View source for Freightliner Trucks

{{short description|American truck brand}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Freightliner Trucks
| logo = Freightliner_Trucks_logo.svg
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| area_served = {{Unbulleted list
 | [[United States]]
 | [[Europe]]
 | [[Australia]]
 | [[Canada]]
 | [[Mexico]]
}}
| key_people = [[John O'Leary (CEO)]]
| industry = [[Automotive industry|Automotive]]
| products = [[Commercial vehicle|Commercial Vehicles]], [[Luxury vehicle]]s
| revenue = 
| operating_income = 
| net_income = 
| owner = [[Daimler Truck]]
| num_employees = 
| parent = [[Daimler Truck North America]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1942}}<br />(as ''Freightliner Inc'')
| founder = Leland James
| location = [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], [[Oregon]], U.S.
| homepage = {{URL|https://freightliner.com/}}
}}
'''Freightliner Trucks''' is an American semi truck manufacturer.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.freightlinertrucks.com/About-Us/Contact-Us/|title=Why Freightliner - Freightliner Trucks|website=www.freightlinertrucks.com|access-date=January 31, 2018}}</ref>  Founded in 1929 as the truck-manufacturing division of Consolidated Freightways (from which it derives its name), the company was established in 1942 as '''Freightliner Corporation'''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://freightliner.com/Timeline/#the_1940s|title=Freightliner Trucks: 75 Years of Innovation|website=freightliner.com|access-date=2019-11-17}}</ref>  Owned by [[Daimler Truck]] from 1981 to 2021, Freightliner is now a part of [[Daimler Truck]] subsidiary [[Daimler Truck North America]] (along with [[Western Star Trucks|Western Star]], [[Detroit Diesel]], and [[Thomas Built Buses]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com/brands/freightliner-trucks/ |title=Freightliner Trucks |publisher=Daimler Truck North America LLC |access-date=2021-12-29}}</ref>

Freightliner produces a range of vans, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks;<ref name=":0" /> under its Freightliner Custom Chassis subsidiary, the company produces bare chassis and cutaway chassis for multiple types of vehicles.   The company popularized the use of [[Cab over|cabover]] (COE) semitractors, with the [[Freightliner Argosy]] later becoming the final example of the type sold in North America.

The company is headquartered in [[Portland, Oregon]] (the city of its founding); vehicles are currently manufactured in [[Cleveland, North Carolina]], and [[Mount Holly, North Carolina|Mount Holly]], North Carolina, and [[Santiago Tianguistenco]] and [[Saltillo]], Mexico.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com/careers/locations/additional-locations/|title=Daimler Trucks North America {{!}} Daimler|website=daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com|access-date=2019-11-18}}</ref>

==History ==
{{More citations needed|date=June 2020|section}}

===Founding (1930s)===
{{Further|Consolidated Freightways}}
Freightliner traces its roots to 1929; following the founding of [[Consolidated Freightways]] (CF) in Portland, Oregon, company founder Leland James set up a company division to produce [[Tractor unit|semitractors]] for company use. Developed in a CF maintenance facility, Freightways Manufacturing used [[Fageol]] vehicles as a starting point for the design, placing the cab above the front axle. Shorter in length, the new Freightways truck allowed for CF to use a longer trailer and remain in compliance of the stringent length laws of the time.

In line with the company name, during the 1930s, Freightways Manufacturing began to brand its truck production under the "Freightliner" name. In addition to their shorter length, the trucks underwent weight reduction using aluminum instead of steel to maximize use of engine power (needed to climb mountain grades in the western United States).

=== 1940s–1950s ===
In 1942, Leland James renamed Freightways Manufacturing as Freightliner Corporation; as part of the launch, the company debuts the first truck with an all-aluminum cab.<ref name=":1" />  Shifting to military production during World War II, Freightliner resumed truck production in 1947.<ref name=":1" />  In 1949, Freightliner sold its first vehicle outside of CF (to Portland-based forklift manufacturer [[Hyster]]); the vehicle is preserved in the [[Smithsonian]] collection in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=56723|title=Sweet 16, by John Latta (Truckers News): December 2006|access-date=January 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002733/http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=56723|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>"Classic American Heavy Trucks" by Niels Jansen</ref>

As it largely existed as a subsidiary of a trucking company, Freightliner sought to establish a distribution network for its product line, allowing for higher production volumes and reduced costs.  In 1951, Freightliner entered into an agreement with [[White Motor Company]] of Cleveland, Ohio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrhs.org/index.php/crawford/Online_Exhibit/White|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025001120/http://www.wrhs.org/index.php/crawford/Online_Exhibit/White|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-10-25|title=Working at White|date=2011-10-25|access-date=2019-11-18}}</ref>  One of the largest truck manufacturers in the United States at the time, White sold Freightliner COEs under the "White Freightliner" co-branding (all vehicles produced for CF were Freightliners).

