The history of Freightliner trucks is the story of men with vision and a commitment to risk-taking innovation—in particular, Leland James (founder of Consolidated Freightways and Freightliner) and Kenneth J. Self (former general manager, president, CEO, and chairman of the Freightliner Corp. board). While I was writing this book, Self made it possible for me to meet and work with a wonderful network of his former Freightliner coworkers and colleagues that included Glen Watkins, former vice president of service, and Del Hewitt. Accompanied by informative captions, the 120 black-and-white photographs provide an extensive array of factory production scenes and truck models—often at work. Coverage features Fageol trucks (including “Monkey Ward” trucks that served as platforms for experimental efforts) and the great variety of production Freightliner models such as the Shovelnose, Bubblenose, Spacemaker (with a 48-inch front-to-back-of-cab measurement along with a pancake or horizontally mounted Cummins diesel engine), flat face, tilt cab, Sugar Liner, Half Cab, the turbine-powered Turboliner, Powerliner, Van Liner, Low COE, and conventionals. The book also explains the often-misunderstood 1951 exclusive sales and service agreement that some erroneously believe was a merger with White Motor Co.; the agreement was terminated in 1977. Coverage ends with the 1981 purchase of Freightliner by Mercedes-Benz AG.

Book Review by Robert Gabrick