Truck Topics

New trucks on the scene

Expediters have even more equipment choices available now as evidenced by the introduction of three new truck models at the recent Expedite Expo 2005.

Churney's Truck Center of Cleveland, OH and Freightliner of Knoxville both made the truck-buying public aware of their newest units, two of which are designed as "entry-level" models.

Mike Churney of Churney's Truck Center exhibited a brand name that is familiar to those from expediting's early days - Hino (pronounced hee-no).  Since 2005, rhe old cab over has been replaced by a new conventional hood look that differs little from the Freightliner M2's and Sterling Acterra's in general appearance.  The "new" Hino manufacturing company is jointly owned by Toyota, Roger Penske and Hino Motors.

The vehicles are all-American trucks built in Long Beach, CA, except for the cab which is constructed in Japan.  They’re built largely with American components, including Eaton 6-speed synchronized manual or Allison 5-speed automatic transmissions; Dana/Spicer clutches and driveshafts, Meritor axles, Hendrickson suspensions, TRW steering gear, Delco alternators, Donaldson air filters and Accuride or Alcoa wheels.

On display at the Expo was a Hino 268, Class 6 chassis (271" wheel base, 26,000 GVW) with a 72" Bentz Transport Products Sleeper mounted on it.  With it's planned 22' dry van body, this truck would fit right into most expedited carriers' specifications and  requirements for a C-type unit.

Churney says that he had many questions about the Hino Class 7 chassis (271" wheel base, 33,000 GVW) The model 338 uses many of the same basic parts as the smaller truck models, yet utilizes heavier duty components where warranted.  The transmission is either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic w/overdrive.  The 8-liter powerplant is rated at 260HP and 580 lb.-ft. or torque.

Standard features on this model include tilt/telescoping wheel, air seats, air brakes, power windows, cruise control and other comfort items.

Churney says of the styling that the steeply sloped hood allows for unparalled visibility and mechanically, it boasts of the best turning radius in the industry for this size truck.

The 72" Bentz sleeper shown on the display truck features double bunks, microwave, fridge, and is pre-wired for TV/DVD.  Churney says that he has two of the Class 7 Model 338's that are due into his dealership shortly that will mount fully-equipped Alumi-Bunk 96" Condo Sleepers with a 22' or 24' dry van.

Churney stresses that a major selling point of the Hino brand is its fuel mileage.  In independent, third-party testing, the 338 model achieved an average of 11.5 mpg.  He also points to an unmatched warranty on the Hino products of   Toyota's three-year unlimited mileage warranty on engine, transmission and rear end with 130 dealers across the country to provide service.

Fortunately, one magazine has already taken the smaller of the two models mentioned for a test drive.  In the May 2005 issue of Commercial Carrier Journal, author Paul Richards had a team of evaluators put the Hino 268 through it's paces and this is a small sampling of what they found:

"Evaluators had plenty of good things to say about the experience. In particular, they praised the quiet engine and cab, and noted that normal conversation is easy, even at highway speeds. They also agreed that it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position, with instruments and controls “right where you need them.”

"They also thought that visibility was good all around, especially forward, thanks to the sloped hood and oversized windshield, which is the same part used in the older, cabover models. Ride was found to be “really smooth,” and the team reported no squeaks, rattles or wind noise."

"Maneuverability was judged to be “Outstanding. I made a tight, parking-lot turn the way I always do,” said one evaluator, “and was amazed that I still had another easy half turn left in the steering wheel.” Hino credits a sharp wheel cut and TRW’s lock-to-lock power assist for the 268’s super-tight turning circle."

"Overall, the evaluators gave the truck a very good passing grade.  “It’s a decent product with familiar components and a good service strategy,” said one. “These guys have definitely done their homework.”

Churney's Truck Center
866 475-3322

"We wanted to put together an entry-level truck for the couple just starting in expediting, or for the solo driver who just doesn't need the 96" sleeper to be comfortable," says Freightliner of Knoxville's Jon Mosier in describing one of the dealership's latest offerings, the "720 Transport Cruiser".

"It's a more moderately-priced truck that will provide all of the basics and many of the options that you will find on the higher ticket expediters.  It gives those new teams or singles an alternative to the $100,000 plus trucks that they might not be ready for."

The "720 Transport Cruiser" is built on the Sterling Acterra Class 7 chassis (312" wheel base, 33,000 GVW) that has become a popular expediting platform over the last few years.

It's powered by 280HP Mercedes Benz engine hooked to a standard Eaton Fuller 6-speed or to an optional Allison automatic.

Jon Mosier says that the automatics have gained a real foothold and that he has been ordering primarily automatic transmissions for the "720's". 

He tells us, "When a husband and wife come in looking for their first truck, more often than not, I will hear the wife make a comment along the lines of, 'I told him I would drive with him, but he's got to get an automatic.'"

The truck offers a 72" Bentz Transport Products double-bunk sleeper with a 38" wide lower bunk.  It comes with microwave, fridge, it's pre-wired for TV and includes an inverter.  Cab and sleeper are color coordinated.

Mosier says, "This truck is very nicely appointed with upgraded 'Ezy-Rider' seats, power windows, power door locks, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a/c, AM/FM/CD."

The 24' Hercules van body measures 102" x 102" and comes with barn doors mounted.  Mosier stresses that this unit is in "ready-to-expedite" trim when it leaves the Freightliner of Knoxville lot, complete with "all the necessities" - three load bars, four straps, fire extinguisher, emergency triangles, etc.  "When the customer takes the truck out of here, they're ready to head for orientation with everything they need, including weight slip and DOT inspection," says
Mosier.

So, how much?  Mosier says that with the standard 6-speed, the 720's price is right around $76,000 and with automatic, about $4,000 more.

Freightliner of Knoxville
800 443-2324