In 1953, Freightliner introduced a cab with an overhead-mounted sleeper (further shortening the cab).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://freightliner.com/Timeline/#the_1950s|title=Freightliner Trucks: 75 Years of Innovation|website=freightliner.com|access-date=2019-11-18}}</ref>  The first-generation "shovelnose" cab was retired for 1954 in favor of the taller, flatter "WFT" design; as an option, a "Mountaineer" 4x4 system was offered.<ref name=":2" />

For 1958, the cab design was updated to tilt forward 90 degrees, increasing access to the engine.<ref name=":2" />

===1960s===
[[File:A 2-3 Scale Freightliner.jpg|thumb|White Freightliner WFT]]

To reduce import tariffs imposed by Canada (later removed by [[Canada–United States Automotive Products Agreement|Auto Pact]]), Freightliner opened its first Canadian manufacturing facility in 1961, in [[Burnaby|Burnaby, British Columbia]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=THE CANADA-U.S. AUTO PACT OF 1965: AN EXPERIMENT IN SELECTIVE TRADE LIBERALIZATION |url=https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w1953/w1953.pdf}}</ref>  To increase production in the United States, assembly plants were opened in Chino, California, and Indianapolis, Indiana.  In 1969, a second facility was opened in Portland for parts production.

===1970s===
[[File:Earsham Gravels White Freightliner.jpg|thumb|1974-1976 White Freightliner WFC120]]
[[File:Z-4 CBC.jpg|thumb|Freightliner FLT [[cabover]] (1976–1986)]]

White Motor Company became troubled in the 1970s. Expansion into [[Major appliance|appliances]] and [[agricultural equipment]] consumed capital without producing a return, and the relationship with Consolidated Freightways became frayed. In 1974, the distribution agreement was terminated, and '''Freightliner Corp.''' began life as a freestanding manufacturer and distributor. Many of the first dealers were from the White Motor Co. network, but some entrepreneurs also signed up to represent the trucks without the White Motor Co. franchise as a complement.

At the same time, the company introduced its first conventional model, an adaptation of the high COE mainstay product. High COEs accounted for well over 50% of the US market in those days, owing to overall length regulations that limited the bumper-to-taillight dimension of a semitrailer unit to 55&nbsp;ft on interstate highways. [[Conventional truck|Conventionals]] were popular on western roads due to more convenient ingress/egress, better ride, and easier access to the engine for servicing.

In 1979, a new plant in [[Mount Holly, North Carolina]], and a parts manufacturing plant in [[Gastonia, North Carolina]], were constructed, both in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Volumes continued to increase.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Ronald G. Adams |title=Big Rigs of the 1950s |date=March 13, 2024 |isbn=978-0760309780 |pages=59, 73|publisher=MBI Publishing Company LLC }}</ref>

The year 1979 marked a consequential event in the evolution of Freightliner, and of the whole trucking and truck manufacturing industries. President Carter signed bills into law [[Motor Carrier Act of 1980|deregulating transport]] both on the ground and in the skies. Deregulation changed the economics of trucking and removed the system of regulated carriage that protected carriers, instead allowing more competition.

===1980s===
[[File:Freightliner-1-5 - Flickr - Ragnhild & Neil Crawford.jpg|thumb|a Freightliner FLC-120]]
[[File:WSSRAP 678 (27470776721).jpg|thumb|A Freightliner FLC-120 with a set back axle]]
[[File:1990s Freightliner FLC Medium Conventional.jpg|thumb|Freightliner FLC-112]]

Three years later, the [[Surface Transportation Assistance Act]] of 1982 relaxed weight and length standards and imposed a new excise tax on heavy trucks and the tires they use. No longer was the overall length of semitrailer combinations restricted. Individual states retained more restrictive overall length laws, but fundamentally, the rules had changed forever.

Consolidated Freightways, a traditional, unionized carrier that flourished in the era before deregulation, realized it was in a fight for its life. In May 1981, it sold its truck manufacturing business and the Freightliner brand to [[Daimler AG|Daimler-Benz]], allowing it to concentrate its management attention and financial resources on its traditional trucking business. Around this time, the Chino and Indianapolis plants were closed permanently.<ref>Daimler-Benz takes over Freightliner ''[[Freight & Container Transportation]]'' June 1981 page 21</ref> Consolidated Freightways continued carrier business until 2002, when it ceased operation on Labor Day weekend.

In 1985 Freightliner introduced a new Medium Conventional series (FLC112), using the passenger portion of the cabin from the then recently introduced Mercedes-Benz LK. Mercedes cabins gradually became used for a number of Freightliner trucks. In 1989, Freightliner acquired a standing plant in [[Cleveland, North Carolina]], near Statesville, that had been producing transit buses for German manufacturer [[MAN Truck & Bus|MAN]].

===1990s===
[[File:Freightliner FLD 112 Dump truck.jpg|thumb|Freightliner FLD 112]]
[[File:Freightliner FLA (Set back axle).jpg|thumb|Freightliner FLA COE]]
In 1991, parent company Daimler-Benz withdrew from the medium-duty truck segment, shifting its presence to Freightliner. Serving as the replacement for the aging Mercedes-Benz L1117, the [[Freightliner Business Class (FL-Series)|Business Class]] made its debut. Also called the FL series, the Business Class was a downsized version of the FLC112, sharing its cab with the Mercedes-Benz LKN cabover. Along with a lighter GVWR, the FL was given a shorter hood with two headlights. The first all-new entry in the medium-duty market in over a decade, the model line met with success.

