If you want to start an argument at a truck stop, offer an opinion about the best make of truck on the road.

Are you a Volvo, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack, International, Peterbilt, or Western Star fan? All models have their hardcore enthusiasts happy to argue their merits.We don’t have favorites at RoadPro – we like all trucks. But we thought you’d find it interesting to learn a little more about how the brands got their names.

1. Freightliner

Freightliner owes its name to trucking company, Consolidated Freightways of Portland, Oregon. In 1942, the carrier began rebuilding Fageol trucks with more power to tackle the Western mountains. These trucks became known as “freightliners” and the company was incorporated as such in 1942. It remained under the ownership of Consolidated Freightways until 1981, when it was bought by Daimler-Benz AG and is now part of Daimler Trucks North America.

 

 

 

2. International

The International Harvester Co. built its first “auto wagon” in 1907 to help farmers haul produce to market. International Harvester changed its name to Navistar International in 1986, but International Truck and Engine Corp. remains a subsidiary. Back in the 1940s, the logo had three diamonds; the current single diamond logo dates back to 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Kenworth

Founded in 1912, Gerlinger Motor Car Works became Gersix Motor Co. Then-owners H.W. Kent and E.K. Worthington merged their last names in 1923 to form Kenworth. It was acquired by the Pacific Car and Foundry Co. (PACCAR) in 1945.

 

 

4. Mack

The MACK company was founded by brothers Jack and Gus Mack in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1900. However, it did not settle on the Mack Trucks name until 1922. The Bulldog became the company’s trademark after British soldiers in World War I nicknamed the trucks after England’s national mascot. It’s now owned by Volvo.

 

 

 

 

5. Peterbilt

T.A. Peterman, a logger and manufacturer, bought Fageol Motors Co. in 1939 and started Peterbilt. It was bought by PACCAR in 1958. The famous red oval logo dates back to 1953.

 

 

 

6. Volvo

It’s a Swedish company, but the name is derived from Latin. Volvere, in Latin, means “roll.” The company founders conjugated it in the first person: “I roll.” The Volvo Corporation was sold in 1999 to Ford Motor Company.

 

 

 

 

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