PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner Trucks, in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler Services Truck Finance, announced today the availability of model-year 2006 Columbias with a 30-day delivery time through a new program called Ready to Roll.

This new program allows customers to take advantage of fast truck delivery through a combination of on-the-ground truck availability and an expedited financing process.
The Ready to Roll program is designed for small fleet owners and owner/operators who have an immediate need for a truck. The Ready to Roll program allows customers to purchase a dealer- or factory-stocked 2006 Freightliner Columbia with 24-hour credit approval.

“The Freightliner Columbia, our top-selling Class 8 vehicle, is a valuable, reliable tool for enabling successful business operations in North America,” said Mark Lampert, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Freightliner Trucks. “The new Ready to Roll package allows our small fleet customers and owner/operators to bolster their fleet and quickly meet their customers’ needs with one of the most efficient trucks in the industry.”

Freightliner Trucks offers a factory stocking program that augments dealer stock inventory by pre-ordering and building Columbia tractors, both sleeper and non-sleeper versions. The Freightliner Trucks dealer can search this inventory, in addition to their own, to fill a customer’s immediate truck need.

In conjunction with the immediate delivery of a truck, DaimlerChrysler Services Truck Finance offers a special finance package for these purchases.

It is available with 48- or 60-month term options with low interest rates and low monthly payments. Financing options include a retail loan with full-payout terms or a lease option. The package is limited to dealer and factory stock inventories.

“Given the strength of the industry this year, delivery lead times have extended relative to years past,” Lampert stated. “With such an expedited process, the Ready to Roll program all but eliminates delivery delays, saving our customers time and money.”

“The Ready to Roll program is one of several new packages Freightliner Trucks and DaimlerChrysler Services Truck Finance have recently introduced to the market,” Lampert added. “Our continued offering of diverse, flexible and convenient financing plans is a great example of our commitment to helping all of our customers run smart in a Freightliner truck.”

For further information, visit the Freightliner Trucks Web site at www.freightlinertrucks.com