Another pronounced downturn in the industry's fortunes necessitated drastic measures to restore Freightliner to financial health, and [[Dieter Zetsche]], now the chairman of Daimler-Benz's Board of Management, was dispatched to lead the project as CEO. The Burnaby assembly plant was closed, replaced by a new facility in St. Thomas, Ontario. Cost reduction programs across the company restored profitability when the market rebounded. Significantly, production also commenced in [[Santiago Tianguistenco|Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico]], about {{convert|30|mi|km}} outside Mexico City, in a plant owned by Daimler-Benz. At that time, the plant was also producing buses, Brazilian-designed medium-duty trucks, and compact Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

Following the introduction of the medium-duty Business Class, Freightliner saw further evolution to its model range. For 1996, the company introduced the [[Freightliner Century Class]], its first completely new Class 8 conventional in over 20 years. A year later, the company began production of cowled bus chassis, with the [[Freightliner FS-65|FS-65]] derived from the medium-duty Business Class. For 1999 production, the [[Freightliner Argosy]] debuted; directly replacing the FLB, the Argosy consolidated four previous Freightliner COEs into a single model range. The first clean-sheet COE design from Freightliner since the Daimler acquisition, the Argosy largely eliminated the engine intrusion into the cab, sharing many body components and electronics with the Century Class conventional. In 1997, Freightliner acquired the truck-producing division of the [[Ford Motor Company]] and rebranded it as Sterling.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ford Agrees to Sell Heavy-Truck Business |work=The New York Times |date=February 20, 1997 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/20/business/ford-agrees-to-sell-heavy-truck-business.html |last1=News |first1=Bloomberg }}</ref>

In 1999, Freightliner built its one-millionth vehicle.  The Century Class conventional model family was expanded, adding the Columbia conventional.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|last=Staff|title=Freightliner Produces Its 35,000th Columbia Truck|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/93130/freightliner-produces-its-35000th-columbia-truck|access-date=2020-06-15|website=www.truckinginfo.com}}</ref>  While sharing the same cab structure, the Columbia is developed primarily for fleet applications (though both model lines become popular with owner-operators).<ref name=":02" />

==== Company diversification ====
The 1990s were a busy era for truck manufacturers in general, and for Freightliner in particular, under the leadership of flamboyant James L. Hebe, a former Kenworth sales executive who joined the company in 1989.  During the decade, Freightliner made numerous acquisitions to further diversify itself:

1995 – Oshkosh Custom Chassis in [[Gaffney, South Carolina]], became Freightliner Custom Chassis, producing the underpinnings for walk-in vans used by companies such as [[United Parcel Service|UPS]] to deliver parcels and [[Cintas]] for uniform laundry services; diesel recreational vehicles; conventional [[school buses]]; and shuttle buses. The Oshkosh and Freightliner partnership has dissolved, and Oshkosh is no longer affiliated with Freightliner.<ref>{{cite news |title=CHASSIS-UNIT DEAL LETS FREIGHTLINER ENTER NEW MARKET |url=https://www.autonews.com/article/19950612/ANA/506120767/chassis-unit-deal-lets-freightliner-enter-new-market}}</ref>

1996 – [[American LaFrance]] was purchased; a 130-year-old manufacturer of fire apparatus, it was Mr. Hebe's first employer. American LaFrance had fallen on hard times and was moribund at the time of the acquisition.  At the end of the year, Freightliner acquired the rights of the heavy-truck product lines of [[Ford Motor Company]].

1997 –  As a result of the Ford heavy-truck acquisition, Freightliner created [[Sterling Trucks]] (using a long-dormant nameplate once owned by White Motor Company).  Intended primarily as vocational trucks, the Sterling product line consisted of rebranded versions of the [[Ford L-Series Trucks|Ford Louisville/AeroMax]] and [[Ford Cargo]].

1998 – Freightliner acquires bus manufacturer [[Thomas Built Buses]], based in [[High Point, North Carolina]].  Sterling-brand trucks entered production in St. Thomas, Ontario (sold concurrently with the final Ford heavy trucks).

=== 2000s ===
[[File:FEMA - 13790 - Photograph by Mark Wolfe taken on 07-11-2005 in Alabama.jpg|thumb|Freightliner Columbia (left) and Century Class (right)]]
[[File:Freightliner Business Class M2 106.jpg|thumb|Freightliner Business Class M2]]
[[File:Freightliner Argosy 2011 (14400325714).jpg|thumb|Freightliner Argosy]]
At the beginning of the 21st century, Freightliner was part of DaimlerChrysler, following the 1998 merger of its parent company with Chrysler; several changes in 2000 were made by the merged company that affected Freightliner.  Canadian-based [[Western Star Trucks]], a premium truck manufacturer was acquired in its entirety, giving Freightliner a third truck brand (along with assembly plants in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Ladson, South Carolina).  Originally an entity of General Motors, DaimlerChrysler acquired [[Detroit Diesel]], integrating its operations within Freightliner.

