The first units of freight transport appeared long before the invention of the internal combustion engine. For transportation, horse-drawn carts were used to deliver people and small cargo to their destination.
However, such transportation could no longer cope with the growing needs of the population, which is when the first passenger cars appeared, and subsequently trucks. The invention of freight transport helped solve many problems in the peaceful and military sectors.
In particular, trucks were used to deliver soldiers and ammunition to battlefields, to extinguish fires, and to transport large cargo over long distances.
Let's figure out which brands of trucks are in high demand these days? To do this, we will briefly review models of domestic and foreign production.
Domestic manufacturer
Let's start the review with the Russian freight transport market. The average person has a certain stereotype about the domestic automobile industry. There is an opinion that, without exception, all trucks assembled in our country have a number of disadvantages. For example:
- Low level of comfort.
- Poor build quality.
- Expensive service.
- Difficulty in repair.
This is far from true. Modern trucks fully comply with international standards. In addition, the transport is fully adapted to the climatic conditions of our country and is sold in a relatively inexpensive market segment.
Among the most popular manufacturers are the following models.
Kamaz
Kamaz
The products of this enterprise occupy more than a third of the Russian market. The production lines are located in the city of Naberezhnye Chelny; the company has been producing heavy-duty vehicles since the 70s of the last century.
Dump trucks, tow trucks, truck cranes and tractors are produced at the Kamaz base, which indicates a wide range of application of the equipment. According to customer reviews, this is one of the most reliable and easy-to-maintain trucks.
Gas
The model is produced by the Gorky Automobile Plant, and has won the respect of Russian drivers thanks to its universal platform and relatively low cost. The Gas base produces flatbed trucks and covered vans, there are refrigerators, bread trucks and models for passenger transportation.
GAS
The average load capacity of the machines is 4.5 tons, the rated engine power in the series is 125 hp. It should be noted that Gas-33104 “Valdai” was also released from the production line of the enterprise. By design, this is a transitional model between small-sized vehicles for commercial transportation and heavy-duty vehicles.
Due to their low cost, versatility and reliability, Gas vehicles have traditionally been in service with the Russian army.
Zil
The Likhachev plant celebrates its centenary. The company has been operating since 1916, and is rightfully considered one of the oldest factories in Russia. Zil designers made a very significant contribution to the development of domestic freight transport.
ZIL
It was they who developed and implemented such elements as a hydraulic braking system, eight-cylinder engines, and a 12-volt electrical circuit.
Let us note that ZIL products are a little outdated, however, they are in consistently high demand and are successfully used to this day.
RATING OF THE MOST RELIABLE TRUCKS FOR WORK
VOLVO FH16
This Swede rightfully ranks first in the ranking of reliable trucks for transportation. A powerful, fast and daring beast that conquers both European and Russian roads at once. Its only difference from all others is the speed shift lever, which has 2 dividers and 4 positions.
Therefore, it requires careful attention to changing gears, otherwise the gearbox may fail. But if you conquer this small feature of the truck, then you will have a real monster in your hands that you have tamed. This is truly the best truck in the world, which has 2 fuel tanks of 550 liters each, with a load capacity of up to 80 tons.
Wow, even looking at this car gives me goosebumps. In addition to technical characteristics, this model is distinguished by a cab body that is slightly tilted forward and rests its wheels on the ground. It is possible to work and earn money with such a machine and at the same time be safe while driving.
SCANIA R730 V8
This truck, as soon as it appeared in 2010, became a real leader in transportation. Its advantage is maneuverability and ease of control even on difficult routes. Its engine roars and is ready to work, because under the hood there is a herd of 730 horsepower.
The cabin is equipped in such a way that it is convenient to work and relax in it. Maximum cabin comfort allows the driver to work even over long distances without discomfort. This car is a powerful horse that, even when fully loaded, accelerates to 85 km/h! But such engine power also requires sufficient power - 42 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers!
MAN TGX
It’s not for nothing that this German is on this list of the best trucks. It performs well in domestic and international transport. Its advantage is a cabin in which you can stand up to your full height.
The scrupulousness and pedantry of the Germans was evident in the creation of this car. The hood hides a powerful engine, which is a product of the company's own developments. In addition to its exceptional power, it is designed to withstand long-term loads while remaining within European environmental standards. Each car is equipped with a 12 or 16-speed manual transmission.
A carefully designed security system also adds reliability points. Adjustment of shock absorber stiffness on any road, directional stability system, lane marking monitoring system, alarm for a possible collision while turning and some other useful things that make driving safe, simple and understandable.
MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS SLT
Super-heavy and the best trucks in the world, the Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT is the hardest worker on this list.
This truck is designed to transport oversized and extra-heavy cargo - turbines, transformers, boilers. The Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT can even transport sea vessels! Operating such a powerful tractor requires experience and skill.
Kenworth W900
This tractor does not give up its leadership position from year to year, despite its advanced age. This powerful, maneuverable and safe truck has gained its fans since its first production in 1961, and even despite re-releases, it remains one of the best-selling and most recognizable truck models.
