Whether you’re a fleet owner looking to expand your fleet or a truck driver ready to kick start your journey as an independent operator, finding the right truck for your needs can be overwhelming. Most Popular Commercial Trucks in 2024

There are several reputable big rig brands you can purchase your truck from, and each has a variety of truck models you can work with. To make things easier, we’ve curated a list of the top semi-trucks to consider in 2024.

For each option on our list, we’ve highlighted its best features and strengths so you can weigh your options without bias.

We’ll also guide you on the top factors to consider when shopping for commercial trucks in 2024 to help you make informed decisions and settle for the perfect match. Read on to learn more.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Semi-Truck for Efficiency and Reliability In 2024.

Finding the right semi-truck for your business is essential because manufacturers build different trucks for specific tasks. Selecting the right truck can greatly influence your operation’s success.

A truck that fits your business needs will operate more efficiently, enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and improve profit margins. This tailored choice sets the stage for long-term success in the transportation industry.

Here are key factors to consider when choosing the best semi-truck for your needs:

• Fuel Efficiency: Opt for a truck with high fuel efficiency to maximize distance traveled per gallon, reduce operational costs, and minimize environmental impact while ensuring compliance with emissions regulations.
• Technology and Innovation: Choose a truck equipped with advanced technology to enhance navigation, driver safety, and overall comfort, thereby improving performance and operational efficiency.
• Durability and Reliability: Select a truck that can reliably meet your business’s long-term demands. A durable vehicle ensures consistent performance and minimizes downtime.
• Cost of Ownership: Evaluate not only the initial purchase price but also the truck’s maintenance requirements. Understanding these ongoing costs is crucial for effective management of your business expenses.
• Environmental Sustainability: As the industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability, choose a truck that supports environmental conservation and aligns with your company’s green initiatives..

Top Semi Trucks for 2024

Here are some top semi-trucks for 2024 worth your consideration.

Freightliner Trucks

Freightliner, a top brand in the trucking industry, offers a variety of trucks for long-haul and regional driving. Known for their durability, reliability, and advanced technology, Freightliner trucks enhance driver comfort and operational efficiency.

Popular models include the Freightliner Cascadia, favored for its aerodynamic design and fuel efficiency in long-haul trucking, and the Freightliner M2, which is robust and versatile for regional and utility work.

Key Features and Strengths

• Powerful Engines: Freightliner trucks are equipped with robust engines that can handle heavy loads and long distances with ease.
• Advanced Safety Features: Safety is a top priority for Freightliner. Their trucks have cutting-edge safety features, such as lane departure warnings and collision avoidance systems, to ensure driver protection.
• Advanced Technology: Freightliner trucks also feature advanced technology systems for real-time performance monitoring, useful for fleet management.
• Comfortable Interiors: Designed for driver comfort, Freightliner trucks offer adjustable seats, modern entertainment systems, and effective air conditioning.
• Sustainability Focus: Many Freightliner models are designed with aerodynamic features to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Some models offer alternative fuel options to support sustainability goals in the trucking industry.

Volvo Trucks

Volvo manufactures commercial vehicles for different transportation sectors. These include the construction, distribution, and long-haul trucking sectors. The brand prioritizes safety, innovation, and environmental sustainability. Its trucks are well-known for their cutting-edge technologies, fuel efficiency, and emphasis on driver comfort, reliability, and strength.

Popular models to consider are the Volvo VNL and Volvo VNR series. The VNL series is versatile and offers different configurations to meet the needs of various transportation sectors – from regional deliveries in different industries to long-haul transportation.

The VNR series is ideal for urban or regional operations. It combines maneuverability with fuel efficiency, making it a top choice among local distribution and delivery companies.

Key Features and Strengths

• Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Options: Volvo leads the way in electric semi-truck technology, offering a range of electric models and trucks that run on alternative fuels, including natural gas. These innovations support a greener future for the trucking industry.
• Smart Technologies: Volvo trucks have cutting-edge technology for real-time performance monitoring and enhanced fleet management. They also feature advanced safety and driver assistance systems to ensure maximum safety on the road.
• Driver Comfort: Volvo trucks are designed with spacious, ergonomic interiors and amenities that prioritize driver comfort, making long hauls more enjoyable.

Kenworth Trucks

Kenworth is a prominent brand that manufactures high-quality, customizable heavy and medium-duty trucks. Its trucks are robust, designed to handle various tasks and perform consistently well. Popular models to consider include Kenworth T680 and Kenworth T880.