Coinciding with the fragile economy, Freightliner was awash in used trucks it could not sell; following the rapid expansion of the previous decade, Freightliner was left with multiple poor-performing operations outside of its core truck brand which was in decline in a poor economy.  Seeking new leadership, DaimlerChrysler installed former company CFO to begin a turnaround for Freightliner.  By 2002, the Kelowna Western Star plant was closed (shifting to Portland), along with a Thomas facility in Woodstock, Ontario (consolidating entirely to High Point).

In 2001 and 2002, the Freightliner product line underwent multiple updates.   The Century Class model family was expanded further, debuting the [[Freightliner Coronado]] premium conventional.  Styled similar to the FLD132 Classic XL, the Coronado shared its cab structure and technology with the Century Class and Columbia, marketed towards owner-operators.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web|title=Freightliner Trucks introduces the Coronado into the US market|url=http://www.autointell.com/News-2001/January-2001/January-2001-2/January-24-01-p9.htm|access-date=2020-06-15|website=www.autointell.com}}</ref>  In a further expansion of the vocational model line, the Freightliner Condor was introduced as the first low-entry COE; competing with the [[Autocar Company|Autocar Xpeditor]], the Condor was developed nearly entirely for refuse applications.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=https://www.topspeed.com/trucks/truck-reviews/freightliner/2002-2008-freightliner-condor-ar130927.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=TopSpeed.com|title=2002 - 2008 Freightliner Condor @ Top Speed|date=June 13, 2012}}</ref> For the medium-duty segment, Freightliner introduced a second generation of the Business Class, the [[Freightliner Business Class M2|Business Class M2]], ranging from Class 5 to Class 8 severe-service conventionals. In place of the cab derived from Mercedes-Benz, the M2 was designed entirely by Freightliner.

In the early 2000s, the operations of Freightliner subsidiaries would undergo multiple changes.  Following the acquisition of Western Star Trucks, Freightliner consolidated production of American LaFrance in the previous Western Star plant in Ladson, South Carolina; the attempt to integrate production of specialized emergency vehicles into a company noted for high volume production capabilities proved unworkable.<ref>{{cite news |title=Western Star and Freightliner to merge |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/western-star-and-freightliner-to-merge-1.241471}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Freightliner LLC to Acquire Western Star Trucks Holdings' Outstanding Stock |url=https://www.fleetfinancials.com/48540/freightliner-llc-to-acquire-western-star-trucks-holdings-outstanding-stock |work=www.fleetfinancials.com}}</ref>
While remaining the fifth-largest manufacturer in the emergency vehicle segment, American LaFrance was sold in 2005 to private equity fund, with DaimlerChrysler retaining ownership of the Ladson factory.

For 2006, the Sprinter van underwent a redesign (for the first time); final assembly shifts to the former American LaFrance facility in Ladson, South Carolina.  While sold nearly exclusively as a cargo van, the Freightliner Sprinter is also offered as a passenger vehicle (alongside Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters).

After 2006 production, Freightliner ended sales of the Argosy cabover in North America.  The first company to produce a fully tilting cab, Freightliner was the final truck manufacturer in North America to offer a Class 8 cabover.  The Argosy remains in production in North America, sold exclusively for export.

In the summer of 2007, DaimlerChrysler was split, with the Freightliner parent company reorganizing itself as Daimler AG.  Freightliner begins production of trucks in Saltillo, Mexico.  On January 7, 2008, Freightliner LLC was renamed [[Daimler Trucks North America]], LLC (DTNA), operating as the parent company of the Freightliner Trucks brand, alongside Sterling, Western Star, Detroit Diesel, and Thomas Built Buses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McHUGH |first1=DAVID |title=Daimler split: Move gives Freightliner, Mercedes flexibility to develop different tech |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/money/business/2021/10/01/daimler-split-freightliner-mercedes-get-flexibility-develop-different-tech/5947655001/ |work=Statesman Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Daimler Truck North America {{!}} Daimler |url=https://northamerica.daimlertruck.com/company/history/#:~:text=The%20divestiture%20of%20Chrysler%20initiated,role%20in%20Daimler's%20global%20operation. |website=northamerica.daimlertruck.com}}</ref>

For 2008, the company introduced [[Freightliner Cascadia]], a new-generation Class 8 conventional.  Intended as the successor to the Century Class and Columbia, the Cascadia consolidated the two model lines; while styled as a scaled-up M2, the Cascadia was optimized for fuel economy, safety, and reliability.  Within the vocational model line, the Condor low-entry COE was discontinued.<ref name=":12" />

