How Freightliner Pays Special Attention to All Drivers As They Design a Truck

Truck Design and its Role in Driver Experience

Historically, trucking has been a male-dominated industry. However, diversity in the field introduces different backgrounds and viewpoints that help to drive the business forward. There are many different roles for women within the industry, from driving, to dispatching, to accounting and marketing.

“The trucking industry moves goods. Trucks build buildings. Trucks are the basis for our economy. People don’t realize the influence trucking has in the world around us. Once you think about it, it becomes a very obvious place for a career,” said Mary Aufdemberg, director of product marketing, Freightliner Trucks.

Despite these great opportunities, the trucking industry is experiencing shortages, especially in drivers. For this reason, Freightliner Trucks is working to make the industry more inviting. This starts with building trucks that meet the needs and wants of drivers, which are the same for both women and men. In short, they want a truck that will keep them safe and comfortable, earn them money, and help them stay in touch with business contacts, family and friends.

Here are some of the features that Freightliner Trucks has developed to improve the driver experience:

• Safety systems: These help drivers avoid or mitigate crashes by automatically applying brakes, warning of lane departures and guarding against rollovers.
• Easier access to engine: Freightliner has reduced the force needed to open the hood and added a hydraulic hood return for easy open and closure.
• Fifth wheel air release: This eliminates the need to get out of the truck and climb underneath it to remove the trailer.
• Automated manual transmission: This reduces the need for the clutch and shifter. It also helps to improve fuel efficiency and lower your Real Cost of Ownership℠ (RCO).
• Adjustable seat and telescoping steering wheel: These customizable features help drivers of all body sizes achieve a comfortable and ergonomic driving position.
• Improved living environment: The addition of safety features such as LED lighting and security systems, and comfort upgrades such as better sleeper beds and larger appliances, help make life on the road feel more like home.

These features available in Freightliner Trucks are especially useful for husband and wife team drivers, such as Mike and Jeannie Lennox, who drive a Freightliner Cascadia® Evolution for Godspeed Expediters.

“If it wasn’t for Freightliner, I’d have a hard time being in this industry,” said Jeannie. “Because I’m 4’10”, I have to put the seat to the floor so I can reach the pedals. But I can still drive it with ease because the dash is low. Freightliner trucks are a perfect fit.”