The T680 model has an aerodynamic design for maximum fuel efficiency. It’s a preferred choice for long-haul truck operators. The T880 series offers enhanced performance and durability. It’s ideal for heavy-duty applications.

Key Features and Strengths

• Enhanced Efficiency and Durability: Kenworth trucks robust construction withstands the rigors of heavy-duty use, ensuring long-term reliability and performance. With powerful engines and advanced engineering, Kenworth trucks can handle heavy loads and navigate long distances with ease.
• Customization: Kenworth trucks offer a high degree of customization, allowing operators from various industries to tailor their vehicles to specific needs. This flexibility ensures that each truck can be optimized for its intended use, whether for long-haul transport, regional delivery, or specialized tasks.
• Luxurious Features and Advanced Technology: The interiors of Kenworth trucks are designed with a focus on driver comfort and safety. High-quality materials, ergonomic seating, and intuitive controls create a comfortable and user-friendly environment. Advanced technology, such as collision avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control, and state-of-the-art infotainment options, enhances safety.
• Alternative Fuel Options: Kenworth is committed to supporting sustainability initiatives by offering alternative fuel options. These options, including natural gas and hybrid technologies, help reduce emissions and decrease the environmental impact of trucking operations.

Peterbilt Trucks

Peterbilt Motors Company produces high-quality, custom-built trucks with enhanced performance, durability, and driver comfort. Almost all Peterbilt trucks have distinctive, iconic designs characterized by a long, sleek hood. The commercial vehicles are suitable for various uses, such as long-haul, regional, and vocational purposes.

Popular Peterbilt trucks include the Peterbilt 579 – ideal for long-haul transportation, and the Peterbilt 389, perfect for regional heavy-duty applications.

Key Features and Strengths

• Distinctive Design: Peterbilt trucks are renowned for their iconic and unique design, characterized by a bold front grille, sleek lines, and a robust, professional appearance. This distinctive look provides an excellent canvas for customization.
• Fuel Efficiency: The Peterbilt 579 model excels in fuel efficiency, thanks to its advanced engine technologies and aerodynamic design. Equipped with state-of-the-art power-trains and features such as optimized engine settings and improved aerodynamics, the 579 model minimizes fuel consumption while maximizing performance.
• Longevity and Reliability: Built with high-quality materials and engineered to withstand rigorous use, Peterbilt trucks are designed to perform reliably over the long term. Their robust construction ensures they can handle challenging driving conditions and heavy workloads.

Final Thoughts

Your semi-truck is crucial for your trucking business. This guide will help you find the best truck for your needs.

Consider your current and future business goals and choose a truck that supports long-term growth and expansion. Fleet owners should assess their fleet needs and select trucks that meet various requirements. Reading reviews on different models can provide valuable insights into their real-world performance.

Stay within your budget, especially if you’re just starting out, to avoid financial instability. For financing options, contact us for customized commercial vehicle loans that fit your financial situation and get your business off to a strong start.

 

Looking to boost your truck’s fuel efficiency and performance on the road? Understanding effective ways to improve truck aerodynamics is crucial.

By optimizing airflow and reducing drag, you can enhance your vehicle’s efficiency and reduce fuel costs. This article explores practical strategies and tips to streamline your truck’s aerodynamics, ensuring smoother and more economical journeys.

What are Trailer Aerodynamics?

Truck aerodynamics is a crucial concept to understand if you’re an owner-operator or fleet manager because it affects your truck’s fuel efficiency and fuel costs.

As a semi-truck moves on the open road air collides with its surfaces, creating resistance. This air resistance, often known as aerodynamic drag, slows down the semi-truck and reduces its performance. The truck then requires more engine power to push through the drag and maintain highway speeds.

To improve your truck’s fuel efficiency and lower costs, you must reduce drag so the vehicle cuts through any wind resistance effortlessly.

Reducing aerodynamic drag requires streamlining the parts of a semi-truck and trailer that influence its aerodynamics. This way, air flows past the truck instead of working against it.

Why Are Aerodynamics Important for Semi Trucks?

Paying attention to your truck’s aerodynamics is essential for the following reasons:

• Optimize Fuel Economy: Improving aerodynamics allows you to manage your fuel economy. Specifically, it reduces drag, lowering fuel consumption and increasing fuel efficiency. In the long run, this reduces operational costs and increases fuel savings.
• Reduce Gas Emissions: With optimized aerodynamics, your vehicle will cut through the air smoothly. As a result, it will burn less fuel, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing environmental pollution.
• Improved stability and safety: Increased air resistance from crosswinds can destabilize your vehicle, causing it to sway or tip over. Aerodynamic improvements prevent this by promoting smooth airflow around the truck, ensuring it remains stable.
• Less Wear and Tear: When your truck’s aerodynamics are well-optimized, the engine doesn’t work as hard since there’s less resistance to overcome. Because of this, it lasts longer.