In 2009, Freightliner began production of natural gas versions of the Business Class M2 in its Mount Holly facility.<ref name="salisburypost.com">{{Cite web|date=2013-06-20|title=Daimler's Freightliner plant in Cleveland to start producing natural gas trucks {{!}} Salisbury Post|work=Salisbury Post |url=https://salisburypost.com/article/20130111/SP01/130119908/1016/SP0101/daimler-s-freightliner-plant-in-cleveland-to-start-producing-natural-gas-trucks|access-date=2020-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620011727/https://salisburypost.com/article/20130111/SP01/130119908/1016/SP0101/daimler-s-freightliner-plant-in-cleveland-to-start-producing-natural-gas-trucks|archive-date=June 20, 2013}}</ref>  In March 2009, DTNA discontinued Sterling Trucks,<ref name=":03" /> citing substantial model overlap with Freightliner and decreasing market share (in spite of multiple product launches).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Equipment {{!}} Sterling Trucks Era Comes To An End|url=https://www.fleetowner.com/equipment/article/21659151/sterling-trucks-era-comes-to-an-end|access-date=2020-06-17|website=www.fleetowner.com|date=October 14, 2008 }}</ref>  The closure of Sterling also brought a closure of the St. Thomas plant.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=Tire Review|date=2008-10-15|title=Daimler to Discontinue Sterling Trucks Brand|url=https://www.tirereview.com/daimler-to-discontinue-sterling-trucks-brand/|access-date=2020-06-17|website=Tire Review Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2010s ===
[[File:Freightliner EconicSD - Front and left side IAA 2018.jpg|thumb|Freightliner EconicSD]]
Following the closure of Sterling, the Freightliner model line underwent a transition.  While the M2 remained unchanged, the FLD 120/132 Classic/Classic XL were discontinued for 2010; after the model year, the Columbia and Century Class were also discontinued (in North America).  In line with the Argosy, production of the Century Class shifted entirely to export.  The Coronado long-hood conventional was joined by the Coronado SD (developed primarily for vocational applications<ref name=":04">{{Cite web|date=2011-03-28|title=Freightliner Unveils Models for Severe-Duty Sector|url=https://www.ttnews.com/articles/freightliner-unveils-models-severe-duty-sector|access-date=2020-06-17|website=Transport Topics|language=en}}</ref>).

In 2010, Freightliner introduced its first diesel-electric hybrid vehicle, based on a M2 106.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|title=Diesel Direct and Freightliner Trucks Develop Hybrid Fuel Truck|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/150609/diesel-direct-and-freightliner-trucks-develop-hybrid-fuel-truck|access-date=2020-06-17|website=www.truckinginfo.com}}</ref>[[File:Continental Patriotic Truck.jpg|left|thumb|Freightliner New Cascadia]]For 2011, the company debuted the SD model family.  Alongside the Coronado SD introduced the previous year, two new models were added, the 108SD and 114SD, derived from the M2 model family.<ref name=":04" />

In 2012, Freightliner celebrated its 70th anniversary, unveiling the Revolution concept vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.topspeed.com/trucks/truck-reviews/freightliner/2012-freightliner-revolution-concept-ar126827.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=TopSpeed.com|title=2012 Freightliner Revolution Concept @ Top Speed|date=March 23, 2012}}</ref>  Constructed of carbon fiber and plastic, the cab featured a redesigned layout. Intended for use by a single driver, the passenger seat was replaced by a jumpseat (converting into a sleeper bed); to optimize trailer hookups, the design included a rear access door.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 23, 2012|title=Freightliner Unveils Futuristic Revolution Innovation Concept at Truck Show|work=Truck Trend |url=http://www.trucktrend.com/news/163-news120323-freightliner-revolution-concept-at-truck-show}}</ref>  As a result of increased demand for the Cascadia, parent company DTNA announced plans in 2012 to expand its workforce at its Cleveland, NC, facility.<ref name=":13">{{cite news|last=Wineka|first=Mark|date=January 13, 2012|title=1,100 jobs: Freightliner workers laid off in 2009 will be first hires|work=[[Salisbury Post]]|url=http://www.salisburypost.com/News/011312-Freightliner-adding-1100-jobs-here-main-story-w-wayne-pix-qcd|access-date=January 14, 2012|archive-date=January 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115060555/http://www.salisburypost.com/News/011312-Freightliner-adding-1100-jobs-here-main-story-w-wayne-pix-qcd|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Alongside the Cascadia, nearly 20% of trucks produced by the plant (including the Argosy and Century Class) were exported to [[South Africa]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]].<ref name=":13" />[[File:Freightliner Cascadia 125 XT 2014 (17944285932).jpg|thumb|Freightliner Cascadia]]In 2013, Freightliner expanded its alternative-fuel lineup, adding a natural-gas version of the Cascadia.<ref name="salisburypost.com"/>  Introduced as a premium option for the Cascadia, the Cascadia Evolution further enhanced aerodynamics and fuel economy (distinguished by its full rear wheel covers) and improved interior features.  The Coronado was added to SD model family, renamed the 122SD.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Berg|first=Tom|title=Freightliner's 122SD, Coronado's Replacement, Enters Production|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/113345/freightliner-s-122sd-coronado-s-replacement-enters-production|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.truckinginfo.com}}</ref>

On August 22, 2014, the Cleveland plant built the 3 millionth vehicle of Daimler Truck North America, a 2015 Cascadia Evolution.  At the time, Freightliner employed 2600 workers at the facility and 8000 employees in North Carolina.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ford|first=Emily|date=August 23, 2014|title=Freightliner plant in Cleveland builds Daimler's 3 millionth truck|work=[[Salisbury Post]]|url=http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20140823/SP01/140829832/1184/freightliner-plant-in-cleveland-builds-daimler-s-3-millionth-truck}}</ref>

