Daimler to hire 1,100 workers at NC Freightliner plant to build long-distance trucks (fuel, best)

[motormaker]

Daimler to hire 1,100 workers at NC Freightliner plant to build long-distance trucks - chicagotribune.com

[Falconman]

This is great news but before people start loading up pick up trucks with workers to come here and get those jobs they might need to know that there are more than enough experienced laid off freightliner workers already HERE to fill those jobs......sorry

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Falconman

...there are more than enough experienced laid off freightliner workers already HERE to fill those jobs......sorry

And... there are thousands of laid off Freightliner workers in Portland, OR who would like to be able to live in a house again, rather than under a bridge...

Fortunately Boeing has picked up a few orders, so a few of the machinists and higher skilled (paid) folks are getting a few jobs. Assembly workers are down for the count (and for about the last 6 yrs for the ex-Freightliner employees)

Was a good job while it lasted... (as were so many... back when the USA actual produced value added products)

Fuel prices / Economy / trade deficit is a serious problem for Freightliner. DOT and EPA regs are their best friend (As if you can afford to go buy a new truck to comply with regs, while your $1000/day fuel spending feeds those who would rather kill you. Profit in trucking has always been VERY TIGHT. (3-5%). Not worth losing a night of sleep each time a driver is on the road... BTDT

[Falconman]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

And... there are thousands of laid off Freightliner workers in Portland, OR who would like to be able to live in a house again, rather than under a bridge...

Fortunately Boeing has picked up a few orders, so a few of the machinists and higher skilled (paid) folks are getting a few jobs. Assembly workers are down for the count (and for about the last 6 yrs for the ex-Freightliner employees)

Was a good job while it lasted... (as were so many... back when the USA actual produced value added products)

Fuel prices / Economy / trade deficit is a serious problem for Freightliner. DOT and EPA regs are their best friend (As if you can afford to go buy a new truck to comply with regs, while your $1000/day fuel spending feeds those who would rather kill you. Profit in trucking has always been VERY TIGHT. (3-5%). Not worth losing a night of sleep each time a driver is on the road... BTDT

Sounds like they need to open a plant in Portland

[Fargobound]

It's Peterbilt or Kenworth. Freightshaker is the Yugo of class 8 trucks

[StealthRabbit]

Portland is home of Freightliner, but there have been a few labor disputes causing them to flee to SC for cheaper help.. Portland still builds Western Star and Military trucks.

Boeing has a machining plant in Portland, but assembly is in Everett, WA. They need to be on an airport...

Paccar (Kenworth / Peterbilt) has a factory in NW WA.