The Kenworth W900 is comfortable to drive, has a top speed of 112 km/h and a payload capacity of 100 tons. It has a manual 10-speed gearbox and consumes 60 liters per 100 km.
MACK PROGRAM
This tractor stands apart in this rating. Here, in addition to the internal power, they also relied on the appearance of the car. Americans who love pretentiousness and show themselves off in this truck have outdone themselves.
Chrome plated, shiny - it definitely attracts attention on the road. And many will envy its strength - under the hood lies an engine with a power of 613 horses and a 16-liter volume. This titanium is capable of transporting any large and oversized cargo. He is a true leader on US roads.
FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA
Another American in our ranking of the coolest trucks in the world. Considered one of the best on the market, it belongs to the manufacturer Daimler. This is a new generation truck, which is filled to the very roof with modern sensors and electronics. Daimler relied on innovation in this tractor and was right. The $300 million invested in development has paid off.
The FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA feature is a special online program in which you can track each truck of this model. If one of the cars is not displayed in the program, then the program itself sends a message to the service center stating that it is necessary to urgently contact the driver of the car. This new generation tractor has only one drawback - it is not available for the Russian market and roads and only works in the USA.
WESTERN STAR 4900 EX
And this is the third American on this list and the second from the manufacturer Daimler. Developed and introduced to consumers in 2008, WESTERN STAR 4900 EX quickly won its fans.
Drivers who drive this powerful tractor equally note its powerful engine, safety and comfortable driving. To make this car stand out from the rest, a 2-meter windshield was added for a full view of the road.
Separately, I would like to note the comfort of this cargo monster - its interior is made of genuine leather, and the air conditioning and filtration system in the cabin protects the driver’s lungs from excessive absorption of exhaust gases.
MITSUBISHI FUSO SUPER GREAT
Does anyone know what the Japanese can do badly? We don’t know, but thanks to their skill a real, super-great one, as it was called before, Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great, appeared. This truck has undergone virtually no major changes since 1996, and that says a lot.
Its 11-liter engine and automatic 12-speed transmission from the famous Kawasaki - isn't this a recipe for success and safety on the roads? The Japanese, as always, care not only about the time and safety of cargo delivery, but also about the driver. The coolest Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great trucks have a system that warns the driver of fatigue.
RENAULT T-SERIES
France is not only a country of croissants, sweet films about love, but also powerful and reliable trucks. This Frenchman received all the modern and innovative developments from Renault, so in 2015 Renault received the Truck of the Year award for it.
So, what is this Frenchman hiding under his hood? 520 hp engine and two fuel tanks with a volume of 405 and 900 liters, a choice of gearbox - manual or automatic. The RENAULT T-SERIES cabin is thought out to the smallest detail; it is comfortable both on the road and on vacation; as a bonus, it reclines 90 degrees, making it easier to access parts.
This list includes real giants and monsters of cargo tractors. The rating of the coolest trucks and vans is based on reviews from many truckers.
Japanese trucks
Passenger cars from Japan have always been popular in Russia. The build quality, high level of comfort and reliability, it is definitely worth the money spent on the purchase. All of these terms apply to trucks as well.
Few people know, but Japan produces a large number of trucks, which confidently occupy a leading position in the world rankings. We will not consider the entire model range of the Land of the Rising Sun; let’s look at two of the most successful examples.
Hino
The HINO MOTORS corporation has been operating since 1910, and is part of the well-known TOYOTA GROUP. Every year, up to 100,000 models of medium and heavy trucks roll off the company's assembly line and are sold all over the world. The company's products have been supplied to Russia since 2008.
Trucks HINO MOTORS
Interesting! Few people know, but the legendary TOYOTA LEND CRUISER PRADO SUVs are produced by one of the factories of the HINO MOTORS company.
Isuzu
This is one of the largest manufacturers of trucks in Japan. Since the 30s of the last century, the company has been producing SUMIDA brand buses and trucks.
After the end of World War II, the company manufactured standard 2.5-ton chassis for the Pentagon. Note that today, ISUZU is one of the leading suppliers of military equipment.
ISUZU
Representatives from Korea
Hyundai is one of the popular models of commercial vehicles in Russia. Small trucks from Korea quickly found their place in the Russian car market, and have remained in demand and popular for a long time.
The HYUNDAI model range is quite diverse, but mainly it is equipment for transporting small-sized cargo in urban environments.
The machines are easy to operate, easy to maintain, and have a high level of safety. In addition, the “Koreans” are not picky about the quality of the fuel they use, which only fuels the interest of domestic entrepreneurs.
Note that, despite their compact dimensions, the load capacity of Hyundai trucks usually exceeds similar parameters of Russian vehicles of this class.
HYUNDAI
Buy or rent
A novice driver always faces the difficulty of choosing between purchasing his own car for long-distance driving or using rental equipment.
Benefits of working with rental trucks:
- no need to spend money on maintenance;
- less liability: if you get into an accident, if the accident is not the driver’s fault, then payment for repairs is made by the owner organization (if there is a corresponding clause in the rental agreement);
- possibility of choosing a comfortable tractor.