Main Points of Drag

Understanding types of aerodynamic drag that can affect a truck’s performance is crucial as it can help you develop unique ways of optimizing your specific vehicles’ performance.

There are four primary types of drag, namely:

Form Drag: Overall, trucks with a wide open front area experience more drag than those with a pointed or round design since there’s more surface area for air to act on.

Skin Friction Drag: Skin friction drag occurs when air passes over a truck’s surfaces, with rough surfaces creating more drag due to increased friction between air particles and the surface. Smooth surfaces reduce this friction, resulting in less drag.

Interference Drag: Caused by the interaction between tractor-trailer components. Gaps and protrusions create varying airflows and resistance, increasing drag.

Induced Drag: – also known as lift-induced drag, occurs when high-pressure air below the truck flows to the low-pressure area above, creating drag.

Products and Devices to Reduce Tractor-Trailer Drag

There are several products to help you modify your truck, reduce aerodynamic drag, and enhance its performance. A few of these essential devices include the following:

Trailer Skirts

Trailer skirts are panels attached to the trailer’s underside (lower side edges), between the axles, to reduce drag caused by air interacting with the truck’s wheels and other underbody structures. They redirect airflow and eliminate drag from the undercarriage. This places less strain on the truck’s drive train, reducing fuel consumption and increasing its efficiency at high speeds.

Trailer Tails

Trailer tails, often called boat tails or rear tail fairings, are devices attached to the back of the trailer to streamline airflow. They reduce air turbulence at the trailer’s rear end, preventing the formation of a turbulent vacuum that can tug the vehicle backward, creating drag. The best types of trailer tails are easily detachable to accommodate the loading and unloading of the semi-truck.

Gap Reducers

Gap reducers minimize the gap between the tractor and the trailer. An example of such devices is cab extenders.

Cab extenders get attached to the sides of the cab, pointing back and outwards, away from it. They direct airflow away from the tractor-trailer gap, minimizing drag.

Wheel Covers

Large center indentations plus other small crevices on truck wheels trap air when spinning. This disrupts airflow, increasing aerodynamic drag. Wheel covers close off these gaps, letting air flow past the wheels and minimizing drag.

A few types of wheel covers to choose from include:

• Full wheel covers – they cover the entire wheel, protecting your car from damage while reducing drag
• Center caps – only cover the wheel hub, preventing dust accumulation, which often adds to drag
• Trim rings – cover the outer rim only. These add a polished, classy look to your vehicle and reduce drag.

When choosing a cover for your wheels to reduce aerodynamic drag, consider your vehicle specifications, design compatibility, ease of installation, and durability to find the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Aerodynamic Mirrors and Cameras

Consider replacing some of your truck’s traditional features with more aerodynamic designs to lower wind resistance and reduce aerodynamic drag. For example, you can replace traditional windshields and mirrors with sloped front windshields and pedestal door mirrors to enhance the truck’s performance.

You may also opt for camera monitor systems in place of traditional mirrors. They will enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamics while improving visibility and safety. But you’ll have to be keen to ensure you comply with all regulations regarding rear visibility in cars.

Roof Fairings

Roof fairings work the same way as trailer skirts, but they’re mounted on the truck’s roof to direct the airflow over the trailer instead of on the sides. These are particularly helpful when using full-height trailers and the height of the tractor doesn’t match the trailer’s height.

The roof fairing or air deflector closes the height gap between the tractor’s roof and the top of the trailer, so air flows directly over the trailer’s top surface.

Aerodynamic Mud Flaps

Most trucks have heavy, solid rubber mud flaps to prevent road debris, dirt, and rocks from damaging the undercarriage. Consider replacing these with vented or slotted mud flaps. These allow air to pass straight through them, reducing drag.

Fifth Wheel Placement

Whether fixed or sliding, install the fifth wheel properly with enough (not too much) clearance for the trailer to swing sideways without touching the cab, trailer landing legs, or side extenders. Keep the trailer gap to a minimum, around 36 inches or less.

Aero Bumpers

Smooth aero bumpers, often called drive fenders, direct air away from your truck instead of over the cab.

Additional Considerations

Besides modifying your truck using the products and devices above, consider taking the following steps to ensure your car performs optimally.