In May 2015, the [[Freightliner Inspiration]] was unveiled near Hoover Dam.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|last=Goodwin|first=Antuan|title=4 things you should know about Freightliner's self-driving truck|url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/4-things-that-you-should-know-about-freightliners-autonomous-inspiration-truck/|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Roadshow|date=May 9, 2015 |language=en}}</ref>  The first road-licensed autonomous semitruck,<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Davies|first=Alex|date=2015-05-05|title=The World's First Self-Driving Semi-Truck Hits the Road|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/05/worlds-first-self-driving-semi-truck-hits-road/|access-date=2020-06-18|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> the Inspiration was loosely based on a Cascadia.  A Level 3 [[Self-driving car#Levels of driving automation|autonomous vehicle]], the autonomous driving system was equated to the autopilot system of an airliner or a Tesla (requiring operator presence).<ref name=":22" />

For 2017 production, Freightliner introduced a second-generation Cascadia, adopting elements of the design from the Inspiration autonomous vehicle.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freightliner: A Two-Decade Journey in the Trucking Industry |url=https://truckdrivernews.com/freightliner-a-two-decade-journey-in-the-trucking-industry/ |publisher=www.truckdrivernews.com}}</ref>
Freightliner trucks built under the GHG17 emissions standard include onboard diagnostic systems that generate standardized fault codes for components such as the engine, aftertreatment system, and transmission.<ref>{{cite web |title=Freightliner Trucks GHG17 Fault Codes Reference |url=https://duaparts.com/blog/freightliner-trucks-ghg17-fault-codes-reference/ |website=Duaparts |date=2025-01-01 |access-date=2025-09-23}}</ref>

For 2018, Freightliner debuted the EconicSD low-entry COE.  Intended largely for refuse applications, the model line is an adaptation of the [[Mercedes-Benz Econic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=April 24 |last2=Bookmark + |first2=2018 • Staff • |title=Freightliner EconicSD Waste Collection Truck Unveiled |url=https://www.government-fleet.com/288079/freightliner-econicsd-waste-collection-truck-unveiled |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=www.government-fleet.com}}</ref>

In September 2019, parent company Daimler announced that it would be halting "its [[internal combustion engine]] [[New product development|development]] initiatives as part of its efforts to embrace [[electric vehicle]]s."<ref name="tr201909192">[https://www.teslarati.com/daimler-abandons-internal-combustion-engine-over-evs Daimler abandons internal combustion engine development to focus on EVs], Teslarati, 19 September 2019, accessed 20 September 2019.</ref>

=== 2020s ===
As of May 2022, the MT-series step van (called MT50e) is available as an all-electric vehicle,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.worktruckonline.com/10163158/fccc-announces-sale-of-mt50e-electric-vans-to-pge | title=PG&E Buying MT50e Electric Vans from FCCC }}</ref> and so are school buses built on Freightliner's chassis. Also, the [[Freightliner eCascadia|eCascadia]], an all-electric semi-truck by Freightliner, was handed to customers for field tests in 2019, then officially premiered in May 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://northamerica.daimlertruck.com/PressDetail/world-premiere-of-the-new-battery-2022-05-09 | title=World premiere of the new battery electric Freightliner eCascadia &#124; Daimler }}</ref> An all-electric variant of the M2 box truck has undergone field tests. In 2022, Freightliner revealed an update for the M2 Business Class series.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/freightliner-plus-series-truck/| title=Freightliner M2, SD Plus Series Launch Updates Its Medium-Duty Truck Offering| work=Fleet Equipment Magazine| date=September 13, 2022}}</ref>

==Models==
Models of Freightliner trucks over the decades have included:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Freightliner Class 8 Trucks
|-
! Model Family Name !! Production Years !! Cab Configuration !! Notes
|-
| '''WFT''' (White-Freightliner) || 1958–1976 
| Cabover/COE || 
|-
|
{{plainlist}}
*'''WFC''' (White-Freightliner)
:*WFC 120
{{endplainlist}}
|1974–1976
|Conventional
|First White-Freightliner conventional
120-inch BBC
|-
| 
{{plainlist}}
*'''FLA-Series'''
:* FLA
:* FLA 104
:* FLA 104 64
:* FLA 75
:* FLA 7542T
:* FLA 8662
:* FLA 8664T
:* FLA 9664
:* FLA 9664T
{{endplainlist}}
|| {{circa|1987}} – 1997 
| Cabover/COE || 
|-
| {{plainlist}}
*'''FLB-Series'''
:* FLB
:* FLB 100 42T
:* FLB 104 64
:* FLB 9664
{{endplainlist}}
|| {{circa|1987}} – 1997 
| Cabover/COE || 
|-
|{{plainlist}}
*'''FLT-Series'''
:* FLT
:* FLT 6442
:* FLT 9664
:* FLT 7564
{{endplainlist}}
|| 1976–1986 
| Cabover/COE || Largely the same as WFT COE, renamed to reflect the discontinuation of White Motor Company distribution.  
|-
|'''FLL-Series'''
|1976 – {{circa|2000}}
|Low-entry COE
|Low-cab forward COE, intended for vocational applications.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Freightliner Trucks: 75 Years of Innovation|url=https://freightliner.com/timeline/#the_1970s|access-date=2020-06-24|website=freightliner.com}}</ref>
|-
|'''[[Freightliner Argosy|Argosy]]'''|| 
{{plainlist}}
*'''North America:''' 1998–2006
*'''Global:''' 1998–2020
{{endplainlist}}
 || Cabover/COE || COE derived from C-Series structure
|-
|| 
{{plainlist}}
*'''FLC-Series'''
:* FLC
:* FLC 120
:* FLC 120 64
:* FLC 120 64 T
:* FLC 120 84
{{endplainlist}}
 || 1977–1987
| Conventional ||Model update in 1984