The second option is to buy your own transport. Not everyone can buy a new truck due to the fairly high price. Naturally, a trucker’s car is purchased mainly on the secondary market.
If you do not consider the secondary market, then you can take advantage of the offers of domestic manufacturers. One of the popular tractors is the ZIL-540100, which is popularly called the “bull”.
It is available in several versions, but none of them can compete with the models described in the article due to the low engine power. Long-distance driving on an ordinary steer is the transportation of light loads over short distances. This car is not suitable for more.
Freight China
For many, Chinese products are the standards of low-quality goods. Fortunately, this is not the case in the truck industry.
Chinese trucks are consistently in demand all over the world, confidently outperforming famous manufacturers due to the low cost of the equipment.
However, the low price does not in any way affect the quality of the product. If we talk about trucks, China can be characterized by the following brands.
Photon
Small-sized equipment that is optimally suited for cargo transportation and use as tow trucks. Buyers are presented with variations with a flatbed body or a covered van. All models are equipped with the latest technology and have an increased level of comfort and safety.
Note that the model range includes over 10 models, including heavy trucks. Accordingly, there will be no problems with choosing transport.
Photon
Dong Feng
One of the leading Chinese manufacturers, specializing in the production of freight transport and special equipment. Note that DONGFENG MOTOR CORPORATION has long been one of the main suppliers of the Chinese army.
The company produces cars with a carrying capacity of 1.5-43 tons, produces loader cranes, grain trucks and concrete mixer trucks.
DONGFENG MOTOR
"Swedes" in Russia
Presents Swedish trucks in Russia. Let us immediately clarify that this is one of the leading suppliers of freight transport to the domestic market. The designers initially focused not only on performance and reliability, but also on the comfortable operation of the equipment.
Therefore, freight transport from Sweden enjoys well-deserved respect and recognition throughout the world. SCANIA products are represented in several series:
- Series P. An ideal solution for specialized enterprises that need to deliver large cargo over short distances. The shortened wheelbase made it possible to improve the load-carrying capacity, making the vehicles most suitable for city streets.
- Series G. This is a line of vehicles designed for intercity and international transport. Here you can highlight a spacious and comfortable cabin, suitable for long trips.
- R Series: Heavy duty trucks, ideal for long trips. Eight-cylinder engines are installed here, which provide the equipment with incredible power and load capacity.
SCANIA trucks
Celebrities
There are some “standout” truck manufacturers that are preferred by drivers.
MAN
The German corporation MAN is known all over the world for its wide range of equipment for passenger and cargo transportation. If we talk about trucks, the following series of vehicles are supplied to Russia:
- T.G.X. Heavy duty vehicles with engine power up to 540 hp. With.
- TGA. It is used in public services and is available in three cabin modifications.
- TGS. Typically these are tractors designed to deliver various construction materials.
- TGL. Light-duty transport with a carrying capacity of up to 12 tons.
- T.G.M. In many respects it repeats the previous model, but differs in an increased body length.
MAN trucks
Ford
The company was founded in 1903 and specializes in the production of trucks and passenger vehicles. The products of the Henry Ford plant need no introduction, being considered the standard of quality throughout the world. Let us note that over 3,000,000 cars rolled off the production line of the enterprise!
Ford
Requirements for the truck
The main condition for long-distance trucks is their reliability.
The model that will travel hundreds of thousands of kilometers without any problems will be in high demand among drivers. Naturally, for this it is necessary to carry out a scheduled technical inspection on time, replace consumable parts such as filters, silent blocks, etc. A car that breaks down every thousand kilometers will not gain popularity among truckers. On the contrary, the owners will try to get rid of it faster.
At the trucker's
The right car for a truck driver is the one that allows the driver to do his job comfortably.
Therefore, buyers make the following requirements for trucks:
- The ability to adjust control mechanisms and interior parts (adjusting the steering wheel, driver's seat, gear lever, etc.).
- Electrical equipment necessary for a comfortable ride: climate control, heated seats, windows, mirrors, etc. This is especially true for the regions of the Far North.
- Availability of a comfortable full-size berth (almost all trucker flights last more than one day). Their car is essentially their home for the duration of the trip. And if it is uncomfortable to sleep in, then the model will clearly not be in demand among drivers.
- The relative simplicity of “field” repairs - a tractor that requires a full-fledged workshop to replace a punctured wheel will be inferior in popularity to a model on which this procedure can be easily done with improvised tools right on the side of the road.
Attention! Changing wheels or performing other minor repairs on a tractor is not the same as performing the same operation on a passenger car. Every year, manufacturers produce trucks that can be easily repaired, but this does not change the fact that the driver must have minimal plumbing skills.
The owner of the car
Representatives of a company that owns trucks, answering the question: “Which truck is best for truckers?” are expressed ambiguously.
Of course, this is a car that:
- has affordable fuel consumption;
- can work with gasoline of mediocre quality;
- easy to maintain;
- has good reliability of technical components.
The vehicle cabin is selected according to the driver’s preference and company requirements.
To transport some types of goods, only a simple low-power truck and a tent trailer are enough, while others will require a refrigerated compartment, a reinforced chassis, etc.
