In the trucking world in Quebec, certain names resonate with particular strength. Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Volvo, Mack… Choosing a brand when purchasing a used heavy-duty truck is much more than just a matter of the logo on the grille. It’s a decision that can influence reliability, resale value, driver comfort, and total cost of ownership (TCO) for years to come.
Each manufacturer has its own reputation, strengths, and specialties. But how do you navigate the used market? At Gamache Camion Center, we work with all these major brands on a daily basis. Here’s an overview to help you understand what each has to offer and identify the one that best meets your needs.
PACCAR Giants: Kenworth and Peterbilt, the Tradition of Quality
Belonging to the same group (PACCAR), Kenworth and Peterbilt share some components, such as the PACCAR MX engines, but cultivate very distinct identities. They are often considered the “premium” brands in the market.
Kenworth: Robustness and longevity
- Reputation: Often summed up by its slogan “The World’s Best,” Kenworth is synonymous with durability, build quality, and rock-solid reliability. It’s a brand that inspires trust and is known for its excellent resale value.
- Popular Used Models: The T680 is highly sought after for its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency on the open road. The legendary W900 , with its classic long hood, remains the icon for tradition-minded owner-operators. The T800 , on the other hand, is a versatile workhorse, excellent in vocational applications.
- Ideal for: Fleets and truckers who view their truck as a long-term investment and value durability and resale value.
Peterbilt: Class and Performance
- Reputation: Peterbilt is often associated with image and prestige. It’s the “class” of the industry, a brand that attracts drivers and is known for its iconic style and performance.
- Popular Used Models: The Model 389 is the successor to the classic 379, beloved for its timeless looks. More modern and aerodynamic, the Model 579 offers class-leading comfort and fuel efficiency, directly rivaling Kenworth’s T680.
- Ideal for: Those who value image, comfort and driver satisfaction, while enjoying excellent resale value.
Daimler Trucks: Freightliner and Western Star, the efficiency leaders
As the largest truck manufacturer in North America, Daimler (via Freightliner and Western Star) has a massive presence in the used truck market.
Freightliner: Efficiency and Market Leadership
- Reputation: Freightliner is the champion of total cost of ownership (TCO). The brand focuses on fuel efficiency, aerodynamics, and technological integration to reduce operating costs. Their overwhelming market share of new vehicles ensures a very high availability of trucks and spare parts on the used market.
- Popular Used Models: The Cascadia is a ubiquitous highway performer and an extremely popular choice for large fleets due to its fuel economy. The M2 series is a benchmark in medium-duty trucks and light-duty vocational applications.
- Ideal for: Large fleets focused on profitability and TCO, regional and long-haul transport, and buyers looking for a wide selection and high accessibility to parts.
Western Star: Tailor-made robustness
- Reputation: Known for its near-handcrafted build quality and extreme ruggedness, Western Star is a preferred choice in severe vocational applications such as logging, construction (dumpers), and heavy hauling.
- Popular Used Models: The 4900 series is a classic from the brand, known for its durability.
- Ideal for: Professional applications, demanding off-road or heavy-duty hauling conditions.
European alternatives: Volvo and Mack, safety and tenacity
The Volvo Group offers two brands with strong identities, known for their engineering and robustness.
Volvo: Safety, innovation and comfort
- Reputation: Volvo is a global pioneer in safety in the automotive and truck industries. Its cabs are renowned for being among the most ergonomic and comfortable on the market. Volvo’s D-series engines are also renowned for their torque and reliability.
- Popular Used Models: The VNL series is the brand’s flagship for long-haul transport, offering an excellent blend of comfort, safety, and efficiency. The VHD series is its rugged counterpart for vocational applications.
- Ideal for: Companies that make the safety and comfort of their drivers a top priority.
Mack: The reliable and tireless “Bulldog”
- Reputation: The phrase “Built like a Mack truck” says it all. Mack is legendary for its toughness and durability, especially in the toughest conditions.
- Popular Used Models: The Pinnacle is Mack’s on-highway model, while the Granite is the king of the jobsite, an extremely popular base for dump trucks and other construction trucks.
- Ideal for: Heavy-duty applications: construction, waste management, heavy haulage. It’s the truck of choice when the work is tough.
International (Navistar): The versatile challenger
- Reputation: This historic brand offers a complete range of trucks recognized for their versatility and good value for money.
- Popular Used Models: The LT (long haul) and MV (medium duty/vocational) series are solid options to consider in the used market.
- Ideal for: Fleets looking for good value for money, regional transport and private fleets.
How to choose the right brand for you?
- Application first: Your job dictates the truck. A Mack Granite dump truck on a construction site doesn’t have the same capabilities as a Freightliner Cascadia on Highway 20.
- Service Network: Ease of access to qualified mechanics and spare parts for a given brand in your operating area is a key factor.
- Driver preference: To attract and retain the best drivers, considering their comfort and brand preferences can be an asset.
- Budget and TCO: Evaluate not only the purchase price, but also the fuel consumption, parts cost, and expected resale value of each brand.
Gamache Group: A multi-brand inventory and objective advice
One of the biggest advantages of doing business with Gamache Truck Center is that we are not tied to any particular brand. Our loyalty is to our customers, not to any manufacturer.
- Unmatched Selection: Our extensive inventory lets you see, touch, and compare Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Volvo, and more trucks side-by-side.
- Unbiased Advice: Our sole mission is to find the truck that meets YOUR needs and YOUR budget. We’ll give you an accurate assessment of each brand’s strengths and weaknesses for your specific application.
Bottom line: The best brand is the one that works for you.
There’s no absolute “best brand,” only the best brand for your business. By educating yourself and speaking with experts who know them all, you can make a choice that will ensure performance, reliability, and profitability for years to come.
Ready to find the make and model that will propel your business?
Explore our multi-brand inventory online and discover the variety of options available. Better yet, contact the advisors at the Gamache Truck Center to discuss your needs. We’re here to help you navigate the world of brands and find the perfect road partner.