Regular Maintenance

Installing aerodynamic components is not enough. You must ensure they’re well-maintained and functioning as they should. Walk around your trucks, inspecting all the aerodynamic features you’ve installed.

If you notice any wear and tear that can reduce a device’s efficiency, repair or replace it as soon as possible. Include this inspection as part of your daily pre-trip inspection activities.

Driver Training

Adequate driver training is crucial to reducing resistance and improving fuel consumption. Some trucking techniques that enhance aerodynamics include:

• Maintaining a constant speed and avoiding significant speed changes. Maintaining a consistent speed helps keep pressure aerodynamic drag forces low. As your truck’s speed increases, air resistance increases, and this can increase aerodynamic drag exponentially.
• Use cruise control to minimize excessive acceleration

• Keep your load height low to reduce wind resistance and ensure the truck moves smoothly.

Technological Advancements

Aerodynamic innovations are transforming the trucking industry by reducing fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions, driving the sector toward sustainability. Truck manufacturers are designing aerodynamic trucks with advanced technologies, like electrification and autonomous systems, to minimize drag and optimize performance.

Emerging technologies, such as automated manual transmissions (AMT), improve driving smoothness and vehicle mileage, and are set to revolutionize trucking in the coming years.

Conclusion

As diesel prices continue to increase, more fleet managers and owner-operators are looking into aerodynamic improvements because of their effectiveness in enhancing fuel efficiency and cutting fuel costs.

Simple and affordable aerodynamic adaptations have a significant impact on your bottom line. For example, adding multiple devices, such as side skirts and trailer trails, can reduce your truck’s overall drag by nearly 25%, leading to an approximately 13% reduction in fuel consumption.

Instead of making the aerodynamic improvements above, you can replace your older vehicles with newer models with the latest aerodynamic features and technologies. If you choose this route, reach out to Mission Financial Services. We’ll tailor our commercial vehicle loans to your situation so you can switch seamlessly.

 

If you’re looking for accessories to improve your semi-truck, then a dash cam should be high up the list.

A good dash cam system can be invaluable for truck owners, giving you crucial video footage when you need it. These cameras can also include a range of different features to help you drive more safely. Plus, dash cams can reduce the cost of accidents by 86%.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about finding the right semi-truck dash cam and why a dash cam can be so valuable.

What Are Dash Cams?

Dash cams are small cameras mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard or windshield that record video footage while driving.

A dash cam system captures the road ahead and what’s going on in front of the truck. They can also record the driver and interior of the vehicle.

Car dash cams usually start recording automatically when the car is in motion and store footage on a micro SD card or through cloud storage. Some of the best dash cam systems offer features like GPS tracking, night vision, and motion detection.

Whether you’re a truck driver, a fleet manager, or an owner-operator, using a semi-truck dash cam can offer a lot of benefits. Dash cameras are also really easy to install and use, so there’s no excuse not to install a dash camera in your truck.

Why Truck Drivers Need Dash Cams

So, why is dash cam footage so useful? Here are some of the main benefits of dash camera recorded footage for commercial vehicles.

Safety and Security

Dash cams provide critical evidence in case of accidents. They help to clarify fault and protect drivers in cases that result from accidents.

A front-facing camera also protects you against false claims and fraud by recording unbiased footage of events on the road.

Insurance Savings

Using a dash cam can lead to potential discounts on insurance premiums, as insurers see them as risk-reducing devices.

They also simplify the claims process by providing clear, indisputable video evidence.

Monitoring and Compliance

A dash cam can help ensure drivers comply with road safety regulations by recording their actions. They can clearly monitor driver behavior, which helps to prevent risky driving practices.

Theft Prevention

A dash cam can act as a deterrent against cargo theft by continuously recording activity around the truck.

And if there is a break-in, the video footage provides valuable evidence to help you identify culprits and recover stolen goods.

Best Types of Dash Cam Systems

When choosing the best dash cam for your vehicle, it’s important to understand the different camera types and configurations available.

Front-Facing Dash Cams

Front-facing dash cams monitor the road ahead.

You mount these cams on the windshield or dashboard and continuously record the front view of the road. They’re ideal for capturing traffic incidents and documenting road conditions like weather, traffic flow, and road hazards.

If you’re looking for a dash cam to help monitor traffic violations or provide evidence to your insurance company, then this is the best type.

Dual-Facing Dash Cams

Dual-facing dash cams record both the road ahead and the interior of the vehicle.

These systems have two cameras: one facing forward and one facing the driver. This setup is particularly useful for fleet managers and trucking companies wanting to monitor driver behavior and ensure they’re keeping compliant with safe driving practices.

