PORTLAND, Ore. (Oct. 20, 1999) Ð Freightliner Trucks introduced a plan to help owner-operators manage their businesses more effectively — and to do it in Freightliner used trucks.

Called Route to Success, the program will be rolled out immediately through the Freightliner SelecTrucks used-truck network. The plan is to offer used equipment coming back in to the Freightliner system from its truckload carrier customers, many of which are spec’ing owner-operator-type trucks to attract drivers.

These trucks are typically three years old, and the Route to Success program sets out to make them as reliable as possible by equipping them with all-new rubber and overhauling the electrical system with new batteries and remanufactured Alliance components such as starters and alternators.

The trucks will also carry a full warranty for the first year/100,000 miles, with major mechanical coverage for a further year up to 200,000 miles.

Although a modest down payment is required, financing will be designed to be flexible and creative. “We’re not looking for people with perfect credit ratings,” said Freightliner president and CEO Jim Hebe, adding that it would be possible to design a package that would allow for several missed payments over the life of the financing package.

The program includes a business education package titled Destination: Success to aid the first-time buyer who is savvy about driving but needs help as an owner.

The manual includes information on budgeting, recordkeeping, taxes and complying with regulations. At the end of the manual is a test, with a certificate awarded for completing the course.

The program is designed to sell as many as 25,000 used trucks through the Freightliner and SelecTrucks network of 23 dealerships in the United States, three in Canada and even a couple in Mexico, said Bill Gordon, who heads up Freightliner’s used truck division.

— Steve Sturgess