to pay hotel expenses. The refrigerator and microwave allow you to save time by preparing your meal while sitting at a dock. Also, since you’ll be taking food along to prepare, this enables you to make healthier choices. The
ParkSmart HVAC or an APU allows you to sleep and rest without idling the engine. Properly designed seats with necessary adjustments will help to preserve the health of your body by offering the correct support and comfort. The driveline is vital to your RCO. Having an efficient and reliable engine such as the
Detroit Diesel DD15 and
DT12 transmission are major contributors to your bottom line. Detroit has added “
Virtual Technician” which is like having your own technician on board 24 hours a day for 7 days a week. This unique feature can save you valuable time by letting you know in advance if there are
any mechanical issues which need repair and if the service needs are immediate or can be postponed until later. Another factor to consider is knowing that you have large dealer service network and parts availability.
An area that doesn’t make as much of a splash until it’s needed is the attention to safety and driver health features. The Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution come with 36 available safety features, and boast an ergonomically designed, noise-minimizing cab that meets European and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements, contributing to overall driver comfort and safety. And our Freightliner In-Cab Training
(FIT) System offers drivers full-body workouts in the comfort of their own cab.
In reality, the subject of
RCO is all consuming of the above and much more. This whole subject took me back to when I first began my business. I had to decide which truck to purchase and when I looked at successful fleets, parts availability, service outlets and reliability the Freightliner brand kept showing up at the top of my list.
From the beginning ... To the future...
It’s what makes a Freightliner a Freightliner!