Freightliner
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Freightliner launches lightest Cascadia at Tank Truck Week

Oct. 4, 2019
Freightliner launched its lightest-weight Class 8 daycab tractor during National Tank Truck Carriers’ Tank Truck Week.

Freightliner launched its lightest-weight Class 8 daycab tractor Oct 1 during National Tank Truck Carriers’ Tank Truck Week conference and expo in Nashville, Tennessee. Targeted at weight-sensitive operations, such as fuel hauling, the tractor will be available for order later in October. Production will begin in July 2020.

The Cascadia 116-inch BBC Day Cab can now be spec’d with the Cummins X12 engine and the Eaton Cummins Endurant Transmission as part of an Integrated Power package. Freightliner and Cummins officials said it is the lightest engine/transmission package on the market.

“We launched this tractor at Tank Truck Week, because bulk is the right market for this product,” said Kelly Gedert, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks and Detroit Components. “We think we can own this market with this configuration. This will be our lightest Class 8 daycab.

“Every customer has a unique business need, and it’s our goal as their partner to provide the best options to maximize uptime and profitability. These additions to our powertrain offerings, together with our industry-leading Cascadia, create a winning combination for weight conscious segments.”

From Cummins’ Integrated Power portfolio, the X12 and Endurant combination is expected to be the lightest powertrain available for the Class 8 on-highway market, weighing only 2700 pounds. It is a perfect match for weight-sensitive markets like bulk and regional haul applications. Driver-friendly features such as smooth shifting and quiet engine performance contribute to a comfortable in-cab environment, while Optimized Urge to Move and Creep Mode make maneuvering in low-speed environments easier.

“The availability of the Cummins X12 in the new Freightliner Cascadia 116-inch BBC day cab has opened the door to the X12 engine in regional haul applications--this is a new market for the X12,” said Amy Boerger, vice-president, Engine Business Sales for Cummins. “We’re particularly excited that the X12 will be available with the Eaton Cummins Endurant transmission for a fully integrated and lightweight powertrain that’s ideal for customers looking to maximize their payload.”

The Cummins X12 engine with its simplified aftertreatment design was developed to help customers stay on the road longer and get back on the road faster with longer maintenance intervals contributing to increased uptime. The Cascadia’s sleek design and innovative aerodynamic enhancements, along with the new X12 and Endurant Integrated Power option from Cummins, contribute to smooth and fuel-efficient performance. The Freightliner Cascadia is also available with the Cummins X15 engine and the Eaton Cummins Endurant in the 126-inch BBC day cab and sleeper models.

About the Author

Charles Wilson

Charles E. Wilson has spent 20 years covering the tank truck, tank container, and storage terminal industries throughout North, South, and Central America. He has been editor of Bulk Transporter since 1989. Prior to that, Wilson was managing editor of Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter and associate editor of Trailer/Body Builders. Before joining the three publications in Houston TX, he wrote for various food industry trade publications in other parts of the country. Wilson has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas and served three years in the U.S. Army.