Setback axle version produced 1984-1987

FLC112 is unrelated, part of Business Class 
|-
|| 
{{plainlist}}
*'''FLD-Series'''
:* FLD
:* FLD 112
:* FLD 120 42 S
:* FLD 120 64 ST
:* FLD 120 64 T
:* FLD 120 HD
:* FLD 120 SD
:* [[Freightliner FLD 120 SFFA|FLD 120 SFFA]]
:* [[Freightliner FLD 132 64T Classic XL|FLD 132 64T Classic XL]]
:* [[Freightliner FLD-SD|FLD-SD]]
:* [[Freightliner FLD 120|FLD 120]]
{{endplainlist}}
|| 1987–2010
| Conventional ||"Aerodynamic" conventional with skirted sides and curved bumpers and fenders.<ref name=":3" /> 112 and 120-inch BBCs

Classic series (using FLC hood) introduced in 1990 (see below)

FLD SD (severe-duty) is equipped with "Classic" (non-aerodynamic) hood and fenders
|-
||{{plainlist}}
*'''Classic Series'''
:* Classic
:* Classic XL
{{endplainlist}}
|| 1990–2010
| Conventional ||FLD-based conventional with "traditional" hood design.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Background: A Tradition of Innovation - Freightliner Trucks {{!}} Freightliner Trucks|url=https://freightliner.com/why-freightliner/a-tradition-of-innovation/background-a-tradition-of-innovation/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=freightliner.com}}</ref>

Classic = 120inch BBC

Classic XL = 132-inch BBC

Replaced by Coronado
|-
||
{{plainlist|}}
*'''C-Series'''
:*[[Freightliner Century Class|Century Class]] (C120)
::* Century Class
::* Century Class S/T
::* Columbia (CL120)
:*[[Freightliner Coronado|Coronado]] (CC132)
::* Coronado SD
::*122SD
:*[[Freightliner Cascadia|Cascadia (CA125)]]
::* Cascadia Evolution
::* New Cascadia
::* eCascadia
{{endplainlist|}}
 || 1996–present 
| Conventional ||Replaced FLD-Series in multiple phases

Century Class and Columbia replaced FLD 120

Coronado replaced Classic/Classic XL (FLD 120 SFFA/ FLD 132)

Cascadia (2008) replaces both Century Class and Columbia; second generation of model line

New Cascadia (2017) is third generation of model line.

eCascadia is the electric variant
|-
|| 
{{plainlist|}}
*'''SD-Series'''
:*108SD AB
:*114SD AB
:*114SD AF
{{endplainlist|}}
|| 2011–present 
| Conventional || Severe-service/vocational variants of the M2 Business Class
Also includes 122SD (Coronado since 2013)
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+Freightliner Medium-Duty (Class 5–7) Trucks
|-
! Model Family Name !! Production Years !! Cab configuration !! Notes
|-
| {{plainlist}}
*'''[[Freightliner Business Class (FL-Series)|Business Class (FL-Series)]]'''
:* FLC112
:* FL50
:* FL60
:* FL70
:* FL80
:* FL106
:* FL112
{{endplainlist}}
|| 1985–2007
| Conventional || First-generation Business Class, shares cab with Mercedes-Benz LKN
|-
| '''Condor''' || 2001–2013 
| Low-cab COE || Developed nearly exclusively for refuse applications.
Also produced by [[Sterling Trucks]] and [[American LaFrance]].

Available in a semi. 
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz Econic|'''EconicSD''']]
|2018–present
|Low-entry
|Low-entry COE derived from [[Mercedes-Benz Econic]] COE