If you want complete insight into your fleet vehicles, want to improve driver behavior or keep driver scorecards, then this is the type of camera you’ll want.

Image credit Amazon 

Rear-View Dash Cams

Companies install rear-view dash cams at the back of the truck to capture footage from behind. They’re essential for documenting rear-end collisions and any incidents involving cargo – like theft or damage during trucking operations.

Rear-view dash cams provide valuable evidence where another vehicle collides with the truck from behind or when cargo is tampered with. You can also use a rear-view semi-truck dash cam to help with reversing, parking, and reducing blind spots.

360-Degree Dash Cams

If you’re after the most comprehensive semi-truck dash cam system, then you’ll want a 360-degree setup. As you can guess, these record around the entire vehicle.

360-degree systems use multiple cameras or a single camera with a wide-angle lens to cover all angles, including front, rear, and sides. They’re ideal for improving situational awareness and safety, especially in reducing blind spots.

This type of dash cam is beneficial in complex driving environments, like urban areas or tight parking spaces, where there are a lot of surrounding hazards. They also provide critical footage around the truck for security against cargo theft.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dash Cams for Trucks

While dash cameras may seem straightforward, there’s a lot to consider when choosing a dash cam – especially if you need to kit out a large fleet.

Here are some of the key things to keep in mind.

Video Quality

HD video footage is important for dash cams because it ensures clarity and detail in the recorded video. You’ll want this if you’re reviewing incidents and gathering evidence.

We recommend using a dash cam with at least 1080p resolution to capture clear and detailed images of the road, license plates, and other crucial details.

Night vision capabilities are also important for low-light conditions. This means you can record clear footage at night or in poorly lit environments.

Storage Capacity

Having enough storage capacity is vital for dash cams – especially if you’re using them for long trips.

Dash cams should have sufficient built-in memory or support for high-capacity memory cards, such as microSD cards up to 128GB or more. This allows for extended recording time without the need to delete or overwrite old footage.

Expandable memory options are best, as they give you more flexibility to increase storage capacity if you need it. Some dash cams also offer loop recording, which automatically overwrites the oldest footage when the storage is full.

Durability

Durability is a key factor for dash cams used in trucks, as they need to withstand harsh conditions and constant use. They also need to hold up against accidents.

Try to get a dash camera with weather-resistant construction. This ensures it can operate reliably in various climates, from extreme heat to freezing cold (important for ice road driving).

Look for dash cams with rugged housing that protects them from dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. Vibration and impact resistance are also important for long-term reliability – especially given the vibrations and shocks you’ll experience during long-haul driving.

GPS and Speed Tracking

A dash camera with GPS integration can also provide valuable location tracking. These cams can record things like the vehicle’s route, speed, and position.

This feature is particularly useful for fleet management, as it helps monitor the truck’s movements and ensures that your drivers follow their planned routes. You can use GPS data to verify the location and time of incidents, adding an extra layer of evidence.

Dash cams that record speed data alongside video footage can be incredibly useful in monitoring reckless driving and supporting compliance and safety initiatives.

Ease of Use and Installation

Dash cams should be easy to use, with simple interfaces and controls. This is important, as you may need to operate them while driving.

Look for models with intuitive menus, clear displays, and simple button layouts that make it easy to navigate settings and review footage. A straightforward installation process is also important.

Many dash cams come with mounting hardware and step-by-step instructions that do not require professional installation. Features like adjustable mounts, adhesive pads, or suction cups can make the installation process a lot easier.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Some dash cams include connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it easier to transfer data to other devices with no need to remove the memory card.

Advanced features like collision detection, parking mode, and live streaming are also worth looking into.

Collision detection uses sensors to save footage automatically when it detects an impact. This ensures critical moments are preserved. Parking mode records activity around the truck when it’s parked to help protect the vehicle against theft.

Live streaming features let you access real-time footage from the dash cam feed. This is useful for fleet managers monitoring vehicles remotely.

Conclusion

The right dash cam can be useful for protecting your truck, helping with insurance claims, improving driving habits, and enhancing driver safety. Whether you’re an independent driver wanting to protect yourself, or a truck owner or fleet manager, using a dash cam is always beneficial.

These cameras are also really simple to install and use, but when you need them, they’ll offer you a massive advantage, making them well worth the investment.

Are you looking to purchase a new semi-truck? Then you’ll need to start by finding the right financing solution. We make this easy at Mission Financial Services, helping all truck drivers access the financing they deserve. Get started to see how easy it can be to purchase a commercial vehicle.