Replaces Condor
|-
| 
{{plainlist}}
*'''Cargo'''
:*FC70
:*FC80
{{endplainlist}}
|| 1999–2007
| Low-cab COE || Continuation of [[Ford Cargo]] production, adapted to [[Freightliner Business Class (FL-Series)|FL-Series]] chassis
Also sold by Sterling (SC7000/SC8000)<br />
|-
| 
{{plainlist}}
*'''[[Freightliner Business Class M2|Business Class M2]]'''
:* Business Class M2e Hybrid
:* Business Class M2 106
:* Business Class M2 112
:* Business Class M2 106V
:* Business Class M2 112V
:* Business Class M2 106 Plus<ref>{{Cite web |last=Commendatore |first=Cristina |date=2022-09-13 |title=Freightliner upgrades medium-duty, vocational lineup with new Plus series |url=https://www.fleetowner.com/equipment/media-gallery/21250523/freightliner-upgrades-medium-duty-vocational-lineup-with-new-plus-series |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=FleetOwner |language=en}}</ref>
:* Business Class M2 112 Plus
{{endplainlist}}
|| 2002–2023<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>2004–2011<br/><br/><br/><br/>2024–Present || Conventional || Second-generation Business Class, Freightliner-designed cab<br/>M2 106 - 106-inch BBC<br/>M2 112 - 112-inch BBC
<br/>
106V and 112V replaced in 2011 by SD Series
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+Other Freightliner Vehicles
|-
! Model Family Name !! Production Years !! Cab configuration !! Notes
|-
| {{plainlist}}
*'''MT-Series'''
:*MT-45
:*MT-55
:*MT50e
{{endplainlist}}
|| {{circa|1995}} – present 
| Step-van chassis || Produced by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation
MT50e is the electric variant
|-
| '''[[Freightliner Sprinter]]''' || 2001–2021 || Full-size van ||Badge-engineered version of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; first company to sell the model line in North America.
Sold as cargo van (completed in United States from [[Knock-down kit|CKD kits]]) and passenger van (imported from Germany).

Mercedes-Benz announced Freightliner Sprinter sales will be discontinued as of December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mercedes-Benz Is Ending Production Of The Freightliner Sprinter Van|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/440367/mercedes-freightliner-sprinter-dead-us/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=Motor1.com|language=en}}</ref> The Sprinter will continue production and sales through the Mercedes-Benz brand.
|-
| 
{{plainlist}}
*'''[[Freightliner FS-65|FS-65]]'''
{{endplainlist}}
|| 1997–2006 || bus chassis ||Cowled bus chassis designed from the Business Class FL chassis; based on FL60 and FL70.
|-
| 
{{plainlist|}}
*'''S2'''
{{endplainlist|}}
|| 2001–present || Cutaway-cab/chassis ||Cutaway cab version of Business Class M2 10.
|-
| 
{{plainlist}}
*'''[[Freightliner C2|C2]]'''
{{endplainlist}}
|| 2004–present || bus chassis || School bus chassis designed for the [[Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2]] body.
|}

== Legal controversy ==
As of December 2020, Freightliner is under a court order to improve safety, and was fined $30 million by the NHTSA after an investigation found that Freightliner had failed to recall dozens of known safety defects in its vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-announces-consent-order-daimler-trucks-north-america|title = NHTSA Announces Consent Order with Daimler Trucks North America &#124; NHTSA}}</ref> In 2019 alone, Freightliner was forced to issue safety recalls 29 separate times by the NHTSA, and there have been over 100 recalls total on its flagship truck, the Cascadia. The judge found that Freightliner had no system in place to track faults, and ordered $5 million of the fine be applied to upgrading outdated paper-based systems and converting to recall software used by other automakers for decades.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/FREIGHTLINER/CASCADIA|title = 2019 Freightliner Cascadia &#124; Nhtsa}}</ref>

In 2019 the Cascadia was recalled a record 29 times, including two recalls of defective brake control systems, four different recalls for brake components being assembled improperly, brake system capacity being insufficient to stop the vehicle requiring tank upgrades, two ABS defects that failed to trigger warnings after failures, airbags that suddenly deploy without warning, two separate steering system assembly defects that result in the steering system coming apart while driving, steering wheels detaching while driving, clutch failures causing rollaways, and subpar tires with defective cords causing air loss.<ref>https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/FREIGHTLINER/CASCADIA#recalls {{Bare URL inline|date=September 2025}}</ref>

As of May 2021, the 2019 Freightliner Cascadia has three open investigations against it for different issues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/FREIGHTLINER/CASCADIA#investigations|title = 2019 Freightliner Cascadia &#124; Nhtsa}}</ref>

In September 2021, Daimler was ordered to recall three years of Cascadia production due to defective steering systems which could come apart while driving.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fleetowner.com/safety/article/21176001/freightliner-recalls-over-100k-cascadias-cites-steering-malfunction | title=Freightliner recalls over 100K Cascadias, cites steering malfunction | date=September 21, 2021 }}</ref>

In 2023 an investigation of Daimler was opened after 18 separate reports of sudden activation of braking systems, which in several cases caused jackknifing or other loss of control.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.truckingdive.com/news/freightliner-cascadia-aeb-system-identified-in-nhtsa-investigation/652016/ | title=Freightliner Cascadia drivers report truck randomly slamming on brakes &#124; Trucking Dive }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|United States|Transport|Companies}}
* [[List of companies based in Oregon]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz Actros]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz Zetros]]
* [[Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation]]
* [[Western Star Trucks]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Official website|http://www.freightlinertrucks.com/ }}

{{Freightliner Trucks}}
{{Daimler Truck}}{{United Auto Workers|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes|list1=
{{Consolidated Freightways}}
{{Trucking industry in the United States}}
{{Automotive industry in the United States}}
}}

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